This joint evaluation synthesis analyses the results of FAO's and IFAD's support to pastoral development between 2003 and 2013. It does so by reviewing the evidence contained in the evaluation reports that both organizations produced during this period. The overriding aim of the Evaluation Synthesis is to draw useful lessons and develop sound recommendations to assist FAO and IFAD in their future engagement in pastoral development activities. The report defines areas of common interest and future joint work possibilities for the two organizations while recognizing their respective mandates. The joint evaluation synthesis is timely. In the face of growing challenges posed by climate change, and the new economic and political realities, pastoralism can offer a resilient production system which prospers in landscapes where other livelihood systems are either at their limit or require large investment. Mobile pastoralism is able to take advantage not only of scarcity of resources but also of the resource variability created by discontinuous rainfall and plant growth. This variability creates serious problems for farmers, but not necessarily for mobile livestock producers. Under certain conditions such variability can even be turned into an asset, for example when mobile herders gain access for their animals to nutrients in fodder which peak at different times in different places. Therefore, interest in pastoral systems is growing globally, as demonstrated by a number of new large programmes being implemented by the World Bank, the Department for International Development, non-governmental organizations and others. This evaluation synthesis highlights the prevailing challenges for pastoralism. Past performance of some development work based on incorrect assumptions (e.g. viewing pastoral development as an irrational way of life that is barely able to cope with a harsh environment) has left a problematic legacy and unintended consequences that must be acknowledged and addressed. The synthesis found many differences in how pastoral development has been understood and approached in the various projects and programmes as well as in how to bring about and measure progress. The fact that these differences exist for agencies, and indeed individual evaluators, highlights the need for a more strategic approach. The synthesis, and discussions around it, provide an opportunity to rethink ways of working at a time when fresh impetus, drive and direction are critical to address the challenges of rural poverty. The findings from this synthesis will provide useful information to the special session of the Farmers' Forum on livestock issues and pastoralism that is scheduled for February 2016.