Agricultural research in marginal dry areas can contribute to reducing poverty through the development of technological, institutional and policy options for poor farmers. Such research should address diversified opportunities and development pathways. This article analyses the diversity of livelihood strategies of rural people living in the Khanasser Valley in northwestern Syria, an area that is typical of marginal drylands. It proposes an operational classification of households based on their different livelihood strategies, applying an integrated methodology within a Sustainable Livelihoods framework. Households are classified into three clusters: agriculturists, labourers and pastoralists. The article examines the diversity of livelihoods involved, and considers where and how research should be directed to have greatest impact on poverty. Given that rural households are not homogeneous but dynamic entities, with diverse assets, capabilities and opportunities, the definition of household typologies can help to target development research. The article concludes that while agriculturists benefit most, poor labourers with enough land can also gain from pro-poor agricultural research. The poorest households with little land, and pastoralists, benefit little or only indirectly.

Ethiopia faces a growing challenge of balancing natural resource utilisation with long-term sustainability. Its linear economic model leads to unsustainable waste generation from agriculture, urban populations, and the industry sectors. This paper explores the potential of a circular bioeconomy (CBE) as a solution. By promoting closed-loop systems that minimise waste and maximise resource use, CBE offers a pathway for Ethiopia to achieve sustainable resource management, economic growth, and better livelihood opportunities. CBE business models create valuable products such as organic fertiliser, biochar, bioenergy, and alternative proteins. CBE practices provide new income opportunities for farmers and urban dwellers and reduce the country’s reliance on virgin resources, chemical fertiliser, and non-renewable energy while addressing environmental pollution and soil depletion. Major organic waste streams in Ethiopia that could be recovered and reused include agricultural crop residues, animal manure, human excrement, and industrial sludge. Addressing the vast untapped potential of resource recovery from waste, this study analyses opportunities and challenges associated with promoting CBE in Ethiopia, focusing on analysing the regulatory framework, business licensing and registration procedure, government support, access to finance, and business support services. The paper employs a comprehensive desk review of peer-reviewed literature complemented by grey literature to capture recent trends or non-traditional research aspects. Semi-structured interviews with sector experts were conducted to fill information gaps. Key findings of this study are that a robust regulatory framework, streamlined business registration, and access to finance are critical for creating an enabling investment climate for CBE. Government support, business networks, and support services can empower CBE ventures and contribute to sustainable resource management. By focusing on policy interventions that combine sustainable waste management and livelihood creation, CBE can significantly contribute to achieving a more sustainable development path for all Ethiopians.

Central Asia faces substantial water scarcity due to increasing water demand driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, economic development, and inefficiency of irrigated agriculture. These developments are compounded by the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, loss of glacier mass and increased frequency of extreme events, including droughts. The region’s escalating water scarcity is causing disputes and straining rural livelihoods. Moreover, these challenges drive migration, creating considerable societal impacts. However, these issues remain underexplored in climate change research, making the region a global blind spot in climate adaptation and migration studies. We advocate for innovative research pathways that scrutinize smallholder adaptation strategies, examine the nexus between climate change, water scarcity, and mobility, and investigate tensions and cooperation over water resources. We conclude by emphasizing that substantial investments in inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, improved data availability and quality, and strengthening of research and institutional capacities are essential to advance interdisciplinary climate impact research in Central Asia. Such efforts are vital for addressing existing knowledge gaps and enhancing evidence-based policymaking to improve the region’s position in current and future debates on climate change and sustainable development.