Get reliable rangeland science

As pastoralist communities face a multitude of challenges that threaten their sustainability, engaging with youth in rangeland management is becoming increasingly important. This paper explores the opportunities that rangelands offer young people and the potential benefits of youth involvement in pastoralism. Drawing on existing cases and examples, we examine how youth participation in rangeland management contributes to socioeconomic development and ecological conservation. Pastoralist youth bring innovative approaches to traditional practices and integrate modern technologies with indigenous knowledge. Their adaptability and openness to new ideas can lead to more resilient pastoral systems and better rangeland management. However, challenges remain in attracting and retaining youth in pastoral livelihoods. Addressing challenges such as land access, conversion and privatisation, and high entry barriers is essential for the viability of pastoral economies. Improving working conditions, strengthening labour rights, and ensuring succession planning and governance transition from elder pastoralists to the younger generation can attract more youth to pastoralism. We discuss potential strategies to overcome these barriers, including education programmes, policy support and economic incentives that recognise the multifunctional value of rangelands. Rangelands provide diverse opportunities for youth beyond herding along the value chain, including agribusiness ventures, eco-tourism and social protection projects. These opportunities present chances for young people to generate income, create jobs and contribute to the local and national economies. The greatest opportunities for change in pastoralist societies lie with the youth, who are often better formally educated and more in touch with emerging technologies and trends. By valuing and recognising the contributions of young pastoralists, we can explore innovative ideas and unlock the potential of rangelands in fostering sustainable development.