Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:18:26 +0200https://www.cirad.fr/en/cirad-news/news/2026/participatory-mapping-and-pastoralismDespite their significance in relation to the world's land area, rangelands—areas across which herds move and graze—are often left white on maps, as if there were no human activity there. That absence has consequences for transhumant livestock farmers, who are often overlooked in public agricultural policy and find it hard to attract investment. In response, CIRAD and its partners are running participatory mapping operations with pastoralists, to allow them to draw their own maps of their territory.Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:18:26 +0200https://www.cirad.fr/en/cirad-news/news/2026/multifonctionality-of-du-pastoralism-against-desertificationIn the runup to Desertification COP17 in Mongolia this month, pastoralism is staking its claim as a major response to the challenges of land degradation, climate change and food security. Research being done by CIRAD and its partners has shown that pastoral activities render a multitude of vital environmental, economic and social services. However, those functions must be managed collectively and with support from public policy.Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:57:05 +0200https://www.cirad.fr/en/cirad-news/news/2026/pastoralism-spans-three-international-conventionsThe Global Pastoralist Gathering, which begins on 10 August in Mongolia, is the culmination of a long series of meetings on pastoralism organised worldwide since January 2026. It comes ahead of Desertification COP17, and is due to welcome almost 300 delegates from 102 countries. For CIRAD researcher Serena Ferrari, the event is a highlight of this UN International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:58:01 +0200https://www.cirad.fr/en/cirad-news/news/2026/pastoralism-and-rio-conventionsPastoralism was long seen as a livestock system of the past, but is now increasingly being recognised as a solution to the challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity erosion and soil degradation, while contributing to more sustainable food systems. Just ahead of COP17 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), CIRAD has published a position paper calling for the synergies between the three Rio Conventions to be harnessed, to support sustainable pastoralism in support of resilient social-ecological systems.Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:23:03 +0200https://www.cirad.fr/en/cirad-news/news/2026/reducing-pesticide-use-in-the-farming-systems-of-the-global-southIn view of the impacts inorganic pesticides have on human health, biodiversity and natural resources, reducing their use and banning the most dangerous among them is a major issue for tropical agriculture. In its latest policy brief, CIRAD, through the PRETAG initiative, suggests a roadmap to support a transition to more sustainable farming systems.Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:03:04 +0200