CILSS supports member countries in formulating and implementing policies and programs related to agriculture, food security, climate change adaptation, and water resource management.

It coordinates policy development and implementation efforts to address demographic, migration and employment challenges, while strengthening regional cooperation to combat food insecurity and mitigate the impacts of drought and climate change.

It conducts studies and research on issues related to food security, natural resource management, and climate change, and disseminates information to raise awareness among member states and the international community.

CILSS works to mobilize the necessary resources to fund regional and sub-regional programs addressing food self-sufficiency and desertification control.