AfriScout Steward is the original migration information platform co-created with pastoralists to support grazing decisions across Africa’s rangelands.
Developed by Global Communities in partnership with pastoralist communities, the platform combines satellite data, mobile technology, and traditional knowledge to help herders decide where, when, and how to move their livestock across vast grazing areas.
Using the AfriScout mobile application, pastoralists can see satellite-informed maps showing where vegetation and water are available across their grazing landscape in near real time.
Instead of relying solely on word of mouth or sending scouts on long and costly journeys, herders can evaluate grazing conditions in minutes. This reduces risk while strengthening their existing knowledge of the land and has improved confidence in their ability to effectively manage herds and the lands they rely on.
Satellite-informed grazing maps
Satellite imagery identifies areas with available vegetation and water across pastoral landscapes. This information is translated into clear maps within the AfriScout mobile app.
Community-defined grazing areas
To reduce conflict and ensure effective management, maps are limited to customary rangeland boundaries validated by communities and local authorities.
Crowdsourced local alerts
Pastoralists can share real-time updates about predator activity, disease outbreaks, water access, or conflict risks, making the maps a living resource shared across communities.
Local training and support
Field agents train pastoralists to use the platform and provide ongoing support, so families can apply the information effectively in their daily migration decisions.
Together, these features create a decision-support system designed with pastoralists and for pastoralists.
AfriScout Steward has grown from a pilot initiative into one of the largest digital platforms supporting pastoralist decision-making.
Today the platform:
This growing network of users and rangeland data creates new opportunities to strengthen long-term stewardship of Africa’s grasslands.
Healthy grasslands are among the planet’s most important natural carbon systems.
When grazing is well managed, rangelands can store more carbon in soils and vegetation while supporting productive pastoral economies.
AfriScout Steward helps make these outcomes possible by supporting better grazing decisions at scale. The data and stewardship practices enabled by the platform also provide the foundation for AfriScout’s next phase of work.
