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The Bahima ethnic group have been crossbreeding autochthonous Ankole with Holstein-Friesian cattle. Separate herds (pure Ankole and crossbreds) are common. A survey was conducted to characterize pasture utilization and management in the Ankole region to gain a better understanding of current and emerging practices. Herds are largely grazed by continuous stocking although there are efforts to establish paddocks. Factors considered for pasture allocation to cattle genotypes were high-quality feed, limited shrubs/weeds and close proximity to homestead for 80, 80 and 30% of farmers, respectively. Cross-bred cattle were kept on medium/high-quality, and Ankole cattle on medium/low-quality pastures. Pastures for cross-bred cattle yielded 0·17 t ha−1 more dry matter than pastures allocated to Ankole cattle. Crude protein (CP) content of Ankole pasture was significantly ( P < 0·05) lower than CP of cross-bred pasture (6·3% compared with 7·3%). Neutral detergent fibre content was similar (72·8% vs. 69·8%) for both pasture types. Farmers' perceptions of indicator plant species were important for allocation of pasture. Hyparrhenia rufa, Brachiaria spp., Themeda triandra and Chloris gayana were identified as the preferred pasture species. Sporobolus pyramidalis and Cymbopogon afronardus were the most undesirable pasture species. Brachiaria spp. offers an opportunity for utilization as hay for dry season supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses land conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on the Ituri District. It examines the roots of the conflict, commenting on Belgian imperialism, the nationalization of land under President Mobutu Sese Seko, and the Ituri Conflict of the Second Congo War. The author reflects on conflicts between the Djupanyahonoré and the Djupamula peoples and the Hema and the Lendu peoples. She also explores mediation efforts, noting the work of the United Nations (UN) body UN Habitat. Land disputes and conflicts between the Kalenjin and the Gikuyu peoples in Kenya are also considered.

The article discusses resource management, privatization, and conservation in southwestern Uganda, particularly examining the creation of the Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP) and its effects on neighboring Nyabushozi County. It comments on land use in Uganda since precolonial times. The authors consider the consequences of land and water resource management policies on the Banyankole people, comprised of Bairu cultivators and Bahima pastoralists. They also explore the role of politics and ethnicity in patronage systems and reflect on the resettlement of squatters living inside LMNP lands.

This article scrutinizes writings on ethnicity with reference to Hema and Lendu, the main protagonists in the Ituri conflict (1999–2007). First, it reviews representations during the conflict: Hema leaders portray Lendu as ‘wild and untameable’, ‘génocidaires’, and ‘incapable of governance’; Lendu leaders portray Hema as driven by an innate desire for political and economic control, a self-appointed elite whose legitimacy must be questioned. Next, the article turns to the origins of these (mis)representations by considering how Hema and Lendu have been viewed over the course of the twentieth century – by anthropologists, colonial administrators, missionaries, and explorers. This review challenges received wisdom about pre-colonial and early colonial interactions between Hema and Lendu, thus shedding light on a critical phase of history that remains insufficiently understood, and supporting the argument that a re-crafting of the dominant discourse on history is a challenge that is central to the current peace process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been in the news the past few months, once again, for the wrong reasons. Although no one would deny that the Congolese people have been going through hell, particularly in the northern and eastern provinces controlled by rebel factions supported by Congo's foreign enemies, media reports have more frequently than not, over-simplified an extremely complex local situation with far-reaching international stakes. Media focus on ethnic hatred between Hema and Lendu in Ituri where an estimated 50,000 have been killed since 1999 is off track.

The article reports that Integrated Regional Information Networks of the United Nations has warned about the fragile peace prevailing in Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The peace comes after five years of conflict between the Lendu and Hema ethnic groups. The major players in the conflict are standing on trial at the International Criminal Court. To this day, both ethnic communities speak of marginalization. The Lendu and Hema are currently engaged in land disputes.