On 10 April, we joined colleagues at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in a CGIAR Science Week side session on drought early action for resilient drylands.
In Africa, many of the most pressing climate adaptation challenges are concentrated in the drylands. They cover two-thirds of Africa’s land area, are home to half a billion people (40% of the population) and, critically, are warming up to twice the global average.
In the Horn of Africa and elsewhere, drought and other shocks, as well as conflict and climate variability significantly impact the food security and livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, potentially overwhelming their long-standing resilience strategies and undermining food, land and water systems vital to the region’s sustainable development.
Early – and anticipatory – actions are emerging as the cornerstones for effective preparation, response and recovery against shocks. Acting in advance of a crisis reduces its impact on the poorest, contributes to community resilience in the longer term and is less costly than emergency assistance. According to the Global Center on Adaptation, “early warning systems save lives and assets worth at least ten times their cost.”
The session comprised three short presentations, followed by audience interaction and a policy panel with Guyo Malicha Roba, ILRI; Tess Morris, FCDO; Nancy Balfour, Centre for Humanitarian Change, Dereje Wakjira, ICPALD.
Early action to manage droughts, food insecurity and environmental shocks in the Horn of Africa
Science, knowledge, and real-world action to better manage shocks and boost food security early action in drylands of the Horn of Africa. Presenters: Tahira Mohamed and Samuel Derbyshire, ILRI and Jameel Observatory. Presentation
Drought action catalyst: transforming innovation into resilience for a climate-secure future
Cutting-edge approaches integrating water and land management, early warning systems, and adaptive governance to enhance drought preparedness. Presenter: Rachael McDonnell, International Water Management Institute
Water and pasture monitoring and early warning systems to tackle climate risks in pastoral areas
Real-time satellite data, field observations and community engagement to empower vulnerable pastoral communities in the Horn of Africa. Presenter: Sintayehu Alemayehu, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. Presentation
The session was part of the wider ‘Delivering Resilient Drylands‘ theme day.