Navigating social justice, socio-ecological dynamics and sustainability in pastoralist communities: a conceptual and policy analysis

Abstract: Leveraging sustainability in pastoralist communities constitutes a development conundrum. Based on regional case studies across the Horn of Africa, this qualitative, exploratory paper provides a policy analysis of contending issues and threats to livelihoods and sustainability within pastoralism (livestock production strategy of extensive grazing for sustenance). Political ecology and socio-ecological resilience frameworks are insightful lenses for public policy formulation and sustainability. Development interventions are often rooted in misconceptions about pastoral livelihoods, with misaligned policies on social justice issues, including land alienation, resource and human rights, gender, economic and political marginalization. Sustainability is undermined by fragmented kin support networks and environmental stressors, such as land fragmentation and resource conflicts, which have resulted in disaggregated outcomes. Embedding social justice-oriented policies requires mapping out, and understanding the ecosystem challenges, with a focus on localized decision-making, critical in enhancing agency and community-level resilience. Based on cumulative research evidence and comparative analysis of regional case studies in the Horn of Africa, this paper presents key policy recommendations to advance sustainability and social justice in pastoralist communities: (1) Integrate pastoralist traditions and indigenous knowledge often overlooked by policymakers, (2) Strengthen local decision-making and develop collaborative policies for managing resources and essential services, including health, education, water, and veterinary care, (3) Promote gender-inclusive programs and advocacy to support ecological well-being and equal participation, (4) Encourage livelihood diversification and implement inclusive policies that protect income, human rights, and dignity, supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, (5) Address gaps in empirical and gender-focused research by co-developing interventions with policymakers, researchers, activists, advocates in leveraging indigenous knowledge for pastoralists resilience and sustainable future.

Author(s): Charles Fonchingong Che

Date Published: 29 December 2025

Depositing User: Karolina Zasada

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42055-025-00119-9

Keywords: Social justice, Pastoralists, Program interventions, Indigenous, Sustainability

Page(s): 15

Publication title: Sustainable Earth Reviews

Published URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42055-025-00119-9

Publisher: Springer Nature

Subject(s): Sustainability challenges and community resilience

Type of publication: Journal Article