Batwa are often called the “Keepers of the Forest” and are one of Africa’s oldest surviving indigenous communities.
Author: admin
The Benet
The Benet people are an indigenous community from Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda that have faced numerous human rights abuses as a result of the increased protection of the Mount Elgon National Park.
Ik vs. Kidepo Valley National Park
Due to pressures of conservation, ecotourism, and other neighboring pastoralist communities, the Ik’s lifestyle and culture are being threatened. (Photo: Realm Africa)
Karamojong vs. Land Grabbing
Karamojong pastoralists are an impoverished, historically marginalized group without political representation. They have suffered in the past from land grabs for conservation by the government. Open grazing land is dwindling and their entire way of life is at risk. Today, government officials seek to abolish pastoralism in the region.
Karayu vs. Land Grabbing in Oromia
Karayu traditionally live in the Fantalle district but many were evicted in 2006 for the creation of the Awash National Park and development projects such as the Metahara Sugar Factory and Upper Awash Agro-industry Enterprise. Karayu are also forbidden access to their only water source, the Awash River. Photo Credit: Flickr
Investors Harm Herders in Gambella
A total of 1.2 million hectares of land in Gambella has been allocated for investors. These projects are seen as a threat to the livelihood of several pastoralist groups in the region. In 2018, more land continues to be sold to investors. Photo credit: Alfredo Bini
Hamar: Shift to Agro-Pastoralism
Many Hamar living in the SNNPR region are unable to herd cattle due to climate change, drought, and increased sugar operations. As a result, some Hamar are retraining as farmers to survive. Despite farming crops, many Hamar retain traditional ways of life. Whether pastoralism is sustainable may depend on government development. Photo credit: Africa Geographic
The Chabu
The Chabu are one of the final hunter-gatherer societies left on Earth. They are the victims of human rights abuses by the Ethiopian Government due to violent displacement from their forest home making way for agricultural development.
The Borana
The Borana live in the Oromia region of southern Ethiopia. Despite holding off major industrial change, they are in land disputes with the government and other pastoralist groups in Kenya. Photo credit: CGIAR, ILRI/S.Mann
Anywaa (Anuak) vs. Nuer vs. Gambella
The Anywaa are an agro-pastoralist group living in Gambella. The Nuer are pastoralists who primarily live in South Sudan, but have found much of their population fleeing to Gambella as refugees, resulting in conflict with the Anywaa. Today, the country is reportedly home to the world’s most internally displaced peoples. Photo credit: Francois Servranckx/MSF