Carrying capacity (CC) is a term often talked about in relation to livestock in the communal areas (CAs). It is the source of much confusion. This discussion paper will hopefully clarify some of the issues and make the implications for the policy debate clearer. It is based on the preliminary findings of field work carried out in Zvisharane District during 1986 and 1987.

This paper analyses briefly the reasons why enclosures of the rangelands is taking place, the short and long term impact on different groups, and the technical and environmental issues. Examples are given from Kenya and Somalia.

This article discusses the enclosure of rangelands and registration of exclusive rights to grazing by individuals or groups of pastoralists. This trend has been increasing greatly over the last twenty years. This occurs because:it is encouraged by governments, planners and multi-lateral donor agencies in an attempt to 'rationalise'the use of rangelands.

This article discusses the zoning of 'Communual Areas' on tribal grazing land in Botswana, in which communities retain collective land rights.From the experience gained during six years of attempting to establish and operate communal grazing cells a number of conclusions can be drawn in relation to co-operative action and development project approaches and in the communal areas of Botswanahe communal grazing cell scheme was badly designed.

This paper examines the decline of common property resources in the arid zone of Rajasthan in India and the factors underlying the decline.The article concludes that:well-intentioned public programmes like land reformcan deprive a region of its comparative advantage in a key economic activity (in this case livestock farming)privatisation raises the cost of livestock raising and, hence, erodes the the region's comparative advantagethe continuing shrinkage and degradation of common property resources is likely to force further reduction in the size of livestock holdings and changes in their c

The present paper is based on a participatory survey carried out in order to establish baseline information on a little known livestock production system and its role in local ecology and economy.The study is based on research in El Kala National Park (North East Algeria).This paper draws attention to some of the problems that arise in understanding the cost and benefit flows in pastoralist systems.

The enclosure of open rangeland and its allocation to individuals or groups is a component of many African livestock development projects. In project after project, however, pastoralists have declined to fence or reallocate ownership of their land according to project specifications. It would now appear that the promise of a more efficient system of livestock production and range management is not, in itself, sufficient to induce pastoralists to adopt a fenced system of ranching.

An Act to provide for the preservation of public land for the purpose of its better utilisation and development and for the conservation of the natural resources

A short discussion on the need for maintaining moblity if the benefits of pastoral systems are to be optimised. The paper also talks about necessary governance systems: ultimately, a nested hierarchal set of institutions and land tenure is required.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/14/kenya-samburu-people-evicted...

It is increasingly recognised that pastoralism is essential for sustainable management and ecosystem health of dryland environments, yet natural resource management strategies are increasingly threatened by many different factors. The key to the successful conservation of dryland environments in the Horn of Africa lies in the ability of pastoralists to observe and manage variations in vegetation and precipitation in order to maintain pastoral livelihoods and growth.

Short article discussing challenges and solutions to Simanjro Conservation Easement in northern Tanzania.