Understanding the Indigenous Knowledge and Information Systems of Pastoralists in Eritrea

This publication intends to contribute to the definition of demand-led communication and advisory services aimed at nomadic herders in Eritrea, through a better understanding of their indigenous knowledge on livestock production and natural resources management, and their own sources and channels of information, as a prerequisite for future field activities. Specifically, the authors studied the indigenous knowledge of the Beni Amer, a semi-sedentary pastoralist ethnic group of Eritrea, which maintains traditional animal production, animal husbandry and ethno-veterinary practices.

According to the authors, "Despite the fact that nomadic herders are amongst the most food insecure groups, pastoral systems have received little attention from research and extension services. Within this framework, almost no attention has been focused on pastoralists' indigenous knowledge and information systems, limiting the chances of achieving success in pastoral development programmes. For centuries, indigenous knowledge has been the only source of information for pastoral societies. This knowledge is based on experiential learning, evolves constantly and is shared through local communication processes according to the characteristics of pastoral production practices, their cultures and the environment. The indigenous knowledge of nomadic herders' is often neglected by extension and research services mainly focussing on agricultural production. Only recently has it been recognized that successful development interventions with pastoralists must address their particular knowledge and information needs, as well as the communication processes through which they are exchanged."

Knowledge, information and communication are key components for improving pastoral livelihood. In particular, the authors believe that communication activities can: promote participation and action establishing a dialogue between pastoralists, development workers, researchers, local authorities and national decision makers; facilitate the sharing of information through appropriate media in order to improve access to pastoral development programmes and services (e.g. veterinary services, vaccination campaigns, etc.); and enhance extension and training activities.

Table of Contents

1. Studying pastoral indigenous knowledge and information systems
   • 1.1 Justifications and objectives of the study
   • 1.2 Outline of methodology
   • 1.3 Overview of pastoralism in the Horn of Africa
2. Pastoral indigenous knowledge and information systems in Eritrea
   • 2.1 Location,area and population
   • 2.2 Modern history
   • 2.3 National policies towards pastoralism
   • 2.4 Socio-economic profile of pastoralists
   • 2.5 Gender roles among pastoralists
   • 2.6 The indigenous knowledge of mobile herders
   • 2.6.1 Animal production
   • 2.6.2 Animal husbandry
   • 2.6.3 Ethno-veterinary knowledge
   • 2.7 Communication processes and information systems among pastoralists
3. Reconsidering pastoral indigenous knowledge and information systems
   • Maps
     1. Administrative regions (zobas) of Eritrea
     2. Agro-ecological zones of Eritrea
     3. Grazing stock routes of Eritrea
   • Figures
   1 Dammar Hagay /Dammar Kerem Systems (Forto Area)
   • Bibliography