EU and FAO launch initiative to boost resilience in East Africa’s pastoral livestock sector

EAST AFRICA – The European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have announced a significant new program to enhance the resilience of pastoral livestock production in East Africa. 

The Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa Programme (PLACE) will receive €47 million (US$51 million) over the next four years to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Pastoralism, a key agricultural activity in East Africa, has been increasingly impacted by climate-related disruptions and widespread and intense droughts. 

This has led to severe consequences for livestock, which are crucial for the livelihoods of millions in the region. 

The new initiative seeks to mitigate these effects by strengthening agro-pastoral systems and creating sustainable economic opportunities within the sector.

PLACE will focus on several critical areas, including the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases like peste des petits ruminants (PPR), the conservation of biodiversity, and the enhancement of the genetic potential of local breeds such as goats and sheep. 

Additionally, the program aims to improve pastoral ecosystem management and support the development of policies that benefit the sector.

A significant component of the initiative is its emphasis on supporting young people and women, who play pivotal roles in the agro-pastoral value chain. 

The program is expected to benefit 100,000 households across seven East African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Rein Paulsen, FAO Director of the Office of Emergencies and Resilience, highlighted the program’s importance, stating, “We welcome this timely initiative in a region where pastures are increasingly affected by climate shocks and the degradation of natural resources. This program is vital for preserving the agro-pastoral way of life under severe threat.”

The region has already experienced substantial losses, with data from the FAO indicating that 13 million head of livestock were lost due to intensified droughts between late 2020 and early 2024. 

Given that livestock provide both direct and indirect income for approximately 250 million people in East Africa, PLACE represents a crucial step toward ensuring the sustainability and resilience of pastoral livelihoods in the face of ongoing climate challenges.

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