Adaptation priorities for East African countries have been identified through National Communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) and studies conducted by regional experts. These documents reveal that East African countries share many of the same concerns, including impacts on: agriculture, pastoralism and food security; freshwater resources; forestry and sustainable land management; human health; and the need for improved weather forecasting, early warning and climate risk reduction. East African countries and experts have identified a number of priority adaptation options that would allow these countries to respond to climate change within these areas, including the following measures

• Agriculture, pastoralism and food security: promoting crop insurance systems, crop switching, enhanced rangeland management practices, sustainable land-use management, improved weather forecasting for farmers, and the adoption of climate resilient agricultural practices.

• Freshwater resources: integrated water resources management, conservation measures, the creation of water reservoirs, and the development of water recycling facilities.

• Forestry and sustainable land management: promotion of forestry and agro-forestry practice on farms and homesteads in arid and semi-arid areas; engaging in activities aimed at combatting desertification; the development of energy source alternatives to firewood; and the creation of community forest fire prevention plans.

• Human health: enhancement of public health campaigns and malaria containment programs; ensuring the availability of trained health staff; and surveillance of diseases and data collection.