Strengthening Drought Resilience Across the IGAD Region
A Decade of Action under the IGAD Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative (IDDRSI)
Across the vast and climate-challenged landscapes of the Greater Horn of Africa, where arid and semi-arid lands-dominate- the impacts of recurrent draught have long tested the resilience of communities. Yet, over the past decade, a transformative story has unfolded. Under the leadership of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the IGAD Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative (IDDRSI) has emerged as a game-changing regional response. Through shared commitment, coordinated action, and forward-looking investment, IDDRSI has united Member States in building resilience, promoting sustainable development, and redefining how the region confronts climate shocks and chronic vulnerabilities.
From Crisis to Coordination: The Birth of IDDRSI
The devastating drought of 2010–2011, one of the worst in recent history- served as defining moment for IGAD region. It exposed the limitations of reactive crisis response and underscored the urgent need for a paradigm shift toward long-term resilience. . In response, during a high-level summit convened in Nairobi in 2011, IGAD Heads of State and Government endorsed a bold and regionally coordinated approach: IDDRSI.
This initiative galvanized action across borders, bringing together Member States, local communities, and development partners—including the World Bank, African Development Bank, USAID, the European Union, and the Governments of Germany and Sweden, with technical support from UN agencies. United under a shared vision, these actors committed to tackling the root causes of vulnerability and transforming the region’s response from one of repeated relief to one centered on sustainable resilience.
Cluster-Based Interventions: Regional Unity in Action
At the heart of IDDRSI’s transformative impact lies its cluster-based, cross-border cooperation model—a hallmark of its innovative approach. Recognizing the interconnected nature of livelihoods, ecosystems, and vulnerabilities in the region, IDDRSI identified eight priority cross-border clusters—including Karamoja, Moyale, and Mandera, among others—as focal points for coordinated, multi-sectoral interventions .
These clusters served as engines of localized transformation, enabling joint programming, harmonized policies, and integrated investments in regions historically marginalized yet deeply affected by recurrent droughts and conflict. By empowering communities and national institutions alike, IDDRSI reinforced the principle that resilience transcends borders.Impact at Scale: Investing in Hope and Livelihoods
Over the past decade, IDDRSI has mobilized more than USD 1.7 billion, delivering multi-year resilience projects that have transformed lives and livelihood across IGAD region. Through flagship programmes such as the Drought Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Program (DRSLP) and the Regional Pastoral Livelihoods and Resilience Project (RPLRP), IGAD has achieved significant results:
- Improved access to water, pasture, and markets for over 30 million pastoralists and farmers, enhancing productivity and stability in some of the region’s most drought-prone areas..
- Reduced livestock mortality rates by 35% for cattle and 33.8% for goats, with a direct impact on household food security and income generation.
- Boosted regional livestock trade by 17%, while increasing the market value of traded animals by 18%, strengthening rural economies and expanding economic resilience.
These are more than figures- they represent dignity restored, futures rebuilt, and climate resilience made tangible for communities spanning the 5.2 million km² IGAD region.
Mainstreaming Resilience: A New Development Paradigm Across diverse national contexts, IGAD Member States have embraced resilience thinking as a foundation for sustainable development. ThroughIDDRSI’s collaborative framework, resilience has been effectively mainstreamed into national development strategies, fostering cross-border alignment and coherence. This strategic integration has not only strengthened regional solidarity, but also enhanced data sharing, joint planning, and policy harmonization.
Through the IDDRSI Platform Steering Committee has played a pivotal role in sustaining bothtechnical coordination and high-level political commitment have been maintained, anchoring resilience as a central pillar of development, firmly anchoring resilience as a central pillar of development across the IGAD region.
The Road Ahead: More People-Centered, More Sustainable
As climate shocks grow in frequency and complexity, IGAD’s response through IDDRSI must continue to evolve. Informed by evidence, experience, and community feedback, the next phase of IDDRSI will place greater emphasis on people-centered programming, innovative finance mechanism, and green technologies.
Looking ahead, IGAD envisions increased investment in climate-smart agriculture, inclusive early warning systems, and resilience solutions led by youth and women. This strategic shift is designed not only to protect communities from the impacts of drought—but to empower them to thrive and lead sustainable transformation in the face of climate challenges..
Conclusion: Resilience Needs a Voice: The Role of Media
The story of IDDRSI is not one of short-term relief, but of lasting change. Over a decade of commitment, innovation, and partnership, IGAD has proven that drought resilience is not only possible- it is essential, achievable, and deeply transformative.
But for these stories of impact to inspire broader action and policy change, the stories must be told- and told powerfully. The IGAD Media Awards serves as a critical platform to amplify the narratives of resilience, spotlight community-led solutions, cross-border cooperation, and climate climate adaptation efforts that often go unseen.
By honoring journalists who capture these stories, the Awards contribute to foster public awareness, promote informed dialogue, and enhance accountability in addressing the region’s climate challenges.
As the region continues to grapple with climate uncertainty, the media remains an indispensable partner—giving voice to perseverance, innovation, and shared progress. Through the IGAD Media Awards, these voices are lifted, and the journey toward a drought-resilient Greater Horn of Africa becomes a powerful, collective story—owned by the region, and heard by the world.
