PASTORALISTS WANT NEW LIVESTOCK POLICY FRAME WORK

Pastoralist’s community forum  have appealed to the government to review the current pastoralist policy frame work to protect and improve the livelihoods of indigenous pastoralist in the country. 

They made the call in a pastoralist policy dialogue workshop which is intended to develop a document that will help to address matters affecting the cattle herders across the country

Speaking at the opening of the dialogue ,Joseph Parsambei , a coordinator from Tanzania  community Pastoralist Forum said  the policy  have only focused on production which is just a  single part of pastoralism.

“We have witnessed a lot of predicaments and uncertainties facing traditional livestock keepers in many parts of our Nation because the current policy did not include natural resources management and cultural issues which would have safe guarded pastoralist interests at best “Said Parsambei.

He said traditional pastoralists for many years lacked legal recognition a situation which have lead them into victimization and vulnerable.

He noted that the forum will conduct various dialogues involving the government, the ministry of livestock and other stake holders in to come with a policy that will so as to bring organs in the ministry of livestock and fisheries

Commenting on the matter ,dean of law faculty in  Tumaini Makumira university  based in Arusha ,Elifuraha Laltaika appealed to to domesticate the Africa union pastoralists policy frame work which  was signed by the president of  the United Republic of Tanzania Jakaya Kikiwete  ten years ago.

He said that   the AU pastoralist  policy framework is based on protecting and improving the lives, livelihoods and rights of pastoralist communities and ensure the consistency of   privileges in the political, social and economic development of  pastoral communities .

" The Structure of the African  states union  pastoralist policy frame work  is very good and if  domesticated  it will give pastoralists  legal recognition  and  avoid victimization “said Laltaika

In addition  the don said  there is hope at the end of the tunnel after the draft of the new constitution recently availed to Masses   recognized  pastoralists an environment which will  give them a chance to enjoy their rights and  other entitlements as country’s men.

The training was funded by Irish  Aid  through Irish people government Embassy in Tanzania in partnership with   care international based in US.