The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has convened a three-day regional consultative meeting bringing together Member States to advance the development of the RECOVER-HORN Regional Climate Resilience Programme.
Organised through IGAD’s Agriculture and Environment Division (AED) in collaboration with the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), the meeting brings together technical experts from across the region to refine a coordinated and bankable programme aimed at addressing the escalating impacts of climate change in the Horn of Africa.
The region continues to grapple with recurrent droughts, floods, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and rising food and livelihood insecurity.
The RECOVER-HORN initiative is designed to respond to these challenges by promoting climate-resilient development through evidence-based solutions and strengthened regional cooperation.
Speaking during the opening session, the Director of IGAD’s Agriculture and Environment Division, Mr. Daher Elmi Houssein, emphasised the urgency of collective action, noting that the region’s climate challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected.
He said the RECOVER-HORN programme represents a timely response that seeks to translate shared regional priorities into practical, scalable actions capable of strengthening resilience, safeguarding livelihoods, and supporting sustainable development.
The initiative has identified five key priority areas to guide its implementation: climate-resilient agricultural systems, climate information and early warning mechanisms, integrated natural resources management, livelihood recovery and diversification, and enhanced institutional coordination and regional integration.
Hosting the meeting, Djibouti reaffirmed its commitment to regional collaboration.
Representing the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Mouktar Mahamoud Waberi welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of joint action and innovation in addressing climate risks affecting communities across the region.
Over the course of the consultations, participants are reviewing the proposed programme framework and working to establish effective coordination mechanisms to ensure inclusive and efficient implementation.
The RECOVER-HORN programme builds on IGAD’s strength in regional coordination, resilience programming, and climate services, positioning it as a key instrument in addressing climate vulnerability across Member States.
The consultative meeting marks a critical step toward shaping a unified regional response to climate risks, as countries in the Horn of Africa seek sustainable pathways to protect ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and build long-term resilience.