In early April 2026, the Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action convened an ‘evidence capitalization writeshop’ with partners to synthesize emerging insights and messages on Advancing Early Action for Dryland Resilience and Prosperity in the Horn of Africa.
Writeshop products
Participants worked together to co-create a series of short policy briefs with matching short video summaries (see below).
- Behavioural considerations for effective early and anticipatory action. Watch the video | Download the brief
- Blending multiple knowledges for action: Climate information services in pastoralist contexts. Watch the video | Download the brief
- Earth observation forecasting: Can we prevent livestock feed crises? Watch the video | Download the brief
- Health systems and anticipatory actions for resilient drylands. Watch the video | Download the brief
- How can anticipatory action better support pastoralists? Watch the video | Download the brief
- Resilient horizons: Re-thinking sustainable risk solutions for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Horn of Africa. Watch the video | Download the brief
- Rethinking social protection in the drylands: Lessons from pastoralist mutual assistance and solidarity networks. Watch the video | Download the brief
- Weather and climate information for pastoralists: Opportunities and pathways. Watch the video | Download the brief
In addition:
Several participants reflected on the recurring issue of ‘trust’ in early warning and early action: Watch the video
Further, drawing from his research with pastoralist communities in Northern Kenya, George Tsitati, PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, reflected on the multiple and indigenous knowledge systems that pastoralists use to manage shocks and risks like drought: Watch the video
Writeshop participants
We recognize with great appreciation contributions of the following people and organizations to the creation of these products:
- Abdishakur Diriye, University of Edinburgh
- Alan Duncan, University of Edinburgh
- Bilach Jimale, Drylands Learning and Capacity Building Initiative
- Brenda Lazarus, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- Camilla Schynoll, Welthungerhilfe
- Carmen Jaquez, Mercy Corps
- Claire Bedelian, Conservation International
- Gary Watmough, University of Edinburgh
- George Tsitati, University of Edinburgh
- Guyo Denge, CIFA Ethiopia
- Isabelle Baltenweck, International Livestock Research Institute
- Jackson Wachira, Centre for Humanitarian Change
- Jarso Mokku, Drylands Learning and Capacity Building Initiative
- John Mutua, International Livestock Research Institute and WISER Africa
- Kelvin Shikuku, International Livestock Research Institute
- Lilian Kirwa, iShamba Ltd
- Marcos Sugastti, University of Edinburgh
- Nathan Jensen, University of Edinburgh
- Nelly Bosibori Namweya, Mercy Corps
- Oliver Wasonga, University of Nairobi
- Philemon Chelanga, Agency for Inclusive Innovations & Development
- Robert Muiruri, Kenya Meteorological Department
- Rowan Jackson, University of Edinburgh
- Samuel Derbyshire, International Livestock Research Institute
- Sirimon Thomas, University of Edinburgh
- Susan Njambi-Szlapka, University of Edinburgh
- Tahira Mohamed, International Livestock Research Institute
- Wendy Chamberlin, Independent consultant