From policy frameworks to lived realities
Day two of the African Pastoralist Women’s Gathering (APWG) marked a critical shift from high-level framing to deeper engagement with policy, land rights, and the lived experiences of pastoralist women, as participants advanced the development of a Pan-African Charter. The day brought together government leaders, technical experts, and pastoralist women to align evidence-based policy processes with grassroots realities, reinforcing the central role of women in shaping the future of rangelands governance.
A policy pathway for resilient and inclusive rangelands
A key highlight was the presentation of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) for Uganda’s Rangelands Policy, which outlined the strongest reform pathway.
The consultant leading the process emphasised that rangelands are vital to Uganda’s ecological health, food systems, and rural economies, yet remain under pressure due to fragmented policies, land degradation, and weak institutional coordination.
The assessment identified a dedicated rangelands policy supported by legislation and regulations as the most effective option, offering a comprehensive framework to harmonise policies, secure communal grazing systems, and ensure accountability.
Crucially, the approach integrates gender considerations, recognising that sustainable rangeland management must include and protect pastoralist women.
Government commitment to pastoralism and women’s empowerment
The gathering was officially opened by H.E. Jessica Rose Alupo, Vice President of Uganda, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening pastoral systems through policy and investment.
Highlighting the importance of stability in pastoral regions, she noted:
She called for adaptive and modern pastoral practices in response to climate change, including pasture development, irrigation, and improved livestock management. She also urged pastoralists to expand into value addition and regional markets:
The Vice President further stressed the need to protect communal grazing systems, address land fragmentation, and ensure inclusive participation, encouraging men to act as partners in advancing women’s empowerment.
The day also marked the launch of the African Pastoralist Women Network and Learning Centre, a key milestone in strengthening leadership, knowledge exchange, and advocacy.
Land rights and pastoralism at the centre of policy reform
In a presentation on land governance, Mr Irumba Harrison Henry, Assistant Commissioner for Policy Analysis at Uganda’s Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, underscored the importance of pastoralism as both an economic system and a constitutionally protected way of life.
He highlighted that pastoralists contribute significantly to national food security and livelihoods, but continue to face challenges, including land loss, tenure insecurity, and exclusion from decision-making.
He emphasised that Uganda’s land policy frameworks recognise pastoralists as a special interest group and call for securing communal land rights, strengthening governance systems, and safeguarding pastoral mobility, particularly for women.
From structure to substance: Building a women-led charter
Day Two also advanced the Charter Development Process, a central outcome of the APWG. The process is being supported by a technical team, including Madam Triphosa Acer, Department of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Kenya, who outlined a draft structure for the Charter.
She underscored that the Charter must be shaped and owned by pastoralist women themselves:
Participants broke into thematic groups to develop key sections, covering principles, rights, priority actions, and accountability mechanisms.
Centering lived realities in policy and advocacy
A defining moment of the day was a dedicated experience-sharing session, moderated by Ms Judy (IMPACT Kenya) and Ms Ana Ndiko (PINGOs Forum), which created space for women to speak openly about the realities shaping their lives.
The testimonies revealed deeply rooted structural challenges, including:
- Land and inheritance inequality
- Economic exclusion despite women managing livestock
- Gender-based violence and harmful practices
- Lack of healthcare, particularly during migration
- Exclusion from decision-making and peace processes
These lived experiences are now directly informing the Charter, ensuring it reflects the real priorities and demands of pastoralist women across Africa.
Looking ahead
As the APWG progresses, the focus now turns to translating these insights into concrete commitments and actionable policy demands.
Day two has made one thing clear: pastoralist women are not only contributing to the conversation; they are leading the agenda, shaping a unified, pan-African vision for land rights, rangelands governance, and inclusive development.