Results

The first papers of the Drylands Transform project were published during 2025. Two of those papers are the result of research focusing on human health, livelihood strategies and resilience.

The first paper describes the baseline survey of the Drylands Transform project, its setting, methods and key findings. In short:

Paper: “Livelihood dynamics and challenges to wellbeing in the drylands of rural East Africa – the Drylands Transform study population in the Karamoja border region” by Schumann et al. (link: https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2490330).

Main findings: Pastoralist and agropastoralist communities in the Karamoja border region between Kenya and Uganda face high levels of poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition.

Added knowledge: There are considerable variations in malnutrition and other challenges for wellbeing between sites in the study region.

Global health impact for policy and action: Income diversification and improvement of kitchen gardens can contribute to food security, women empowerment and sustainable development in impoverished rural areas.

The second paper is part of Joseph Lule Kyanjo’s PhD-studies at Umeå University. He conducted gender-separated focus group interviews with pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in northeastern Uganda to explore rural community perceptions and experiences regarding maternal employment in relation to aspects of child nutrition and health. In short:

Paper: “Balancing maternal employment and child nutrition and health: a grounded theory study of rural communities in Northeastern Uganda” by Kyanjo et al. (link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21978-z).

Main findings: Cultural norms and economic pressure were crucial factors in maternal employment decisions.

Added knowledge: Access to income emerged as the main pathway through which maternal employment leads to better child nutrition and health. However, this benefit often comes at the cost of reduced time for childcare, which is perceived to be detrimental to child nutrition and health.

Global health impact for policy and action: Enhancing access to productive resources and employment, particularly for women is crucial for addressing undernutrition. Policies must support the development and access to childcare options that are feasible for women in rural areas and in informal employment to effectively balance employment and childcare.

The third paper is part of Hawah Nabweteme’s Master’s degree studies. This paper utilises the baseline and a follow-up survey to analyse the variations in shock experiences and the coping strategies adopted by these communities. In short:

Paper: “Livelihood security shocks and coping strategies in the drylands of Kenya and Uganda – a seasonal analysis. In: Development Studies Research” by Nabweteme, et al. https://doi.org/10.1080/21665095.2025.2516434.

Main findings: Shocks are generally more frequent in Uganda’s drylands compared to Kenya. Women-headed households, larger families, and those based in Uganda’s drylands face greater vulnerability. Typical coping strategies include cutting back on food, utilisation of savings, borrowing money and sale of livestock.

Added knowledge: The study reveals clear differences in vulnerability and coping between Uganda and Kenya, with female-headed and larger households in Uganda’s drylands particularly at risk. There is a heavy reliance on short-term measures, which may harm long-term livelihood prospects.

Global health impact for policy and action: Recommendations include bolstering social protection and inclusion, and provision of better technical support to develop agro-pastoral systems. Strong government and institutional backing are essential to enhance resilience and reduce the impact of shocks in these regions.