In April 2026, the Observatory convened an ‘evidence capitalization workshop’ with partners to synthesize insights and key messages on issues and opportunities that can advance early action for dryland resilience and prosperity in the Horn of Africa. This policy brief and accompanying short video are products of this exercise.
Summary
Pastoral and agro-pastoral systems in the Horn of Africa (HoA) face many risks.
Yet, understanding of the complex dynamics of these systems and how hazards interact – across time and across regional, national, sub-national and household scales – is poor.
Unpacking this complexity is critical to develop effective solutions and to enable policy makers and development agencies to set meaningful priorities.
This brief contextualizes the challenges facing risk mitigation, presents potential pathways for risk imitation that can be adapted to specific needs and locations, and is a call for action by all actors.
Recognizing the dynamic and complex nature of pastoral and agro-pastoral systems and the importance of co-creation and co-implementation to develop effective sustainable risk management solutions, it presents some solutions that show what meaningful action on the ground looks like.
Key messages
- Effective risk mitigation must balance urgent short-term actions with strategic long-term planning. In the short term, communities need rapid measures such as emergency fodder reserves and credit, mobile veterinary services, and early warning systems to cushion against droughts and floods, pest and disease outbreaks, and market shocks.
- Lasting resilience depends on long-term pathways such as sustainable rangeland management, diversified livelihoods, climate-smart agriculture, risk financing, stronger governance structures and an enabling environment that supports equitable resource sharing and inclusion.
- Risk mitigation pathways are deeply interconnected and inter-related, reflecting the shared vulnerabilities and overlapping strategies that sustain livelihoods in dryland environments.
- Viewing these pathways in isolation risks implementing inefficient and even ineffective actions.