The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has released its 2024 annual report, offering a great look at some of the progress made across its eight East African members in a year marked by political tension and climate pressure.
From strengthening food systems in drought-hit areas to easing cross-border tensions and supporting peace talks, the report shows how small interventions added up across the eight IGAD member states Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan.
The report is aligned with IGAD’S Vision 2050 and Strategic Plan 2021-2025, with the report showcasing how IGAD’S efforts have bolstered food security, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, regional integration, social inclusion, and peacebuilding across the region.
As the Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu noted, this has been made possible through innovative projects and strategic partnerships.
“Through partnerships with member states, regional organisations, and international stakeholders, we have implemented cross-border initiatives that tackle the root causes of vulnerability while promoting long-term stability and growth.”
Building Food Systems Resilience
In Kenya and Ethiopia, communities received support to better track drought and respond earlier.
Farmers in Uganda and Somalia were given drought-resistant seeds and training on how to deal with changing weather.
In Djibouti, coastal communities improved their fishing practices. South Sudan saw degraded grazing land restored to help pastoral families recover after years of instability.
Advancing Natural Resources Management
IGAD also backed land policy reforms in Uganda and South Sudan, while helping women in Somalia get legal access to land a big step in a place where rights are still tied to clan politics.
Pastoral land use planning in Ethiopia’s Afar region and Kenya’s Turkana County reduced conflicts over grazing areas, while restoration projects in Sudan targeted degraded lands, enhancing environmental sustainability.
Strengthening Climate Change Resilience
Beyond agriculture, the report covers climate programs in countries like Sudan, where weather forecasting services were upgraded, and Kenya, where water-saving irrigation projects were rolled out. IGAD also supported digital tools to help farmers reach markets faster.
Ethiopia’s national meteorological agency benefited from capacity-building programs, training forecasters to deliver precise climate services.
Across the region, climate-smart agriculture practices, such as water-efficient irrigation in Kenya, reduced vulnerabilities for farmers.
The introduction of the CUWALID hydrological model in Uganda and predictive analytics for disaster displacement in Somalia guided targeted interventions, minimizing the impact of climate-related disasters.
Fostering Regional Trade and Integration
Through digital and energy projects was seen in Djibouti and Kenya, the Desert to Power initiative advanced renewable energy development, with solar projects boosting energy access in rural areas.
Harmonized digital regulations in Ethiopia and Uganda facilitated secure ICT access, paving the way for digital trade. Upgraded trade corridors between Somalia and Kenya, enhanced market connectivity.
“These initiatives lay the foundation for inclusive growth, job creation, and sustainable development.” Dr. Gebeyehu remarked.
Promoting Social Inclusion and Empowerment
Health and education weren’t left out. In refugee camps, IGAD-supported TB programs continued.
Ethiopia moved toward digital health systems. And regional scholarships helped students from countries like Somalia continue their studies.
Education programs expanded access to quality learning, with regional scholarships benefiting students in Somalia and Djibouti.
Social protection frameworks in Sudan and Kenya targeted vulnerable groups, including refugees and persons with disabilities, fostering inclusive development.
Securing Peace and Stability
IGAD remained active on peace and security in Sudan’s, stalled transition and continued its diplomacy in South Sudan.
The agency also flagged maritime security in the Red Sea and anti-extremism efforts in Somalia as key parts of its 2024 work.
“IGAD will persist in promoting cooperation, inclusivity, and sustainability across all our initiatives. Together, we advance towards a future where every citizen of the IGAD region enjoys peace, dignity, and prosperity.” the IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu reaffirmed
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