The proliferation of ranches and commercial farms in southwest Angola is threatening the livelihoods of myriad communities which say their traditions and customs passed down over centuries are now under threat. Thousands of hectares of land, once solely the territory of pastoral people and their cattle, have become the fenced-in, private property of wealthy new landowners including government officials.
Pastoral leaders say the land has been taken illegally.
They are concerned that if their rights are not defended in law, their culture will soon disappear. These new people come to do intensive cattle farming and put their own interests first, threatening our customs. They abuse the law and take away our rights. When we are forced to live without land, we live without life. Local chiefs, church leaders, lawyers, representatives from national associations plus a sprinkling of opposition politicians came together last week for a controversial three-day conference in Lubango.