Vi Agroforestry launches expert group on dryland agroforestry in East Africa

Vi Agroforestry, with support from the Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative (SIANI), is launching a new expert group focused on agroforestry in the drylands of East Africa. The group brings together fifteen specialists from civil society, government ministries, academia, youth organisations and practitioner groups in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Their shared mission: to address the pressing challenges to food and nutrition security in some of the region’s most climate‑vulnerable landscapes.

Across these drylands, unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, flash floods and conflicts over grazing and water resources are becoming more severe due to climate change. The expert group aims to strengthen knowledge, support local farmers and agropastoral communities, and connect regional experiences with global networks promoting sustainable land management.

Strengthening knowledge and collaboration

The initiative will foster dialogue and cooperation at local, national and international levels. By sharing evidence, engaging with farmers, and promoting best practices in agroforestry, the group will contribute to more resilient food systems, improved biodiversity, and sustainable production across East Africa’s drylands. A key outcome is to enhance the participating organisations’ roles as leading experts in dryland agroforestry.

Vi Agroforestry’s experience in dryland agroforestry

Vi Agroforestry already has long-standing experience showing that agroforestry works in dry areas such as Dodoma in Tanzania and Karamoja in Uganda. Through approaches like Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), soils have become more fertile, harvests have strengthened, and household incomes have grown. In Kenya, agroforestry has helped communities in regions like Kitui and Makueni improve water management and build a more reliable food supply.

Yet challenges persist. Deforestation, overgrazing and scarce resources hinder effective implementation of agroforestry policies. Women and Indigenous peoples—often most affected by climate shocks—still have limited influence in decision‑making. At the same time, opportunities are significant: degraded land can be restored, innovative farming methods can be scaled up, and new markets for sustainable products can emerge.

The way forward

For agroforestry to reach its full potential in East Africa’s drylands, coordinated action is required:

• Stronger policy implementation – existing guidelines must be translated into practical, on‑the‑ground action.
• Investment in infrastructure – improved roads, water systems and local facilities are essential for farmers.
• Research and innovation – more resources are needed for education, experimentation and long-term agroforestry development.
• Gender equality and inclusion – women and marginalized groups must be empowered and actively included in all decision-making processes.

Learn more

Learn more about the East African Dryland Agroforestry Expert Group here.