From October 2024 to March 2026, the East African Dryland Agroforestry Expert Group brought together experts from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to strengthen food and nutrition security in dryland regions. Through research‑policy dialogue, farmer engagement, and strategic communication, the group worked to elevate agroforestry as a practical, evidence‑based solution for communities facing climate stress.
Why dryland agroforestry matters
Globally, more and more areas dry up. UN statistics indicate that twice as many people around the world lived in drylands in 2020 compared to1990—about 2.3 billion people, or more than 25% percent of the global population.
Zooming in on East Africa, over two thirds of Kenya and about one third of Tanzania and Uganda are drylands (arid or semi-arid). Dryland communities across East Africa face intensifying droughts, sudden floods, resource conflicts and declining soil fertility.
Agroforestry — integrating trees into farming and pastoral systems — has strong potential to restore land, improve yields, and support biodiversity in drylands. Using this nature-based solution, yields can double over a five-year period (see the group’s policy brief ). This increase in resources can in turn deescalate resource conflict. If introduced in a mindful way, it can also help empower women and marginalized groups through securing land rights.
Policy recommendations from the expert group
- Strengthen policy and institutional frameworks for agroforestry: Harmonize agroforestry across sectors (agriculture, environment, climate), mainstream it intro programmes and enhance regional coordination.
- Increase funding and financial incentives: Establish funding mechanisms for agroforestry and dryland communities, provide economic incentives for agroforestry and value chains deriving from it.
- Invest in capacity building and farmer support: Scale up extension services, strengthen research and innovation, and implement systems to track progress.
- Secure land tenure and governance: guarantee land rights to make agroforestry worthwhile — especially for women and marginalized groups. Resolve land-use conflicts.
- Foster inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships: Co-develop policies, ensure equitable access to information and decision-making, and strengthen fair market access.
Key achievements during the project
- A regional policy brief launched (July 2025). The group published a policy brief on scaling agroforestry in drylands which became a central tool in regional conversations on climate adaptation and food systems. It was launched at a well‑attended webinar and received strong media uptake.
- Strong engagement during Agroforestry Symposiums in Tanzania. Expert group members contributed to panels, dialogues and policy discussions at Vi Agroforestry’s annual Symposiums 2024 and 2025. This helped translate policy recommendations into concrete action with local authorities and partners.
- Visibility for community leadership. Stories from groups successfully practicing dryland agroforestry, such as Paran Women Group in Narok, Kenya were featured in national media and digital campaigns, helping shift narratives and attract policymaker’s attention to local solutions.
- Enhanced regional collaboration. Throughout 2025, the group strengthened exchanges among experts in three countries, shaped agendas at regional events, and contributed to global platforms including a presentation at the 6th World Congress on Agroforestry.
Coordination and support
The East African Dryland Agroforestry Expert Group was a project implemented with support from the Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative, SIANI. The group members contributed pro bono. Their efforts were coordinated by staff from Vi Agroforestry. 
Project name: East African Dryland Agroforestry Expert Group
Theme: Food and nutrition security, climate resilience, biodiversity, land restoration through agroforestry in drylands.
Context and mission: Dryland regions in East Africa face significant challenges in food and nutrition security due to harsh climatic conditions and unsustainable land management practices. The project promoted sustainable agroforestry practices in dryland regions to improve food security and land management.
Duration: October 2024 – March 2026
Locations: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
Target group: The project targeted farmers, pastoralists, and policymakers in drylands in East Africa.
More info: The SIANI website contains news and updates from the Expert Group during 2025.