Contribution short abstract:

Uganda's Karamoja region exemplifies resilience through traditional practices like Etamam. This vital mechanism among Karamojong pastoralists illustrates, reflecting on common values, the importance of sharing resources for living well and upholding a shared notion of the good.

Contribution long abstract:

Uganda's Karamoja region, where 61% of the population lives in poverty, exemplifies resilience through traditional practices like Etamam—a vital mechanism among Karamojong pastoralists for negotiating resource access during times of need.

Etamam, meaning "sending the message," has evolved as an institutionalized process to ensure access to critical resources, fostering cooperation and peace among different pastoralist communities. The Kobebe grazing area in Moroto district is a key example, supporting multiple pastoralist groups with its rich resources. The practice of Etamam not only facilitates resource sharing but also strengthens traditional governance and enhances resilience against climatic stresses.

Detailed stories and reflections from pastoralist voices are addressing issues of gender, government interaction, and sustainable development goals.

Reflecting on common values, the practice of Etamam illustrates the importance of sharing resources for living well and upholding a shared notion of the good. These values are held in common, transcending projections of sameness and difference, and fostering a sense of unity and mutual support among diverse communities. By fostering dialogue and negotiation, pastoralist communities in Karamoja showcase resilience and the importance of cooperation in facing environmental and social challenges. This narrative underscores the necessity of established mechanisms like Etamam for managing resource access and mitigating the impacts of climate change, contributing to a broader understanding and support of sustainable pastoralist practices.

The proposed paper would be a result of the partnership of the organisations Karamoja Herders of the Horn (KHH) from Moroto, Uganda and the Institute of Ecology and Action Anthropology (INFOE) from Cologne, Germany.