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 1^st 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 2^nd part, i.e. Practitioner Diploma (Field Training), need to undergo the Online Advance Certificate part compulsorily.

Photos courtesy: Dr. Hijaba Ykhanbai

Unlock the secrets of sustainable land management with our groundbreaking online course. The course is to support IYRP 2026.

Collaborating Organizations

Course highlights | Batch 1

Subject: Rangelands & Pastoralism
Type: Ordinary Certificate + Advance Certificate
Mode: Online
Duration: 3 weeks lessons + 3 weeks project work
Study Hours: Average 3 hours per day [Total 90 Hours/Certificate OR 180 Hours/Advance Certificate]
Starting date: 18 November 2024
Ending date: 31 August 2025
[+3 weeks for project work starting from 9 December 2024]
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: USD 21 for Certificate, USD 27 for Advanced Certificate

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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.

Photos courtesy: Dr. Hijaba Ykhanbai

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; 30 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; 30 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; 30 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; 90 Hours study] 09 December 2024, 31 August 2025

Three optional topics will be suggested by the student/participant and one will be chosen in consultation with the Course Director.
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.