Pastoral systems are deeply connected to ecological resilience, mobility, and Commons stewardship. Pastoral communities contribute significantly to food systems, and rural economies, while sustaining knowledge systems adapted to diverse ecosystems and climates.
In the context of the International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists, with conservation evolving at a systemic-level, recognising and supporting pastoral livelihoods becomes critical for both communities and landscapes.
The Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 2015, restricted cross-border camel movement to protect declining camel populations. There have been repeated seizures based on allegations of illegal transport and suspected slaughter. These point to a systemic misunderstanding of pastoral livelihoods and the role of camels.
Movement restrictions and repeated detentions have a bearing on pastoral livelihoods, farming landscapes and camel populations themselves. It becomes increasingly difficult to continue their way of life, affecting mobility, access to grazing areas, flock health, and household incomes.
This article authored by Rainfed Livestock Network members, Dr. Ilse Koehler-Rollefson, Ajinkya Shahane, Sajal Kulkarni and Hanwant Singh Rathore and published on
@AESA_Network calls for more grounded and nuanced approaches that recognise camels as essential working animals and support pastoral mobility, livelihoods, and ecological stewardship together.
Read the full article to know more:
rln.org.in/why-is-access-to-…
The Rainfed Livestock Network joins the global call that marks the International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists (IYRP) in 2026, recognising the vital role pastoralists play in sustaining ecosystems, cultures and livelihoods by the UN.
@IYRP2026 #CentreforPeoplesCollectective