Instead of the deluge of external interventions, ways must be found to build resilience from below, drawing on local practices and networks.
Conservation that places less emphasis on who may or may not use a piece of land could result in better outcomes for people and wildlife.
Conflict is prevalent in the region characterised by harsh climate, vast wilderness and low levels of development.
The next year appears likely to bring another sequence of La Niña-related droughts to eastern East Africa. The time to act is now or many will suffer.