Dr Saidu Oseni, Post-doctoral Research Fellow supported by the African Climate Change Fellowship Program (ACCFP) organized a successful conference on Pastoralism and Climate Change Adaptation in Africa from May 24-28, 2010. The event was held at Kenya’s Egerton University which is where Oseni was hosted for the duration of his fellowship. 

The conference aimed to bring together a diversity of stakeholders to discuss strategies for climate change adaptation and livestock production in low-input systems in the drylands. It also endeavoured to explore a future research agenda and possible activities for building the resilience of vulnerable pastoral communities. The event was one of a dozen initiatives funded this year through CCAA’s Conference Support Fund. 

The meeting attracted an international group of researchers, who came up with a useful set of recommendations. They identified the need to exploit potential in cactus as livestock feed in ASALs; how disease transmission may be controlled by minimizing animal movement; the need for political will and interests to invest in pastoral areas and the recognition of local institutions; and the importance of harmonising and implementing existing policies applicable to drylands. To read more about the conference please visit this website. ​