The social uses of livestock among pastoralists in Sudan: food systems, stores of value, wealth, power, and authority

This working paper explores the social uses of livestock among pastoralist communities in Sudan. It discusses the various ways in which livestock serve as food systems, stores of value, wealth, power, and authority for these communities. The paper also examines the challenges and opportunities facing pastoralists in Sudan, including land grabbing, political marginalization, and the hijacking of representative institutions by livestock traders. The author argues that strategic planning of the pastoral sector is needed to promote food security in rural and urban areas of the country. This requires attention to both the human and animal population in the livestock sector. The paper concludes by calling for policy recommendations to support sustainable livestock management and pastoralist livelihoods in Sudan. Overall, the document provides a comprehensive overview of the social and economic significance of livestock among pastoralist communities in Sudan and highlights the need for greater attention to this sector in development planning.

This working paper was originally published by the Christen Michelsen Institute (CMI).