This research team contributes to developing environmentally sound livestock based strategies to reduce vulnerability of pastoral and agro pastoral livelihoods to hazards like weather conditions and climate change, market fluctuations and insecurity .
As pressure on livestock production systems in pastoral areas continues to increase, this research will develop strategies for livestock based livelihood growth in areas where the environment offers possibilities.  Options for diversifying livelihoods with alternative income sources with reduced environmental pressure will also be explored. This may include a collection of ecosystem products and payment for livestock based environmental services in the fields of water and biological conservation as well as climate change mitigation.