EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report explores gender in relation to three dominant processes of change that are occurring in pastoral communities in the Horn and East Africa – i) changes in access to land and natural resources; ii) the commercialisation and privatisation of pastoral assets; and iii) shifts in governance and decision-making processes. The report then considers to what degree gender relations and the changes taking place are included within drought risk reduction (DRR) and response strategies, and what lessons can be learnt for developing more effective, gender-sensitive drought-related interventions. In each of these sections future scenarios and recommendations are identified. The report concludes by providing recommendations to DRR actors for more gender-sensitive interventions and support in pastoral areas.

In the pastoral areas of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda land use change has increased at an unprecedented rate. This has resulted in a fragmentation of the rangelands across the region and encouraged the privatisation of resources as competition over remaining grazing areas and water sources has grown. Many pastoral communities have become more sedentarised. Such change affects men and women differently.