Issue #1 Inaugural edition

Over the years, the arid and semi-arid lands, which make up about 70 per cent of the area of the IGAD region, have become synonymous with human
emergencies and untold suffering. The affected countries and the international community struggle to respond to the effects of the recurrent droughts, with relief aid and humanitarian interventions. Over time, however, these “firefighting” approaches have been rendered ineffective. There is a growing understanding that the problems underlying livelihoods of the local communities in the region cannot be solved by relief interventions alone. There is more realization that solutions to the recurrent droughts will require longterm strategies that enhance livelihoods and reduce risks.