Empowering dryland communities through drought early warnings to enhance resilience

Amidst the challenges of drought, climate change, conflicts, and other shocks that significantly impact food security and livelihoods globally, the importance of early and anticipatory action has gained significant traction.

This is particularly crucial in aiding pastoral communities in preparing for crises, underscoring the vital role of early warning systems in enhancing resilience.

During the CGIAR Science Week at the United Nations headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya on 7–11 April 2025, scientists from diverse backgrounds gathered for a session aimed at fostering climate-smart agriculture and promoting early action against shocks and crises.

This collaborative effort is part of a multi-centre initiative, with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) playing a significant role.

During the side session, Tahira Shariff Mohamed and Samuel Derbyshire, postdoctoral scientists at ILRI affiliated with the Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action and the Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC) program, gave presentations focusing on early actions to support pastoralism in recurrent and protracted crises in the Horn of Africa.

The session was chaired by ILRI principal livestock scientist Alan Duncan and facilitated by Jameel Observatory communication and engagement lead Peter Ballantyne.

Photo: Somaliland camels (photo credit: ILRI/Peter Ballantyne)

Curated by Tezira Lore, Communication Officer, ILRI