Pastures, Pastoralism and Rangeland Governance
in PastoralismDateline
Starting: 18 November 2024
Ending: 08 December 2024
Duration: 3 weeks lessons + 3 weeks project work
Study Hours: 120 Hours
About this course
The Advance Certificate (Online) Course on "Pastures, Pastoralism, and Rangeland Governance" is an independent but integrated part of a complete package of curriculum. The Online Advance Certificate will be followed up by Practitioner Diploma Program in Pastures Management.
This is a comprehensive course program designed to explore the critical aspects of managing pastures and rangelands in the context of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026. This specialized course delves into the intricate relationship between pastures, grazing resources, sustainable pastoralism, rangeland ecosystems, and effective governance strategies. As the world recognizes the importance of rangelands and the livelihoods of pastoralists, this course aims to equip students and participants with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges and opportunities associated with dynamic landscapes in changing environments.
Those who are interested in 1st part, i.e., Online Advance Certificate, they need to complete 3 weeks Online Course, plus 3 weeks Case Study Research & Project Writing. Those who wish to undertake 2nd part, i.e. Practitioner Diploma (Field Training), need to undergo the Online Advance Certificate part compulsorily.
Course highlights | Batch 1
- Subject:Rangelands&Pastoralism
- Type:Advance Certificate
- Mode:Online
- Duration:3 weeks lessons+ 3 weeks project work
- Study Hours:Average 3 hours per day
- Starting date:18 November 2024
- Ending date:08 December 2024
[+3 weeks for project work] - Accreditation:European Educational Standard Body
- Instructor(s):3 Professors+6 Field Practitioners
- Registration date:Early applications are preferred
- Language:English
- Course Fee:Free
- Certificate Cost:Euro 21
Course highlights | Batch 2
- Subject:Rangelands &Pastoralism
- Type:Advance Certificate
- Mode:Online
- Duration:3 weeks lessons+ 3 weeks project work
- Starting date:05 May 2025
- Ending date:25 May 2025
[+3 weeks for project work] - Accreditation:European Educational Standard Body
- Instructor(s):3 Professors+6 Field Practitioners
- Registration date:Early applications are preferred
- Language:English
- Course Fee:Free
- Certificate Cost:Euro 21
What will be learned?
In the backdrop of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026,this advance course serves as a timely initiative to foster a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics surrounding pastures,pastoralism,and rangeland governance. Pastoralism,a traditional livelihood system practiced by millions around the globe,plays a pivotal role in sustaining biodiversity,ensuring food security,and maintaining the resilience of variety of landscapes,including highlands,arid lands,semi-arid lands and plains. The course curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover a range of topics,including ecological principles of rangeland management,socio-economic dimensions of pastoralism,and the governance structures necessary for the sustainable use of pastures. Participants will engage with leading experts,practitioners,and policymakers who will share their insights and experiences,providing a holistic perspective on the challenges faced by pastoral communities and the potential pathways for sustainable development.
Key Course Highlights:
- Ecological Foundations:Explore the principles of rangeland ecology,understanding the unique characteristics of pastures and their role in maintaining ecosystem health.
- Socio-economic Dimensions:Delve into the socio-economic aspects of pastoralism,examining the cultural,economic,and social dimensions that shape pastoral communities.
- Rangeland Governance:Analyze governance models and policies that contribute to the sustainable management of rangelands,ensuring a balance between conservation and livelihood needs.
- Innovative Practices:Discover innovative and sustainable practices in pastoralism,including climate-smart strategies,technological interventions,and community-based approaches.
- Global Perspectives:Gain insights into the international context of rangeland management,learning from successful case studies and best practices from diverse regions.
- Policy Implications:Explore the policy frameworks essential for supporting pastoralist communities,emphasizing the need for inclusive and participatory governance structures.
Course Outline | 6 Weeks
This part of the curriculum will take place through the interactive online platform. As soon as the student/participant registers the course,the information will automatically be sent through registered email. Detailed structure,lessons,reading materials,assignments,discussions forum and Q&A sessions will be available on the online platform.
Course Structure
Module 1: Pastures and Grasslands [Online 1 Week; 18 Study Hours] » 18 - 23 November 2024
- Unit 1.1: Pasture and Grassland Ecosystems
- Unit 1.2: Pastures and Pastoralist Communities:Case Studies
- Unit 1.3: Pasture Biodiversity and Ecology of Species
- Unit 1.4: Participatory Pasture Conservation
- Unit 1.5: Natural Livestock Farming and Grazing Management
- Unit 1.6: Sustainable Livelihood of Shepherds and Pasture Tourism
Module 2: Transhumance and Pastoralism [Online 1 Week; 18 Study Hours]» 25 - 30 November 2024
- Unit 2.1: Transhumance and Logic of Mobility
- Unit 2.2: Pastoralism in the Context of Mountains
- Unit 2.3: Pastoralism and Development:A critical debate
- Unit 2.4: Traveling through Landscapes
- Unit 2.5: Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Herders
- Unit 2.6: Climate Change Adaptation Measures by Local Pastoral Communities
Module 3: Rangeland Governance and Policies [Online 1 Week; 18 Study Hours] » 02 - 07 December 2024
- Unit 3.1: Problems and Issues Challenging the Rangelands
- Unit 3.2: Rangelands Fragmentation,Enclosure and Impacts
- Unit 3.3: Governance of Pastures and Grasslands:Role of Local Institutions
- Unit 3.4: Improving Governance of Pastoral Lands through Promotion of Pastoral Mobility
- Unit 3.5: EU Common Agriculture Policy and Rangeland Governance
- Unit 3.6: World Movements and Rangelands Governance
*Special Module: Case Study Research &Project Writing [Online 3 Weeks] » 09 December 2024, 09 January 2025
- Three optional topics will be suggested by the student/participant and one will be chosen in consultation with the Course Coordinator.
- Research Methodology reading materials will be sent to all the students.
- Periodic Guidance will be given through interactive one-to-one sessions on Zoom.
Eligibility to attend this course
- High School Diploma or Secondary School Certificate
- Basic English is required to understand the contents and write assignments etc.
- Field practitioners or pastoralists need not to have a formal school education as long as they understand and write English.
Outcome of the Course
By the end of this course,students and participants will be equipped with a robust understanding of the intricate interplay between pastures,pastoralism,and rangeland governance. This knowledge will empower them to contribute effectively to the sustainable development and conservation of rangeland ecosystems,aligning with the goals of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026. Join us on this transformative journey towards a more resilient and harmonious coexistence with our rangelands and pastoralist communities.
Certification &Accreditation
- Those who will complete the 6 weeks course will receive Advance Certificate (Online).
- Advance Certificate will be given when Special Module and Modules 1 to 3 are completed. In case,student/participant is unwilling or unable to complete Special Module,a Certificate may still be given,but not Advance Certificate.
The Grassroots Institute is accredited by CPD of UK,and this Online Advance Certificate course is to be accredited by the European Educational Standards Body.
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Welcome to the short course ‘Advanced Certificate on Pastures, Pastoralism and Rangeland Governance’. It is of 6 weeks duration. First 3 weeks will be devoted to learning 3 Modules, each having 6 Units.
This module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the significance of pastures and rangelands in sustaining key ecosystem services, supporting biodiversity, and significantly contributing to pastoralist livelihoods, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Throughout this week, we will be focused on key concepts, frameworks, principles of pasture and rangeland management, exploring their ecological functions, the challenges they face, and strategies for sustainable use.
This unit introduces you the basic concepts of pasture and rangeland ecosystems, exploring their characteristics, functions, and importance in the broader environmental context. You will learn about different types of pastures and rangelands, the ecological processes that sustain them, and their role in supporting biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and soil health. The unit also covers the human impacts on these ecosystems and the challenges they face due to climate change and land-use changes.
This Unit 1.2 examines the relationship between pastures and pastoralist communities through various case studies from different regions. You will explore the cultural, economic, and social dimensions of pastoralism, understanding how pastoralist communities manage and interact with their environments. The case studies will highlight both the challenges and the adaptive strategies employed by these communities to maintain their livelihoods in changing environmental conditions.
In this unit, you will study the biodiversity of pasture ecosystems, focusing on the species that inhabit these areas and their ecological roles. The unit covers the interaction between plant species, soil organisms, and grazing animals, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience. You will also learn about the threats to pasture biodiversity, such as overgrazing, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation, and the conservation strategies that can be implemented to protect these ecosystems.
This unit introduces the concept of participatory conservation, where local communities are actively involved in the conservation and sustainable management of pastures. Students will explore various participatory approaches and tools used to engage communities in decision-making processes, land-use planning, and monitoring of pasture health. The unit will emphasize the benefits of involving local stakeholders in conservation efforts, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
Focusing on sustainable livestock farming practices, this unit teaches you about the principles and techniques of natural livestock farming and grazing management. Topics include rotational grazing, pasture rest periods, and the integration of livestock with crop production. Students will learn how to manage grazing to maintain pasture health, improve soil fertility, and reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming.
This unit explores the link between pastoral livelihoods and sustainable tourism in pasture regions. Students will learn about the traditional livelihoods of shepherds, including their knowledge of pasture management and animal husbandry. The unit will also discuss the potential of pasture tourism as a means of diversifying income for pastoral communities, promoting conservation, and enhancing cultural exchange.
We welcome you to the Module 2. The contents of this module complement to and build on the information learned from Module 1 [Pastures and Grasslands]. This module focuses on “Pastoralism and Transhumance”, and consists of 6 units [Online 1 Week; 18 Study Hours].
In this Unit 2.1, we will understand the pastoralism and problems and issues of challenging, understanding facts and misconceptions regarding pastoralism and to create a sound understanding and clear picture about this.
In this Unit 2.2, we will start with sharing understanding of the Pastoralism and Logic of Mobility, its importance, problems and challenges and to create a sound understanding and clear picture of it. Let us review the following:
In this Unit 2.3, we will share understanding of the Pastoralism and Development and the Critical Debate about this.
In this Unit 2.4, let us start with establishing a shared understanding about the travelling through landscapes, landscape management its importance, problems and challenges and to create a sound understanding and clear picture of it.
In Unit 2.5, we will explore traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in the context of pastoralism.
Climate Change, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, is a global emergency that has led to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, heavy precipitation, and droughts (IPCC, 2022).
We welcome you to the Module 3. It is great that you have completed the Module 1 [Pastures and Grasslands] and Module 2 [Transhumance and Pastoralism]. Module 3 encompasses “Rangeland Governance and Policies”, which consists of 6 units as under
In this Unit 3.1, we will understand the problems and issues challenging the rangelands in general and in case study contexts.
In this Unit 3.2, we are going to comprehend the historical trajectory and contemporary colonial phenomenon of enclosure and fragmentation of rangelands.
This unit is quite interesting from different angles. Foremost is the setting of narrative encompassing traditional lifestyles versus modern technology intensive production. The unit will describe the contexts with a case study of Mongolia.
Under this unit, we will focus on the need and prospects of improving a governance of rangelands and pastures. First, it is necessary to decode the important of mobility of pastoralists and their livestock. It is because we consider critical on priority the nomadic and semi-nomadic nobilities of the pastoral people. Accordingly, emphasizing the legislation and policy spaces for mobile pastoralists would be highlighted.
Under this unit, we will focus on the need and prospects of improving a governance of rangelands and pastures. First, it is necessary to decode the important of mobility of pastoralists and their livestock. It is because we consider critical on priority the nomadic and semi-nomadic nobilities of the pastoral people. Accordingly, emphasizing the legislation and policy spaces for mobile pastoralists would be highlighted.
Under this unit, we will focus on the movements and struggles of pastoralist people around the rangeland grabs and governance. Misgovernance and illegitimate occupation or land use of the rangelands in different parts of the globe have triggered evolution of resistance movements. In many cases, the civil society actors have assisted and supported the marginalized pastoralist communities to defend their land rights and livelihoods.
Upon completion of three Modules of the course, each student is required to choose a topic of his/her choice to conduct a case study research. This case study research should concentrate a problem of student’s own country or region.