Zoning of Rangelands

Encroachment on rangelands by non-pastoral uses (private ranches, arable farming, game reserves) is a major source of stress in pastoral systems, causing overgrazing of areas remaining to pastoralists.

Zoning of rangelands may be necessary as an immediate and short-term measure to prevent further encroachment. Zoning policies, however, may distort spontaneous processes of sedentarisation of pastoralists, and may confine pastoralists to isolated and inadequate pastoral enclaves.

More far-reaching solutions involving strengthening local national resource management are to be preferred to Zoning policies, or should quickly be implemented to supplement zoning.

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