Dryland dominates the landmass of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda – countries in the Horn of Africa that make up the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region. For millennia, pastoralism has adapted to the dryland and dominated the region’s livestock production. Meat and other livestock products provide the main source of protein in the human diet. Seasonal transhumance – the practice of moving livestock from one grazing ground to another – in search of water, pasture and minimally informal trade involves crossing international borders in the region. Hence, livestock production requires regional cooperation and coordination.
The Horn of Africa region is highly affected by climate variability, particularly the drylands. Rainy and dry seasons are becoming less predictable, leading to both longer and more severe droughts and floods. Due to droughts and floods between 2021 to 2022, several countries in the region lost a total of 10.1 million heads of livestock worth $1 billion. These phenomena are diminishing productivity, also exacerbating food insecurity which is forcing millions into famine.
Droughts have had a regional impact, and climate projections show consistent trends of increased drought frequency and intensity across the region, which calls for regional collaboration and solutions. On the other hand, livestock is also a significant emitter of greenhouse gases in this region due to large number of ruminants. Most emissions derive from grazing animals emitting methane as part of their digestive process.
A regional strategy for climate resilient livestock production and economic growth