Mitigating drought impacts in drylands: Quantifying the potential for strengthening crop and livestock-based livelihoods

This study, based on analyses of current and projected ways to mitigate drought impacts in drylands, quantifies the potential for strengthening crop- and livestock-based livelihoods, identifies promising interventions, quantifies their likely costs and benefits, and describes the policy trade-offs that will need to be addressed when drylands development strategies are devised. This study was designed to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about measures to reduce the vulnerability and enhance the resilience of populations living in drylands.

Sustainably developing drylands and nurturing resilience among the people living on them will require addressing a complex web of economic, social, political, and environmental vulnerabilities. Good adaptive responses have the potential to generate new and better opportunities for many people, cushion the losses for others, and smooth the transition for all. Implementation of these responses will require effective and visionary leadership at all levels, from households to local organizations, national governments, and a coalition of development partners.