South Sudan’s Government has called for the establishment and legal protection of livestock migration corridors to address recurring conflicts between pastoralists and farming communities over land and water resources.
Speaking at a policy dialogue on rangelands, pastoralism and wildlife conservation in Juba on Tuesday, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Onyoti Adigo Nyikwac said competition over grazing areas had become a major source of communal violence across the country.
He said protected cattle routes would help prevent livestock from entering farmlands and reduce clashes between herders and farmers. The government is also shifting towards long-term investment in rangeland restoration, veterinary services, livestock production and market development.
South Sudan’s livestock sector, which includes millions of cattle, goats and sheep, has significant economic potential but continues to face challenges including climate change, disease outbreaks, poor infrastructure and resource-based conflicts.
Officials at the forum, including representatives from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Land Commission, urged stronger policies to protect grazing routes and recognise pastoralism as a sustainable economic activity. They warned that improved management of natural resources is critical to peace, livelihoods and climate resilience.