The nomadic Gabra in North Horr, northern Kenya. Credit: Sommarat Chantarat/ Cornell University

In the arid, dusty Marsabit region of northern Kenya, most people rely on livestock   for food, milk and income   to survive. So when a drought hits the already desertlike area and plants and animals begin to die, the entire population is at risk of famine.

And because northern Kenya experiences drought about every four years, herders lose most or all of their herds on a semi-regular basis, making it impossible for them to accumulate assets and climb out of poverty.

Read more… (Cornell chronicle, March 2, 2010)