Pastoralism Journal: Research, Policy and Practice
Pastoralism is a global phenomenon. From the semi-arid tropics to the Arctic, it is practiced in environments as varied as deserts and savannahs, marshes, high meadows, plains and tundra. By sourcing material worldwide, Pastoralism promotes the comparative analysis of this varied and widespread production system.
Why a new journal?
Scientific papers on pastoralism are currently scattered in a wide variety of journals, and there is no central forum where researchers, policy-makers and practitioners can confront each other’s ideas and discuss the implications of their work. Pastoralism now provides this forum - publishing interdisciplinary and peer-reviewed articles on extensive livestock production systems throughout the world.
The journal publishes research and field experience that influences policy and practice, to improve the welfare of pastoral people, better conserve the environments in which they live, and contribute to broad economic development. Pastoralism is committed to publishing material not just by researchers but also by administrators and field workers who would not normally contribute to a scientific journal.
The first two issues (Volume 1, No. 1 and No. 2, 2010) were published by Practical Action Publishers (UK). From now on, the journal will be published by SpringerOpen (Germany). The journal will be open access online. The penetration of this journal into remote district offices, government research establishments and NGOs without internet access, will be ensured by free distribution of printed copies, made possible by funding support from the Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism (WISP) at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The editors are Carol Kerven and Roy Behnke, at Odessa Centre UK which initiated and owns the journal.