The role of trees in enhancing resilience to drought, floods and other extreme events in the drylands of Eastern Africa is the subject of a new study by scientists from the World Agroforestry Centre.

The study compiles information on: the need for enhanced resilience; the conceptual links between trees and resilience; the distribution of trees in East Africa's drylands; the ecosystem services provided by trees; the links between resilience and livelihoods; and solutions and opportunities for further action.

Several recommendations are contained in the study, including the need to support and expand knowledge on trees and resilience in East African drylands, strengthen tenure security and institutions to support sustainable tree management and build capacity for integrating resilience into development projects.

Download the study:

de Leeuw J, Njenga M, Wagner B and Iiyama M (2014). Treesilience – An assessment of the resilience provided by trees in the drylands of Eastern Africa. World Agroforestry Centre. Nairobi, Kenya.