PASSAGE: strengthening PAStoral livelihoodS in the African Greater horn through Effective anticipatory action

Using transdisciplinary approaches, PASSAGE brings together a diverse team with the aim of addressing several gaps by co-developing with pastoral communities, local government, and the civil society, inclusive and cross-scale risk narratives and anticipatory action (AA) plans based on predictive multi-hazard impact-based forecasts to effectively build the resilience of pastoral communities. PASSAGE particularly focuses on the transboundary regions within the region as these host the most vulnerable pastoral communities with acute malnutrition levels. 

The current food insecurity over the Greater Horn of Africa region is deeply alarming, with millions among the pastoral communities particularly affected. Whilst this evolving food security crisis has been well monitored and forecasted, the extent of early actions has been demonstrably insufficient to save lives and livelihoods. The goal of PASSAGE, a CLARE-funded project, is to co-produce knowledge for action with all sections of pastoral societies. The project is driven by research questions and activities, which include identifying indicators and triggers that best capture the impacts of drought and extreme temperature on diverse socio-ecological landscapes; estimating the cascading impacts of these hazards on pastoral livelihoods; evaluating the most effective AA to build the resilience of pastoral communities at phased lead times; and defining mechanisms for coordinated transboundary AA plans. The project is at its midway point and we will be sharing some exciting results.