The Samburu
Community
Protocol about
the Samburu
Indigenous
Livestock Breeds
and their
Rights to their
Indigenous
Livestock Genetic
Resources and
Role in Global
Biodiversity
Management
We also have customary laws that guard against environmental degradation. For example, a recent decision by the Loisukutan Forest Committee
has determined that, because of the importance of the forest for fruits,
honey, water and wildlife, its use for grazing and wood must be limited.
The committee operates from traditional environmental management
ways. This committee also based on these traditional rules and regulations also decides about access to seasonal grazing areas. This is the
same for all our areas.
Our pastoral way of life promotes the conservation of our important indigenous breeds of livestock alongside world renowned wildlife. We have
a right to continue to live according to our values that promote the sustainable use of our livestock while ensuring conservation of the wider
environment.
WE ARE HOLDERS OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
WHICH IS REGULATED BY CUSTOMARY LAWS
Our knowledge has developed over time and continues to evolve as we
face new challenges. We have three broad types of knowledge: animal
health knowledge, breeding practices and an understanding of the ecology of the region that allows us to find water and grazing for our animals.
Notably, these different types of knowledge are interdependent.
Ethno-veterinary knowledge:
We have for centuries treated our animals for diseases and other ailments using our knowledge of the medicinal plants that grow on the
plains and in the forests. While we share common knowledge, some of
us have special knowledge. For example, men generally treat cows, and
women care for sheep. Women know how to treat Red Maasai sheep,
but their knowledge is less suitable for treating the Dorper sheep as the
latter has different requirements from the Red Maasai. We also have
traditional knowledge relating to treating infants and adults for a range
of ailments. Each generation receives the earlier generation’s knowledge
and further develops it to tackle new challenges and according to each
individual’s skill as a healer.
Breeding practices:
Because of the conditions in which we live, we carefully breed our animals so as to ensure that they suit our needs and preferences. We employ
a number of methods, including choosing breeding bulls and rams by
judging the mother’s ability to withstand drought, her color, size, activity
levels and the survival rate of the offspring. We also maintain our herds’
and flocks’ diversity by buying animals from our neighbors, or borrowing
them. For example, when sharing rams, the agreement is based on the
principle of reciprocity. If close by, we will provide it on the basis that the
favor will be returned. If the trip is very far, then in the first instance we
would send the animal with one other of our own herds and the pair will
be returned together with another female animal as a gift.
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