Turning climate data into action for resilient Africa's dryland communities

For Sintayehu Alemayehu, the challenges of climate change are not abstract statistics; they are the lived realities he witnessed growing up in Ethiopia, where a single drought could unravel entire communities. “Agriculture is not just a livelihood but a way of life,” he reflects, recalling how fragile rural livelihoods, particularly among pastoralists, inspired his lifelong commitment to climate resilience. That early awareness, combined with an academic journey spanning Ethiopia and the United States, laid the foundation for a career dedicated to translating climate science into actionable solutions that protect lives and livelihoods.

Today, as a Climate Resilience and Adaptation Scientist and Research Team Leader, Sintayehu leads regional projects across East Africa focused on building resilient food and pastoral systems. His work sits at the intersection of agriculture, development, environment, and society, bridging innovative climate monitoring and early warning systems with the day-to-day realities of smallholders and pastoral communities. From developing digital early warning systems to fostering community-based decision-making, his initiatives reflect a commitment to ensuring that climate information is timely, trusted, and actionable.