This technical background paper dives deep into pastoral systems in Africa's drylands in the face of a changing climate – and complements a shorter policy brief. It highlights the remarkable ability of pastoralists to adapt to the impacts of climate change, gives valuable insights and offers lessons e.g. for smallholder farming in drylands. The publication explores key factors enabling and hampering the resilience of pastoral systems. It demonstrates the link between pastoralists’ climate resilience and agroecological principles of good governance and diversification. As an appropriate enabling environment is based on good governance, access to land and water, strong customary institutions, diversification and integration of different systems.