Regional Conference on Customary Tenure Rights in Eastern Africa

The opening day of the Bi-ennial Regional Conference on Customary Tenure Rights in Eastern Africa brought together government leaders, pastoralist representatives, civil society, and development partners to reflect on progress and challenges in securing customary tenure rights across the region.

Key Reflections

• Closing the policy-practice gap: While frameworks exist, participants emphasised the urgency of translating commitments into action, supported by funding and institutional capacity.
• Pastoralism as resilience: Mobility was reaffirmed as central to pastoralist livelihoods, contributing significantly to GDP and regional stability, yet still marginalised in policy and planning.
• Justice and development: Securing community land rights is not only a matter of equity but also a foundation for climate resilience, peacebuilding, and economic growth.

Commitments Emerging

• Governments reaffirmed support for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026).
• Participants called for full implementation of the IGAD Transhumance Protocol to secure mobility rights and cross-border coordination.
• Strong momentum emerged to harmonise national, regional, and global initiatives and integrate customary rights into investment planning.

ILC’s Voice

In her welcoming remarks, ILC Director Marcy Vigoda reminded participants:

She underlined ILC’s commitment to elevating pastoralist voices, securing rangelands in global climate and biodiversity debates, and channeling resources directly to community-led stewardship.

Voices from the Ground

The day closed with reflections from participants, underscoring the human impact of these policy debates. In one powerful testimony, a community representative shared how securing customary land rights remains central to dignity, peace, and sustainable livelihoods.