THE VANISHING PASTURES: RANGELAND DEGRADATION AND THE IMPERILLED FUTURE OF SOMALILAND’S PASTORAL COMMUNITIES.

The rangelands of Somaliland are the primary resource base for pastoral livelihoods, offering forage and water which are critical for livestock survival. However, these systems are under increasing threat.

Rangeland management in Somaliland is not merely an environmental issue. It is a foundational pillar of the country’s economic resilience, food security, social stability, and ecological survival.

This paper sought to investigate the state of rangelands, including the current challenges facing the pastoralist community in Somaliland. The study employed participatory approaches, combining field observations, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Qualitative data collection was conducted in three ecologically diverse regions—Maroodijeex, Togdheer, and Sool—chosen for their reliance on pastoralism and evident signs of land degradation. Specific sites included Balli-gubadle and Sallahley in Maroodijeex; Bookh and Ban-awl in Togdheer; and Waylo-koriye in Sool. These areas face acute pressures from drought, bush encroachment, and breakdowns in communal land use governance.