We present an agent-based model of human-environment interaction and conflict in East Africa using the MASON agent-based simulation environment. Our model focuses on the complex interaction of pastoral groups with their environment and other emerging external actors. Our model supports the observation that increased seasonal rainfall variability and droughts create tremendous stress on pastoral...

Traditional grazing grounds near Amboseli National Park (Kenya) are rapidly converted to cropland – a process that closes important wildlife corridors. We explore the scope for introducing a “payments for ecosystem services” scheme to compensate pastoralists for spillover benefits associated with forms of land use that are compatible with wildlife conservation. Our results indicate that such a ...

As humanity is faced with various changes in social-environmental systems, adaptation efforts have become increasingly important. Significant effort and resources been spent on devising overarching, large-scale strategies response to climate change associated socioeconomic challenges. However, the mechanisms of employed by individuals households ordinary, daily life received insufficient schola...

Mongolia’s fabulous mineral wealth has led to competition and conflict amongst multiple stakeholders. Here we examine local struggles over extraction export in the Sino-Mongolia Borderlands offer a perspective on contemporary rural governance transformations mining frontiers. Grounding years of in-country research with in-depth participant insights, present analyze dilemmas faced by government ...

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral notifiable zoonotic disease primarily of domestic ruminants that causes significant socio-economic impacts. Using the 2006-07 outbreak cases, this study aimed to establish the socio-economic impact of RVF and assessing knowledge, attitude and practice of livestock keepers towards controlling RVF in selected areas of Tanzania. Data were collected in Arusha, Man...

x Guidelines for surveillance combined with performance indicators—the World Health Organization's pioneering work was taken as a model. x Molecular characterisation of viruses had a seminal effect on both epidemiological understanding and the conduct of eradication programmes. Designation of a world reference laboratory, hosted by the UK Institute for Animal Health, was invaluable. Conclusions...

INTRODUCTION In Tanzania, vaccination rates (VRs) range from 80% to 90% for standard vaccines, but little information is available about rural populations and nomadic pastoralists. This study investigates levels and trends of the immunisation status of infants at eight mobile reproductive-and-child-health (RCH) clinics in a rural area in northern Tanzania (with a large multi-tribal population t...

Abstract Broomcorn millet ( Panicum miliaceum L.) was first domesticated in China and dispersed westward via Central Asia the 3rd millennium BC, reaching Europe 2nd BC. North of Black Sea, Pontic steppe forest-steppe areas are key regions for understanding dispersal millet, as evidenced by earliest direct radiocarbon dates on European grains, which we present here. Examining various lines evide...

The recent drought in the Horn of Africa has again generated widespread pessimism about the future of pastoralism in the region. In this paper we argue that a much more balanced development strategy needs to be adopted in pastoralist areas. First, livelihood diversification must become a positive process, through education, infrastructure, and policies facilitating migration and nonfarm investm...

indigenous knowledge of each land is the manner of understanding and attitude of people towards world that shows the outcome of ancestors' experiences for years on optimal utilization of resources around human beings. emphasis on technology transition and disregard for indigenous knowledge cause not only destroys the relationship between humans and the environment, but also causes disrupti...