Case study #06: Ethiopia – Pastoralism, rangeland management and agriculture (Livestock & farming–wildlife interactions) – Lower Omo Valley

This case study analyzes the conflicts between pastoralism, agriculture and wildlife conservation in the Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia, a region of extremely high biological, cultural and archaeological value. The expansion of industrial agriculture (especially sugarcane), the construction of hydroelectric dams, the growth of human settlements and climate change have altered the hydrological regime of the Omo River, intensifying competition for land, water and pasture. These processes have generated conflicts between pastoral communities, farmers and protected areas, with severe impacts on biodiversity, food security and indigenous livelihoods. The document identifies integrated solutions based on indigenous land governance, transition to agropastoral systems, participatory land use planning, community-based natural resource management, livelihood diversification and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes. The case demonstrates that the integration of conservation, agriculture and pastoralism, with social inclusion and recognition of rights, is key to moving towards resilient and nature-positive landscapes in East Africa.