Vulnerability & adaptation to climate change in semi-arid Eastern Africa
The Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR) Consortium seeks to deepen understanding of climate vulnerability and adaptation in semi-arid areas, and to help embed adaptation practice in development activities. A central focus is on advancing adaptive livelihoods for vulnerable groups such as pastoralists. One of the research teams is studying dryland zones of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. The report “Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in the semi-arid regions of East Africa” (2015, 111pp) summarises key findings from the team’s regional diagnostic study and identifies major gaps in existing literature on vulnerability and adaptation in East Africa. The discussion provides the foundation for detailed case-study work and for a dialogue on adaptation options.
With respect to pastoralism in Eastern Africa, the team identified some enablers to decrease vulnerability to the effects of climate change, including:
- Integrated management of rangeland to reduce water and pasture degradation/conflict
- Increased livestock mobility
- Improved rangeland governance and participation in decentralisation
- Empowerment of traditional governance structures
- Facilitation of youth employment and pathways into pastoralism
- Strengthened organisation and empowerment of pastoral institutions (leading to greater voice in macro-economic planning processes).
Among the key knowledge gaps identified is the current dynamics in the strategies of pastoralists.
Posted on 18 March 2018 in Pastoralism & Climate Change