Poverty, rapid population growth and conflicts are also common in the region. Factor in recurrent droughts which have induced high rates of crop failures, diminished potential livestock grazing lands and result in loss of lives and livelihoods, makes this region of the world one of the most challenging and difficult places to live.

In 2011, the region faced the worst drought in decades that decimated crops and livestock, and left over 12 million people, mainly the pastoralist communities, in distress across the affected region.

To address the issue of recurrent drought in a sustainable manner, the Heads of State of the various governments of the HoA region convened a Summit in Nairobi in 2011 that culminated in the Nairobi Strategy – The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) – for enhanced regional partnership to eradicate drought emergencies in the region.

Considering that the response to the crisis needs to be regional in nature, it was agreed that the implementation of the HoAI will be led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Prior to the devastating drought, a Regional Study on Sustainable Livestock Development in the HoA was commissioned by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB).

The study assessed the prevalent status and improvements required for water and pasture development and management to support livestock development in the arid and semi-arid lands of the HoA and to mitigate the perennial drought experienced in the region.

The results of the study led to the preparation of a 15-year investment program, aimed at developing drought resilience and eradicating the negative impacts through improving the livestock management systems in the region.

The priority areas emanating from the study and selected by the Bank for intervention include: (i) Water Resources Infrastructure, (ii) Livestock Infrastructure, (iii) Markets and Marketing of livestock and livestock products, (iv) Capacity Building and (vi) Conflict Resolution and Peace Building.

The first phase of the program has four components: natural resource management component focusing on enhanced water infrastructure for humans, agriculture and livestock, and enhanced regional water basins cooperation and coordination; improvement of livestock infrastructure and management component; project management and capacity building component aimed at national and regional capacity building activities to strengthen operational capabilities in the region and; support to IGAD Secretariat for technical assistance and capacity building component.

The key activities of the program also include; developing water storage and other related infrastructures; protection of water reservoirs and conservation of water catchment areas; development of market infrastructure and communication and information systems in pastoral rural areas; optimizing potential value chains and strengthen regional trade and; enhancing community participation in the management of water, pasture and livestock marketing.

The expected impact of the DRSLP include: (i) improved management of natural resources, (ii) improved livestock market infrastructure and animal health system, (iii) improved agro-pastoralists livelihoods; and iv) enhanced regional cooperation for the management of trans-boundary natural resources.

The program activities will contribute to rebuilding existing livelihoods through investment in integrated land management, ecosystem restoration and protection, and also investment in agricultural and livestock infrastructure, while improving storage, market and transport infrastructure, such as rural roads. Human and institutional capacity development will create stronger institutions that are capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change and also increase the number of people capable of generating and handling climate change information.

The program aims to improve rural livelihoods by reduction in poverty levels and improved incomes through enhanced livestock production and trade and other income generating activities.

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