The study on which this Synthesis Paper is based analyses and highlights demographic trends, settlement patterns and service provision in pastoralist areas in the Horn and East Africa. It presents patterns and trends that describe the transition process that pastoralism is going through, and explores factors influencing it. It also draws on experience, evidence and lessons from
the Horn and East Africa, to tackle some of the most salient issues concerning pastoral livelihoods, emphasising the need for a better understanding of the pastoralist system in order to promote the resilience of these livelihoods and inform policies and interventions in the ASALs. Throughout the paper, the complexity of the issues is recognised; the study does not aim to provide answers, but rather to highlight issues and pose questions that policy-makers, politicians and other key stakeholders need to address.