The setting
In terms of demography, urbanization, and migration, the Horn of Africa presents one of the most compelling challenges in this millennium.
This region is home to over 170 million people and a further population increase of 40% is predicted by 2015.
The Horn of Africa is already seriously affected by land degradation and desertification and the projected population rise will undoubtedly increase the pressure on land use and aggravate the spiralling effects of land degradation, especially where unsustainable farming systems are utilized.
These statistics come against a general backdrop of conflict over natural resources and the looming threat of humanitarian crisis.
Between 1982 and 1992, about two million people died in the Horn of Africa due to the cumulative effects of war and famine and experts believe that the region has some of the world’s highest levels of malnutrition.