The paper presents a summary of the challenges, opportunities and policies adopted by the three East African countries – Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania – to address the production and marketing of goods and services from drylands. It also provides recommendations on policy that could enhance production and marketing of relevant products. Being the driest areas of the region, the drylands of East Africa face unique challenges, which affect lives and livelihoods of their residents.

At the onset, the report illustrates that although the relevant areas have a harsh climate, they nevertheless host substantial natural and economic potential, which, if developed, could be the basis for alternative livelihood options for the local people. However, drylands areas also have significant potential, which can be converted into beneficial economic opportunities with the right mix of policies, investments in infrastructure, and access to credit and markets.