essay of drought and desertification

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• Introduction

The global reach of desertification

Causes and consequences of desertification, irrigated croplands.

• Rain-fed croplands
• Grazing lands
• Dry woodlands
• Solutions to desertification

• What are the abiotic and biotic components of the biosphere?

desertification

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• UC Berkeley - Ecohydrology and Water and Society Lab - Desertification
• Academia.edu - Desertification: Description, Causes and Impacts
• Nature - Scientific Reports - Desertification of Iran in the early twenty-first century: assessment using climate and vegetation indices
• National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Analysis of desertification combating needs based on potential vegetation NDVI—A case in the Hotan Oasis
• USGS - Desertification
• Geosciences LibreTexts - Desertification
• European Parliament - Desertification and agriculture
• NASA - Earth Observatory - Desertification
• Young People's Trust for the Environment - Desertification
• desertification - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

desertification , the process by which natural or human causes reduce the biological productivity of drylands (arid and semiarid lands). Declines in productivity may be the result of climate change , deforestation , overgrazing, poverty , political instability, unsustainable irrigation practices, or combinations of these factors. The concept does not refer to the physical expansion of existing deserts but rather to the various processes that threaten all dryland ecosystems , including deserts as well as grasslands and scrublands .

Slightly less than half of Earth’s ice-free land surface—approximately 52 million square km (about 20 million square miles)—is drylands, and these drylands cover some of the world’s poorest countries. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) notes that desertification has affected 36 million square km (14 million square miles) of land and is a major international concern. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification , the lives of 250 million people are affected by desertification, and as many as 135 million people may be displaced by desertification by 2045, making it one of the most severe environmental challenges facing humanity.

Africa is the continent most affected by desertification, and one of the most obvious natural borders on the landmass is the southern edge of the Sahara desert . The countries that lie on the edge of the Sahara are among the poorest in the world, and they are subject to periodic droughts that devastate their peoples. African drylands (which include the Sahara, the Kalahari , and the grasslands of East Africa) span 20 million square km (about 7.7 million square miles), some 65 percent of the continent. One-third of Africa’s drylands are largely uninhabited arid deserts, while the remaining two-thirds support two-thirds of the continent’s burgeoning human population. As Africa’s population increases, the productivity of the land supporting this population declines. Some one-fifth of the irrigated cropland, three-fifths of the rain-fed cropland, and three-fourths of the rangeland have been at least moderately harmed by desertification.

In general, desertification is caused by variations in climate and by unsustainable land-management practices in dryland environments . By their very nature, arid and semiarid ecosystems are characterized by sparse or variable rainfall. Thus, climatic changes such as those that result in extended droughts can rapidly reduce the biological productivity of those ecosystems. Such changes may be temporary, lasting only a season, or they may persist over many years and decades. On the other hand, plants and animals are quick to take advantage of wetter periods, and productivity can rapidly increase during these times.

Since dryland environments are used for a variety of human purposes (such as agriculture , animal grazing, and fuelwood collection), the various activities undertaken in them can exacerbate the problem of desertification and bring about lasting changes to dryland ecosystems. In 1977, at the United Nations Conference on Desertification (UNCOD) in Nairobi , Kenya , representatives and delegates first contemplated the worldwide effects of desertification. The conference explored the causes and contributing factors and also possible local and regional solutions to the phenomenon. In addition, the delegates considered the varied consequences of desertification, such as crop failures or decreased yields in rain-fed farmland, the loss of perennial plant cover and thus loss of forage for livestock , reduced woody biomass and thus scarcity of fuelwood and building materials, a decrease in potable water stocks from reductions in surface water and groundwater flow, increased sand dune intrusion onto croplands and settlements, increased flooding due to rising sedimentation in rivers and lakes , and amplified air and water pollution from dust and sedimentation.

Four areas affected by desertification

To better understand how climatic changes and human activities contribute to the process of desertification, the consequences listed above can be grouped into four broad areas:

• Irrigated croplands, whose soils are often degraded by the accumulation of salts .
• Rain -fed croplands, which experience unreliable rainfall and wind-driven soil erosion .
• Grazing lands, which are harmed by overgrazing, soil compaction , and erosion.
• Dry woodlands, which are plagued by the overconsumption of fuelwood.

Nearly 2,750,000 square km (about 1,062,000 square miles) of croplands are irrigated. Over 60 percent of these irrigated areas occur in drylands. Certainly, some dryland areas have been irrigated for millennia, but other areas are more fragile. Of the irrigated dryland, 30 percent (an area roughly the size of Japan) is moderately to severely degraded, and this percentage is increasing.

The main cause of declining biological productivity in irrigated croplands is the accumulation of salts in the soil. There is an important difference between rainwater and the water used for dryland irrigation . Rainwater results from the condensation of water evaporated by sunlight . Essentially, rainwater is distilled seawater or lake water. In contrast, water used for irrigation is the result of runoff from precipitation . Runoff percolates through the soil, dissolving and collecting much of the salts it encounters, before finding its way into rivers or aquifers . When used to irrigate crops, runoff evaporates and leaves behind much of the salts that it collected. Irrigated crops need an average of 80 cm (about 30 inches) of water annually. These salts can build up in the soil unless additional water is used to flush them out. This process can rapidly transform productive land into relatively barren salt flats scattered with halophytes (plants adapted to high levels of salt in the soil).

Most salt-degraded cropland occurs in Asia and southwestern North America , which account for 75 and 15 percent of the worldwide total, respectively. In Asia, Iraq has lost over 70 percent of its irrigated land to salt accumulation. In Russia, much of the irrigated land located where the Volga River runs into the Caspian Sea may last only until the middle of the 21st century before the buildup of salts makes it virtually unusable. Such losses are not restricted to developing countries. In the United States , salt accumulation has lowered crop yields across more than 50,000 square km (19,000 square miles), an area that is about a quarter of the country’s irrigated land.

What is drought? Causes, impact & countries most affected

East Africa is facing its worst drought in 40 years, with over 1.4 million people displaced by drought in Somalia alone. Learn more about drought, what causes it, and how we can support those most impacted.

Around the world, droughts are becoming increasingly common due to rising global temperatures — and have serious impacts, leading to crop failures, famine and malnutrition. 

East Africa , for example, is facing its worst drought in years, affecting 40 million people. Many are facing near-famine and malnutrition because of the drought’s impact on food supplies. 

Learn more about drought, what causes it, and what the IRC is doing to help in East Africa. 

Support our work

What is drought .

Drought is caused by a lack of rainfall, causing serious water shortages. It can be fatal.  

More specifically, drought is defined by a period of unusually dry weather caused by low rainfall and high temperatures. It is also defined in terms of the impact on agriculture when crops fail due to lack of moisture in soil, leading to food shortages and serious human impacts such as famine in severe cases. 

Unlike other extreme weather events that are more sudden, like earthquakes or hurricanes, droughts happen gradually. But they can be just as deadly as other weather hazards—if not more so. Drought has affected more people in the last 40 years than any other natural disaster.  

The severity of drought worsens over time. When it arrives, drought can last for weeks, months, or years—sometimes, the effects last decades. 

What causes drought?  

Droughts can be triggered by natural causes such as weather patterns. But increasingly they are caused by human activity. 

Human causes of drought 

Climate change : Global warming makes extreme weather more likely. It can make places drier by increasing evaporation. When land becomes so dry, an impermeable crust forms, so when it does rain, water runs off the surface, meaning sometimes flash flooding occurs. 

Deforestation : Plants and trees capture and release water into the atmosphere, which creates clouds and then rain. Scientists have observed a relationship between deforestation and drought. 

Agriculture : Intensive farming contributes to deforestation in the first instance but can also affect the absorbency of the soil, meaning it dries out much more quickly. 

High water demand : There are several reasons water demand might outweigh the supply, including intensive agriculture and population spikes. Also, high demand upstream in rivers (for dams or irrigation) can cause drought in lower, downstream areas. 

Other natural causes of drought 

Changes in ocean temperatures : El Niño and La Niña are climate patterns that can cause drought in some parts of the world. El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can lead to drought in the southwestern United States and southern Africa. La Niña is characterized by cooler-than-average ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can lead to drought in Australia and Indonesia. 

The jet stream : The jet stream is a band of strong winds that flows high in the atmosphere. Changes in the jet stream can cause drought in some areas by bringing in dry air from other parts of the world. 

How are people impacted by drought? 

Risk of famine .

Drought causes food insecurity when crops fail. When a substantial part of the population can no longer access food this is known as famine and results in widespread acute malnutrition, disease and death across the affected region. 

East Africa is currently experiencing widespread food shortages and near-famine, with millions of children under 5 suffering from severe acute malnutrition. 

Malnutrition 

A lack of nutritious food caused by food shortages leads to acute malnutrition. Children suffering from malnutrition are a high risk category. Deprived of essential vitamins and minerals required for their proper growth, they are prone to disease, severe developmental delays and even death.   

Effective treatment for children suffering from malnutrition exists, but often does not reach those most in need. The IRC has developed a simplified process for treating malnutrition in order to reach more children with lower costs. 

Increase in diseases 

Drought affects vital access to clean drinking water. This can lead to people drinking contaminated water, which brings about outbreaks of diseases like cholera and typhoid. These diseases can also spread in places with poor sanitation, another side-effect of having no clean water. 

It can cause wildfires 

Dry conditions can cause wildfires that burn remaining vegetation and endanger homes. Fires can also impact air quality and exacerbate chronic lung conditions. 

People are displaced 

People must travel further to find clean water. This usually falls to women and children, who must sacrifice other work and school to carry out an incredibly physical task. 

Without access to clean water or food, many must permanently leave their homes in order to survive. The World Health Organization states , “Water scarcity impacts 40% of the world’s population, and as many as 700 million people are at risk of being displaced as a result of drought by 2030.” 

Related : Meet the people displaced by drought in Somalia  

It can feed into conflict 

Research has also found that drought exacerbates existing conflicts. People migrating en masse from areas of drought and famine can result in increased political tensions and conflict due to increased competition for resources. There is evidence that drought contributed to the conflict in Syria , for example. 

Flash flooding 

Flooding can also be a risk in the same geographical areas that suffer from drought. 

Rain after a drought sounds like it ought to be a good thing, but after a prolonged period of dryness, sudden heavy rainfall can lead to hazardous flash flooding like that seen in Pakistan.  

This is because droughts leave the ground hard and baked, with little to no plant cover and low soil quality, which prevents rain from saturating the ground. Instead, when waterfalls in a large quantity and at speed—like in a thunderstorm—it runs over the parched ground. 

Which countries are in a drought? 

Droughts can occur all around the world. However, the effects of drought vary by region.  

Droughts bring the most risk to areas with high-pressure weather systems that are already prone to desertification. Developing countries are also more vulnerable to the socio-economic effects of drought due to a large percentage of their population being employed in the agriculture industry.  

East Africa 

In Africa droughts pose a high risk and the following countries in East Africa are severely affected by drought: 

Somalia where drought is leading to near-famine conditions 

Kenya which has experienced a record six below average rainy seasons 

Ethiopia has seen six below average rainy seasons in a drought affecting 31 million people 

Over 40 million people have been impacted by the drought across East Africa. The drought affecting countries like Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia began in October 2020. Throughout these regions, insecurity, severe drought, and an exponential increase in food prices have brought millions to the brink of famine. 

“Somalia is seeing the worst of the crisis, with over 200,000 already living in the most extremes of hunger, but the challenge is regional,” says Abukar Mohamud, IRC’s Deputy Director of Programs for Somalia. “Across East Africa, people are facing the worst drought in 40 years.  

“People are not just dying due to a lack of food. Hunger means their weakened bodies cannot fight off diseases like diarrhea, measles or malaria, so death rates are high. Children are particularly at risk and often die at double the rate of adults. And those who survive will face ill health for the rest of their lives. The 2011 famine saw over 250,000 people die of hunger – half of whom were children.” 

What is the IRC doing to help in East Africa? 

East Africa is home to some of the IRC’s longest-running programs globally. Today, over 2,000 IRC staff in the region are scaling up our programs to address the current drought and rising food insecurity, including expanding to new areas to meet severe needs. 

This includes health programming, food and cash assistance, and providing clean water.  

A new approach to treating malnutrition 

Currently, 80% of malnourished children do not have access to treatment. The IRC has developed a streamlined approach for treatment so that more children can access treatment and recover. We are working to raise funds and remove blocks so that this treatment can be distributed at scale in places like East Africa.  

How can I help?

Around the world, our staff are working around the clock to ensure families can survive, recover and regain control of their futures. Donate now to support our work.

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Essay on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience

Essay on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience is one of the important essay topics as Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience is theme of World Environment Day 2024 . Lets see Essay on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.

In an era marked by environmental degradation and climate change , the imperative to restore and conserve land, combat desertification, and enhance drought resilience has never been more pressing. Land restoration, the process of reversing the degradation of soils and ecosystems, holds the key to sustaining livelihoods, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Coupled with efforts to combat desertification and build resilience to drought, it forms a crucial pillar of global environmental sustainability initiatives.

Land Restoration:

Land restoration involves a range of practices aimed at rehabilitating degraded landscapes, revitalizing ecosystems, and improving soil health. Afforestation and reforestation efforts play a vital role in restoring degraded lands by enhancing carbon sequestration, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Additionally, sustainable land management practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and watershed management promote soil conservation, water retention, and biodiversity conservation.

Furthermore, restoring degraded ecosystems through measures like wetland restoration, grassland rehabilitation, and mangrove reforestation not only enhances ecosystem services but also supports local communities' resilience to climate-related hazards such as floods and storms. By restoring the functionality of ecosystems, land restoration contributes to the conservation of biodiversity , the provision of clean water, and the mitigation of climate change impacts.

Desertification:

Desertification, the process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid and degraded, poses significant challenges to human well-being, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability. It is often exacerbated by unsustainable land use practices, deforestation , overgrazing, and climate variability. Addressing desertification requires integrated approaches that combine sustainable land management, reforestation, soil conservation, and community engagement.

Efforts to combat desertification include the establishment of protected areas, the promotion of sustainable land management practices, and the implementation of reforestation and afforestation initiatives in arid and semi-arid regions. Sustainable land management practices such as agroforestry, terracing, and water harvesting help restore soil fertility, prevent erosion, and enhance water availability , thereby reversing the process of desertification.

Moreover, empowering local communities through capacity building, land tenure reforms, and participatory decision-making processes is essential for ensuring the sustainability of desertification mitigation efforts. By addressing the root causes of desertification and promoting ecosystem resilience, we can safeguard livelihoods, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in vulnerable dryland areas.

Drought Resilience:

Drought, a recurring natural phenomenon characterized by prolonged periods of low precipitation, poses significant challenges to agriculture, water security , and food production. Building resilience to drought involves a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures that enhance water efficiency, promote sustainable land management, and improve community resilience.

Investing in water-saving technologies such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture conservation helps improve water use efficiency and mitigate the impacts of drought on agricultural productivity. Additionally, promoting drought-resistant crop varieties, implementing agroforestry practices, and restoring degraded watersheds contribute to enhancing ecosystem resilience and reducing vulnerability to drought.

Furthermore, enhancing early warning systems, strengthening drought preparedness and response mechanisms, and providing social safety nets for vulnerable communities are essential components of drought resilience-building efforts. By adopting a holistic approach that integrates climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management, and community-based adaptation strategies, we can enhance resilience to drought and ensure the well-being of communities in drought-prone regions.

Conclusion:

Land restoration, desertification mitigation, and drought resilience-building are integral components of global efforts to address environmental degradation, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development. By restoring degraded lands, combating desertification, and building resilience to drought, we can protect ecosystems, support livelihoods, and safeguard the well-being of present and future generations. It is imperative that governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector collaborate to implement integrated solutions that promote land restoration, prevent desertification, and enhance drought resilience, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

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Desertification in Africa: Causes, Effects and Solutions

Climate-induced desertification is having adverse effects on the African continent each year the Earth continues to warm. It impacts the everyday lives of Africans – from their crops, livestock, and housing – to African wildlife and biodiversity. In this article, we take a look at the causes of deforestation in Africa, how this phenomenon affects the continent today and what is being done to curb its effects.

What Is Desertification?

Desertification is “the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation or inappropriate agriculture.” It is where semi-arid lands, such as grasslands or shrublands, decrease and eventually disappear. According to the European Commission’s World Atlas of Desertification , more than 75% of the Earth’s land has already degraded. Unsurprisingly, the majority of desertification stems from climate change due to the destruction caused by extreme weather events, such as droughts and fires. According to the United Nations Development Program’s Drylands Population Assessment II, arid lands account for two-thirds of the African continent and three-quarters of Africa’s drylands used for agriculture.

The United Nations (UN) states that more than 24 billion tonnes of fertile soil disappear yearly due to desertification, which can happen for various reasons. The most common are deforestation , poor agricultural and livestock practices as well as the overexploitation of natural resources. Desertification has massive repercussions on the environment, including loss of biodiversity and vegetation, food insecurity, increased risk of zoonotic diseases (an infectious disease transmitted between species) such as COVID-19, loss of forest cover and shortages of drinking water due to the loss of aquifers.

You might also like: Desertification: Causes, Effects, And Solutions

A Brief History of Desertification in Africa

The origins of the word ‘desertification’ are most commonly attributed to French botanist André Aubréville’s 1949 work on African rainforests, though a study argues that it may even be traced back to the 19th-century French colonial North Africa. Talks of desertification in Africa began when the Comité d’Etudes commissioned a study to explore the prehistoric expansion of the Sahara Desert, which was obviously due to natural occurrences at the time. The phenomenon has existed in Africa for thousands of years and isn’t new. However, with societies developing and human activities rising, desertification has worsened considerably in recent decades.

Africa is home to one of the world’s most famous deserts, the Sahara, which is growing at a rate of 48 kilometres per year . Desertification and the expansion of deserts were not initially primarily due to human-induced climate change like they are nowadays. The world’s greatest deserts formed through natural processes interacting over many years , such as the evaporation of water, upwards winds, the descent of warm air and low humidity.

However, human activity has more recently come to either grow or shrink these deserts. To put human contributions into perspective, the Sahara has been growing rapidly since the 1920s – covering 10% more land than it used to according to a study by National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded scientists at the University of Maryland (UMD). The modern study of desertification that we are familiar with today, which considers climate change, emerged from studying the 1980s drought in the Sahel region – the most vulnerable region on the continent. The Sahel lies between the Saharan Desert and the Sudanian Savannah. It is a 3,000-mile stretch of land that includes ten counties and is under constant stress due to frequent droughts, soil erosion, and population growth which has increased logging, illegal farming and land clearing for housing. 

The 1980s drought is not the first human-induced event that affected the Sahel region. The desert has historically experienced a long series of droughts, but one of the most significant is the Sahelian drought and famine of 1968. It lasted until 1985 and was directly linked to the death of approximately 100,000 people and disruption of millions of lives. Human exploitation of natural resources (such as overgrazing and deforestation) was originally believed to be the sole cause behind the drought. Still, it has been suggested that large-scale climate changes also triggered the drought.

Despite being the most affected area in Africa, the Sahel is not the only region dealing with desertification. Some of the most affected areas include the Karoo in South Africa, which has endured semi-arid conditions for the last 500 years, Somalia, which has suffered three major drought crises in the last decade alone, and Ethiopia, with 75% of its land affected by desertification and a major famine between 1983 and1985. With desertification becoming a more significant problem each year, these consequences will only increase if nothing is done to curb the climate crisis.

Desertification in Africa Today

As of 2022, it is estimated that 60% of the African population lives in arid, semi-arid, dry sub-humid and hyper-arid areas. The Sahel remains the most vulnerable and affected area in the African continent today, as well as globally. This makes it extremely difficult for people to work and make a living due to extremely dry land for growing crops.

“It’s been a rough year,” said Convoy of Hope’s Regional Disaster & Stabilization Specialist, Bryan Burr. “Drought after drought. Animals are dying. Crops aren’t growing. What food they do get is imported grain, and that’s not coming in now.”

Africa’s economy today relies on agriculture, with many Africans making high profits from harvesting and exporting crops such as cowpea, millet, maize, cocoa and cotton. However, it is estimated that as much as 65% of productive land in Africa is degraded – with desertification being the main culprit affecting 45% of the continent and the remaining 55% being at high risk of further degradation. 

According to the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), Africa loses 3 million hectares of its forests a year , leading to a 3% loss of GDP associated with soil and nutrient depletion. Due to the inevitable loss of land productivity, Africa has spent more than $43 billion on annual food imports, and farmers are losing out on profits due to soil infertility. 

Image 1: Desertification and Climate Change in Africa

As a result of these consequences, it is smaller farmers and households that have suffered the most. Degradation of land and the depletion of healthy soils, tree cover and clean water means they can no longer grow crops and provide for themselves. 

“There are almost no more trees, and the grass does not grow anymore. So, each year, we have to go further and further away to find grazing for our cattle,” a Senegalese cattle herder, Khalidou Badaram, told the BBC in 2015.

The consequences of desertification affect not only Africans but also the country’s rich biodiversity and habitats. The continent is home to the world’s second-largest rainforest, the Congo Basin, and hosts 17% of the world’s forests and 31% of woodlands across the Sahel and other regions. However, despite Africa’s abundant rainforests for wildlife to thrive in, desertification has crept in to disrupt some of what animals call home. 

Dr Toroitich Victor, Response Officer for Africa, World Animal Protection, said that “in Africa, drought is one of the greatest disasters that threaten and cause animal deaths” as the changing climate is desertifying their habitat. 

You might also like: Deforestation in Africa: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Since desertification has contributed significantly to farmers’ lack of fertile soil and land to grow and sell crops, many Africans have to turn to other means to make a living. Unfortunately, this may result in a decline of African animal populations. For instance, the Black Rhino is a native species to Africa but has been hunted into near extinction to meet the global demand for the Rhinoceros horn. These Rhinoceros horns can reach up to US$400,000 per kilogram.

Animals such as the African Elephant has suffered a similar fate due to the ivory trade. Gorilla numbers are also plummeting due to habitat loss. Farmers have been forced to make more room for agricultural development since much of the available land is no longer arable. Intensive agriculture methods are responsible for up to 80% of deforestation , the United Nation’s Global Land Outlook 2 report found, highlighting that desertification is having a knock-on impact on various environmental tragedies. 

What Are We Doing to Stop African Desertification? 

Desertification is becoming an increasingly important problem for much of Africa, so initiatives have been implemented to curb its spread. 

“One of the best, most comprehensive solutions [to fixing desertification] is land restoration, which addresses many of the underlying factors of degraded water cycles and the loss of soil fertility,” the UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw told the United Nations. 

With the Sahel region being the most vulnerable and heavily affected by desertification, an initiative known as ‘The Green Wall’ was put in place for the Sahara and Sahel in 2007. Its ambitious aim is to grow an 8,000-kilometre natural wonder across the entire width of Africa in order to increase the amount of arable land bordering the Sahara desert. The idea is that planting more trees will combat desertification, create jobs, increase food security and bring migrated populations back home to Africa. 

The initiative is showing signs of significant progress. 18 million trees have been planted in Senegal since its launch in 200, and the growth of this figure will hopefully prevent the Sahara from advancing on the land most affected by desertification and reduce soil erosion in the process. 37 million acres of degraded land in Ethiopia have also been restored due to this initiative. The Great Green Wall’s goal for 2030 is to restore 247 million acres of destroyed land and create 10 million jobs in affected rural areas.

Due to the scale of disruption caused by climate change in Africa, The ‘Wall’ is only one of many initiatives in place. For instance, to recover lost rainforests and save the remaining forests left in Africa, the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100) was launched in 2015 to restore 100 million hectares by 2030. The roadmap for development Agenda 2063 was also implemented to commit to several issues. These include ecosystem restoration, protecting, restoring and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests and combating desertification. Lastly, a similar initiative to AFR100, the Pan-African Agenda on Ecosystem Restoration for building resilience, led to commitments to restore 200 million hectares of forest in Africa – a much more ambitious commitment than the AFR100 initiative. 

You might also like: The Great Green Wall Receives an Economic Boost, But Is It Enough to Save It?

Although it has taken over a decade to see significant improvements in reversing the devastating effects of desertification, the advances we have seen since initiatives were put in place are major. With millions of hectares of forest regained, which is only growing yearly, the outlook for restoring healthy green land looks positive. AFR100’s goal of restoring 100 million hectares by 2030 is not as far-fetched as we may think despite the ambitious goal, especially since the Great Green wall received $14 billion in funding for the next ten years at the recent One Planet Summit for Biodiversity. This financial support will vastly scale up efforts to restore degraded land, create green jobs, strengthen resilience and protect biodiversity. Despite the catastrophes caused by desertification, there is hope for a green future.

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Combatting desertification: strategies and solutions

Desertification affects vital parts of our lives, such as food security and biodiversity. Discover effective solutions for combating desertification and promoting a sustainable future.

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Desertification: impacts and solutions

Desertification affects vital parts of our lives, such as food security and biodiversity. Let’s discuss the effects of desertification and the best way to address this growing issue. 

• What is desertification?

According to the United Nations, we lose 12 million hectares of fertile land each year to desertification. This statistic is alarming, considering how healthy soil directly influences our livelihoods.

Desertification is when fertile land turns into a desert or semi-arid area. This happens due to a combination of natural and human-induced factors, such as drought, deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable agricultural practices, and changing environmental conditions. Desertification significantly impacts the environment, human health, and economic development, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Read more: Top 10 causes of deforestation

This article discusses the solutions to this global issue and the best strategy to combat desertification using the nature-based approach.

Why is important to prevent desertification?

The importance of combating desertification cannot be overstated. It threatens sustainable development and the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Desertification can result in the loss of soil fertility, biodiversity, and water resources, leading to increased poverty, food insecurity, and conflict. Moreover, desertification releases carbon stored in soils and reduces ecosystems ’ capacity to absorb carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) due to the absence of plants and trees in large areas. 

• Main strategies and solutions for desertification

Several strategies can be implemented to combat desertification and restore degraded lands. The following are examples of the most effective solutions to prevent desertification and restore degraded land.

• Reforestation and afforestation: Planting trees and other vegetation helps prevent soil erosion, enhances soil fertility, and restores degraded ecosystems. This can be achieved through afforestation, which involves planting trees in areas where they were previously absent, or reforestation, which involves restoring degraded forest ecosystems.
• Sustainable land management (SLM): SLM involves adopting sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and soil conservation, to improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce land degradation.
• Water harvesting and management: Water harvesting and management practices, like building small dams, ponds, and other water-storage systems, help increase water availability and reduce the impact of drought in arid and semi-arid regions.
• Conservation of biodiversity: Protecting and conserving biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, improving soil fertility, and mitigating the impact of increased carbon emissions.
• Sustainable energy development: Developing sustainable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce the use of fossil fuels. This eliminates the excessive need to cut down trees that result in more degraded land with erosion and desertification.
• Policy and institutional support: Governments, non-profit organisations, and other stakeholders can provide policy and institutional support to promote sustainable land-management practices, restore degraded lands, and support the livelihoods of communities living in affected areas.

Combating desertification requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of land degradation and promotes reforestation, sustainable land-management practices, water harvesting, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable energy development.

Read more: Reforestation: 10 amazing benefits of planting trees

At DGB Group, we believe in taking tangible and strategic steps to prevent desertification. We plant trees as part of reforestation and afforestation projects and offer a tree-planting subscription for anyone who wants to contribute to ecosystem restoration and conservation.

Find out more: How you can plant trees for your business at scale

Main causes of desertification

There are two types of causes that result in desertification: naturally occurring and human-driven causes.

• Natural causes of desertification

These are indeed natural factors that contribute to desertification. We cannot directly control these factors, but we can proactively address them by strategically planting more trees around agricultural or waterfront areas. The following are natural factors that contribute to desertification:

• Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can result in decreased rainfall and extremely hot weather, leading to soil degradation and desertification.
• D rought can lead to soil erosion and the loss of vegetation cover, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive in the affected area.
• Soil erosion by wind and water can result in the loss of topsoil, which is crucial for plant growth and can lead to soil degradation.
• Human causes of desertification

Human activities are the primary drivers of desertification, with natural causes exacerbating the pro blem. Addressing the root causes of desertification will require reforestation and afforestation , sustainable land-use practices , such as agroforestry and sustainable grazing, and addres sing the underlying economic, political, and social factors that drive unsustainable land-use practices. The following are activities that cause desertification:

• Overgrazing by livestock can result in the removal of vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion and desertification.  

• Deforestation , th e removal of trees and other vegetation, can lead to soil erosion and desertification.
• Unsustainable agricultural practices , such as monoculture and the excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers, can degrade soil quality and contribute to desertification.
• Land-use change and the conversion of natural land cover, such as forests or grasslands, to other uses, such as urban development or mining, can lead to soil degradation and desertification.
• Population growth and urbanisation can increase the demand for food, water, and resources, leading to unsustainable land-use practices and desertification.

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Impact of desertification

Desertification caused by mostly human activities, such as deforestation and urbanisation, further causes environmental, social, and economic changes that lead to more issues in the future. Let’s review the effects of desertification as it relates to economic and environmental stability and the livelihoods of local communities. 

• Environmental effects of desertification
• Loss of vegetation cover: Desertification can lead to the loss of vegetation cover, resulting in soil erosion and the degradation of soil quality.
• Soil degradation: Desertification can result in the degradation of soil quality, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive in the affected area.
• Reduced biodiversity: Desertification can lead to a reduction in biodiversity as species are unable to adapt to the changing conditions.
• Increased vulnerability to changes in weather patterns: Areas affected by desertification are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather pattern changes, such as increased drought and decreased rainfall.
• Economic effects of desertification
• Loss of agricultural productivity: Desertification can lead to a loss of agricultural productivity, making it difficult for farmers to grow crops and raise livestock.
• Decreased water availability: Desertification can decrease water availability, making it difficult for communities to access clean water for drinking and irrigation.
• Loss of livelihoods: Desertification can result in the loss of livelihoods for communities that depend on natural resources for their survival, such as farmers and pastoralists.
• Increased poverty: Desertification can lead to increased poverty as communities struggle to adapt to changing environmental conditions and the loss of natural resources.

Economic value of biodiversity

• Displacement: Desertification can result in the displacement of communities as they are forced to leave their homes in search of food, water, and resources.
• Conflict: Competition for scarce resources can lead to conflict between communities, particularly in areas where resources are already scarce.
• Migration: Desertification can lead to migration as communities are forced to move in search of food, water, and resources.
• Health impacts: Desertification can lead to health impacts, such as malnutrition and disease, as communities struggle to access food and clean water.

Overall, desertification has significant environmental, economic, and social impacts, particularly in developing countries where communities depend heavily on natural resources for survival. Addressing the root causes of desertification and promoting sustainable land-use practices is essential for mitigating these impacts and building resilience in affected communities.

How to prevent desertification

A combination of preventative and remedial measures is needed to combat desertification effectively. Implementing sustainable land-management practices, reforestation and afforestation initiatives, and effective water conservation and management strategies can prevent land degradation and improve the resilience of nature and communities in affected areas.

Read more: Preventing desertification: Top 5 success stories

The restoration of degraded land and vegetation cover through soil and vegetation restoration techniques can also mitigate the effects of desertification and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. Being proactive and preventing desertification is an essential part of nature conservation and socioeconomic stability.

• Preventative measures to address desertification
• Refores tation and afforestation: Planting trees  can help to restore degraded la nd and improve soil quality. Afforestation, the establishment of forests in areas where there were no trees before, can help to mitigate the effects of desertification by reducing erosion and increasing soil fertility.
• Water conservation and management: Effective water conservation and management practices can reduce water scarcity and improve soil moisture, which is crucial for plant growth. Strategies such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and drought-resistant crops can help conserve water and improve crop yields.
• Sustainable land management: Sustainable land-management  pra ctices, such as agroforestry, sustainable grazing, and conservation agriculture, can help to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and increase biodiversity. These practices can also provide economic benefits to local communities by improving agricultural productivity and creating new income-generating opportunities.
• Remedial measures to address desertification

Ecological restoration techniques

Ecological restoration techniques aim to restore natural ecosystems and biodiversity in degraded areas. Some examples of ecological restoration techniques include:

• Re-vegetation: Re-vegetation involves planting native species in degraded areas to restore vegetation cover and improve soil quality.
• Habitat restoration: Habitat restoration involves restoring natural habitats, such as wetlands and forests, to promote biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Landscape restoration: Landscape restoration involves restoring entire ecosystems, such as watersheds or river basins, to promote ecological resilience and improve environmental conditions.

Read about our nature-restoration project in Uganda

Soil restoration techniques

Soil restoration techniques aim to improve soil fertility and quality in degraded areas. Some examples of soil restoration techniques include:

• Addition of organic matter: Organic matter, such as compost, manure, and crop residues, can be added to degraded soils to improve soil structure and fertility.
• Use of fertilisers: The application of fertilisers, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can improve soil fertility and plant growth in degraded areas.
• Soil amendments: Soil amendments, such as lime and gypsum, can improve soil pH and reduce soil salinity in affected areas.

Policy solutions to combat desertification

Policy solutions at the international and national levels are important for promoting sustainable land-use practices and combating desertification. Effective policies and programmes can help address the underlying causes of desertification, such as unsustainable land-use practices and deforestation, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. Below, we will review the main types of institutional solutions to deforestation.

• International agreements and conventions: International agreements and conventions, such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), provide a framework for global cooperation and action to combat desertification. The UNCCD promotes sustainable land-use practices, supports the restoration of degraded land, and improves people's livelihoods in affected areas.
• China's Three North Shelterbelt Programme combats desertification in the country's northern regions by planting trees to create a barrier against wind and sand erosion. 
• The United States' Great Plains Conservation Programme funds resources to farmers and ranchers in the Great Plains region to implement conservation practices that help prevent soil erosion and protect against desertification.
• Nigeria's National Afforestation Programme combats desertification by promoting reforestation and afforestation activities, including planting trees in degraded areas and creating greenbelts around cities to prevent further encroachment of the desert.
• Australia's National Soil Strategy addresses soil degradation and erosion by promoting sustainable land-use practices, improving soil health, and reducing soil erosion.
• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a global agreement promoting international cooperation to combat desertification.
• Reforestation and afforestation: Reforestation and afforestation programmes can restore degraded land, reduce soil erosion, and increase biodiversity.
• Sustainable agricultural practices: Sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry, can help improve soil quality, increase crop yields, and promote biodiversity.
• Land-use planning: Land-use planning can help promote sustainable land-use practices, reduce soil erosion, and prevent land degradation.
• Soil and water conservation: Soil and water conservation programmes can improve soil quality, reduce soil erosion, and increase water availability in affected areas.
• Sustainable livestock management: Sustainable livestock management practices, such as rotational grazing and drought-tolerant breeds, can reduce overgrazing and improve soil quality.

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What are innovative farming techniques?

Desertification often occurs due to the overuse of land and water resources and poor farming practices that deplete soil nutrients. Innovative farming techniques can help combat desertification by improving soil quality and conserving water resources. Some examples of these techniques include:

• Conservation agriculture: This farming system minimises soil disturbance, maintains soil cover, and rotates crops to promote soil health and reduce erosion. This technique improves soil structure and water retention, which helps plants grow better and reduces water runoff.
• Agroforestry: This land use management system integrates trees, shrubs, and crops on the same plot of land. Agroforestry sy stems can improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and conserve water resources by providing shade and reducing water loss through evapotranspiration.
• Regenerative agriculture: This is a holistic approach to farming that seeks to improve the health and fertility of the soil, increase biodiversity, and promote sustainable and resilient ecosystems. It involves working with natural systems and processes to build soil health, sequester carbon, and enhance the productivity and profitability of farms.
• Drip irrigation: This water-saving technique involves delivering water directly to the plant roots through a network of pipes and emitters. Drip irrigation reduces water loss through evaporation and runoff and can help farmers grow crops in areas with limited water resources.

Read more: Carbon farming: How is it good for the environment, farmers and biodiversity?

• What are green technologies?

Green technologies refer to sustainable technologies that reduce the impact of human activities on the environment. Some green technologies that help combat desertification include:

• Solar-powered water pumps: These pumps use solar energy to pump water from underground wells, rivers, or other sources, which is especially helpful in areas with limited access to electricity. This technology helps farmers grow crops and trees in arid regions, reducing the risk of desertification.
• Wind turbines: Wind turbines generate electricity in areas with strong winds, which can power water pumps, irrigation systems, and other farming equipment. This can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and minimise the carbon footprint of farming activities.
• Biodegradable mulch: Mulch is a layer of material placed on top of the soil to conserve water and control weeds. Biodegradable mulch is made from organic materials that break down naturally over time, reducing the amount of waste produced by farming activities.

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What are the community-based solutions to combat desertification?

• Empowering local communities

One of the most effective ways to combat desertification is to empower local communities to take ownership of the issue and drive the solutions. Local communities are often the most affected by desertification and have the greatest stake in reversing the trend. Some ways to empower local communities include:

• Encouraging community participation: Communities should be encouraged to participate in decision-making processes that affect their land and water resources. This can be done through community meetings, workshops, and other forums where community members can voice their concerns and opinions. For example, as part of our energy-efficient cookstove and reforestation projects in Kenya, Cameroon, and Uganda , we regularly hold training sessions with locals. They can use the knowledge in their households or farm or join our team in nurseries to provide for their families.
• Providing education and training: Communities should be provided with education and training on sustainable land-management practices, water conservation techniques, and other skills that help them combat desertification. This can be done through community-led training programs, peer-to-peer learning, and partnerships with local non-profit organisations and government agencies. 
• Promoting sustainable livelihoods

Promoting sustainable livelihoods helps communities reduce their reliance on unsustainable land-use practices contributing to desertification. This can be achieved through:

• Alternative income-generating activities: Communities should be encouraged to diversify their income sources beyond agriculture and livestock rearing, which are vulnerable to drought and other climate-related risks. This can include promoting small-scale businesses, eco-tourism, and other non-farming livelihood options.
• Sustainable land-use practices: Comm unities should be encouraged to adopt sustainable land-use practices , such as conservation agriculture, agro forestry, and sustainable grazing, which can improve soil fertility, conserve water, and reduce erosion.
• Community-based natural resource management: Communities should be encouraged to sustainably and equitably manage their natural resources, such as forests, water resources, and wildlife. This can include setting up community-managed reserves, sustainable harvesting practices, and community patrols to prevent illegal logging and poaching.

Combating desertification: a global responsibility

In conclusion, desertification is a pressing global issue that affects not only the regions directly impacted but also the wider world through its negative impacts on food security, economic stability, and biodiversity. We must recognise our collective responsibility to combat desertification and work together to implement sustainable solutions at local, national, and global levels.

By promoting sustainable land-use practices, supporting reforestation and afforestation efforts, and developing policies and programmes to address desertification, we can ensure a more secure and prosperous future for all. So let us take action today to protect our planet for generations to come.

Combat desertification with DGB

With DGB, you or your organisation can contribute to remedying or, better yet, preventing desertification through reforestation projects. We have large-scale global reforestation and social projects that restore nature and plant millions of trees. We provide oppor tunities for businesses and individuals to plant trees  for community and biodiversity benefits. You can start with a single tree or plant hundreds for your business.  Contact the project team for more information

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Essay on Drought for Students and Children

500+ words essay on drought.

Drought is a dangerous condition which decreases the quality of life. It is termed as a natural disaster with harmful effects. A drought usually occurs when a region faces a shortage of water. This is mainly due to lesser rainfalls. In addition, droughts have proven to be fatal for mankind and wildlife as well.

Moreover, drought is the most dangerous for a farmer. As they do not have an ample supply of water, their crops dry out. This becomes a reason for worry as it is their sole income. Furthermore, drought also leads to various other problems for the environment and mankind.

Causes of Drought

Drought is caused due to various reasons. One of the main reasons is deforestation . When there will be no trees, the water on land will evaporate at a faster rate. Similarly, it lessens the soil capacity to hold water resulting in evaporation. Moreover, lesser trees also mean lesser rainfall which eventually leads to drought.

Furthermore, as the climate is changing, the water bodies are drying up. This results in a lower flow of surface water. Therefore, when the rivers and lakes will dry out, how will the people get water? In addition, global warming is a major cause of this. The greenhouse gas emitted causes the earth’s temperature to rise. Thus, it results in higher evaporation rates.

Subsequently, excessive irrigation is also a great cause of droughts. When we use water irresponsibly, the surface water dries up. As it does not get ample time to replenish, it causes drought.

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Impact of Drought

Drought is a serious disaster which impacts the whole of mankind, wildlife, and vegetation greatly. Moreover, a region which experiences drought requires a lot of time to recover from the disaster. It is a severe condition which interferes with the quality and functioning of life.

Most importantly, the agriculture sector suffers the most at the hands of drought. For instance, farmers face a loss of crop production, livestock production. Moreover, they experience plant disease and wind erosion. Similarly, they also have to face heavy financial losses. Their financial condition worsens and they end up in debt. This also leads to higher rates of depression and suicides.

Furthermore, wildlife also suffers. They do not get sources of water to drink from. In addition, when forest fires happen due to droughts, they also lose their habitats and life. Just like any natural disaster , droughts also result in inflation of prices. The basic products become expensive. The poor people do not get access to essential foods due to high rates. Subsequently, droughts also degrade the quality of the soil. This result in poor or no yielding of crops.

In short, drought is definitely one of the most catastrophic natural disasters. It causes loss of life, vegetation and gives rise to other deadly problems like famine. The citizens and government must join hands to prevent droughts to save thousands of lives. This joint effort can help save the world from such a catastrophe.

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Causes and Effects of Desertification on People and the Environment

The word ‘desertification’ may seem like a word depicting a very distant and abstract environmental problem that most of us do not consider being important in our daily lives. But we couldn’t be more mistaken, for desertification is slowly creeping up into our lives and has the power to change everything.

Higher food prices, water availability, violent conflicts for land, migration, increasing poverty, pollution from wind-blown dust particles coming from distant lands, could be the outcomes of desertification if we let it consume more of our planet.

The loss of fertile land to desertification has brought an end to many majestic civilizations throughout the human history. For example, the destruction of the native tropical forest in the Indus Valley opened up a pathway for the desert to claim more and more land, leading to the doom of the Harrapan Civilization. Sadly, the very same process continues to threaten the existence of at least 1.5 billion people (mainly from developing countries) until the present day [1] .

One third of the land surface on Earth has fallen victim to desertification and according to the estimates, another 12 million hectares (approx. 30 million acres) more turn into barren deserts every year [1,2] . For comparison, it is the same size like the area of New York State turning in desert just within a year [3] .

Do we have so much free land available that we do not need to be concerned about this?

Let’s have a look where it all started and what are the consequences.

What is the process of desertification?

Desertification is a process by which fertile land is transformed into desert as it becomes progressively drier and unable to support any plant growth for food production. Unlike the natural desert ecosystem with well-adapted species still inhabiting the area, desertified lands are often devoid of natural life without a healthy ecosystem in place that would perform life-supporting services, like new soil formation and nutrient cycling. This is what makes the reversal of the process extremely difficult.

The official definition by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) that has been widely used since it’s formulation in 1994 is: “desertification is land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic fluctuations and human activities.” UNCCD also highlights that it is important to note that desertification is not a natural process of deserts expanding to new regions, it is a form of land degradation caused primarily by human activity in vulnerable areas. 

The loss of land to desertification has major impact on many places on our planet today and is expected to affect humanity even more in the future as population numbers will grow bigger and the availability of natural resources will decline.

Where is desertification happening the most?

Pretty much every continent has some dryland area that is currently threatened by desertification if no immediate preventative measures will be taken. You may be even able to identify the most vulnerable areas yourself, as they include grasslands, steppes, prairies, savannahs, shrublands and woodlands.

Countries affected by desertification do not have to be located only in hot regions of the world because it is the local climate and land use that shape the health of the land. For example, up to 50 percent of the Canadian Prairies spreading over Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are likely to battle with some of the negative effects of desertification in the upcoming years.

And globally, the risk of losing more land is getting higher with increasing summer temperatures and less frequent and erratic rain patterns we are experiencing in the last years.

However, the main reason why desertification goes widely unnoticed is that 90 percent of people affected by this phenomenon currently live in developing countries, mainly in Africa and Asia, and belong to the world’s poorest [4] .

But how does such a serious form of land degradation happen and how come we let it advance so far?

What causes desertification?

Lands turn to desert due to a number of reasons, but much of the desertification that is occurring around the world today is caused by human activity on lands that are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation and improper agricultural methods.

The following are some of the primary causes of desertification in our world.

#1 Overgrazing

Overgrazing and desertification have been always closely linked together.

In dry regions, grass and other small vegetation is necessary to keep the soil in place to prevent erosion and further damage to the soil. However, it is the paradox of life that especially in these vulnerable regions, animal herding is often the only livelihood people can have and there are no restrictions in place that would regulate the maximum number of animals for a given space.

When people gather and keep too many animals in one area, grasses start dying because their roots are often weakened by animals constantly stepping on them and plucking out newly re-growing parts before plants have time to grow resistant enough and to multiply.

After some time, no vegetation remains to prevent soil from blowing or washing away. So, people move the livestock to another piece of land where the process repeats. If this occurs long enough, it leads to extensive desertification.

There have been numerous cases when overgrazed areas of land became severely damaged.

Scientists have, for example, confirmed that overgrazing is the primary reason why around 70 percent of the once pasture rich Mongolian steppe is slowly overtaken by the Gobi Desert now.

The situation in Mongolia is alarming, particularly because this land degradation has taken place just recently. Since 1990s, when the lack of jobs due to the breakup of the Soviet Union forced people to rear livestock as their only possibility to earn money [6] .

Similar scenario has happened even with the Bedouins grazing their herds freely over the fragile steppe in Syria. For 50 years, large herds of livestock grazed over the Syrian steppe until the effects couldn’t be overlooked anymore. Overgrazing has become a problem that has escalated into an ecological and agricultural collapse in the country.

#2 Unsustainable agriculture techniques

The world’s drylands cover approximately 40 percent of the total land mass. They are home to more than 2 billion people, so it is clear that many of these areas are farmed, even though they are very fragile and can easily turn barren.

Through inconsiderate farming methods like heavy tilling, planting of unsuitable crops and leaving soils exposed to wind and rain erosion, farmers only speed up the process of desertification in exchange for poor quality crops with low economic value. Besides, while preparing the soil for sowing, natural vegetation that holds the brittle soil in place is removed, letting the last bits of the productive soil layer fully wear away in just a few short seasons.

Another common problem of the crop cultivation in vulnerable areas is the employment of improper irrigation methods, such as canal irrigation. These irrigation methods often lead to a buildup of salt in soils. Increased salinity happens because irrigation water mobilizes naturally occurring salt in these soils. Additionally, artificially added water also rises otherwise low groundwater level which in turn dissolves even more salts [7] .

Salt buildup on cultivated lands, then, makes it difficult for crops and other plants to grow, further exacerbating degradation of these lands.

A sad example of the destructive power of such a mismanagement is the drying out of the Aral Sea. The Aral Sea used to be the world’s fourth largest saline lake until 1960s, when the Soviet government diverted the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, which have been feeding the lake with fresh water.

Why would they do that?

Because of ambitious cotton farming projects in the dry Aral Sea basin that needed irrigation.

Cotton farming in the desert combined with poorly build irrigation channels, from where lot of water simply evaporated, decreased the size of the Aral Sea by 90 (!) percent [8] . And the land of the dry lake basin became a saline desert where nothing grows on its own.

Local communities that used to live by the lake rich with fish and biodiversity, live now only amidst dust, pesticide pollution and scorching heat. They are the ones who have seen the ugly face of desertification slowly reaching their doorstep, and they are the ones who are also witnessing how fast sand and dust consume even more land every year.

#3 Deforestation

In November 2016, Guardian published an article with the title “We have been almost buried: the Sudanese villages being swallowed by sand.” The article goes on describing the struggles of villages in Sudan’s River Nile State that have succumbed to desertification after years of extensive deforestation and worsening droughts. Villages that were once surrounded by forests so dense that you could get lost in them, are now disappearing under the sand. 

Deforestation is one of the leading human causes of desertification. Forests are being cut down at much larger scale than ever before, to be used as fuel, to provide products we use in our daily life, or to simply create more space for agriculture to sustain growing human population.

When the trees and other vegetation in an area are gone, there are no roots that would hold soils in place, there is no canopy that would shield the ground from the direct rainfall or from the sun’s heat. The bare soil then easier dries out and turns to dust, which can be blown and washed away in a single storm.

Once the soil is degraded and the precious nutrients are lost, only infertile and lifeless swaths of land are left behind. And what’s more, without trees, even the local climate becomes drier due to the lack of water evapotranspiration from tree canopy, which reduces cloud formation in the region and results in less rain.

After all, history tends to repeat itself, so perhaps the story of the Maya could serve as a warning sign for us. According to model simulations ran by the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies , the end of the Mayan empire probably happened due to prolonged droughts caused by cutting down the rainforest to expand their cities and plant crops to feed their growing population [9] .

#4 Unsustainable water management

Drylands, the most susceptible areas to desertification, are characterized by a scarcity of water during certain periods of the year. This means that the original ecosystem of these lands is well-adapted to withstand dry seasons during which plants enter so called summer dormancy, a temporary cessation of growth, in order to preserve themselves, only to turn green and strong as soon as rains come again.

You can see this wonderful resilience of the plants in Serengeti. During the rainy season, the vast grass plains turn lush green, providing a rich grazing opportunity to hundreds of thousands of the Africa’s most iconic herbivores, only to fade when the dry season comes.

But the problem appears when we try to change these natural cycles and expect a steady crop production or sufficient pasture for livestock from these lands all year long. Under circumstances like these, people often overextract water from available resources like creeks, rivers or even groundwater to irrigate the crops.

Lack of water to support farming and desert sands encroaching villages are already causing trouble to rice farmers throughout the regions of northern China. While farmers despair about their inability to cultivate rice fields, local agronomists confirm that it was the water overextraction to create rice paddies that has significantly contributed to the current desert expansion [10] .

The problem of worsening desertification doesn’t have to be linked only to agricultural lands, unsustainable water management happens even in cities and tourist destinations that are build in arid or semi-arid areas. These places often draw high amounts of groundwater from natural aquifers, not letting them naturally replenish and eventually facing water scarcity just like Cape Town in South Africa.

All problems related to desertification can eventually be traced back to water related problems. — DESIRE Scientific Report no. 4

#5 Overpopulation and overexploitation of natural resources

Our planet’s ecosystems sustain life only when balanced. They can cope with incremental challenges and adapt, but beyond a certain tipping point they collapse. Unfortunately, desertification is a proof that in some places, we have reached this tipping point.

A rapid increase in human population, especially in vulnerable areas of Africa and Asia, has exceeded the recovery capacity of dryland ecosystems. As “harsh” as this may sound, the reason is very simple.

More people means higher demand for natural resources (including water(!) and space to grow food and build settlements. But trying to provide for more people easily results in overexploitation of available resources, even if unwillingly. Just look at previously mentioned examples, they all point to this conclusion.

Once the overexploitation takes place, desertification often follows, leaving behind only barren land and misery for those who haven’t left.

One region of the world that has seen many of these negative effects combined is Sub-Saharan Africa. The region currently faces extensive desertification caused by numerous factors. These factors include very high birth rates and thus expansion of agriculture into unsuitable areas, uncontrolled tree cutting for a fuel, all connected with effects of climate change and bad government policies.  

#6 Urbanization and development of tourism

Not many people realize this when walking on the streets of their city or some magnificent tourist resort, but in order to build these structures, original ecosystems had to be irreversibly wiped out. And together with ecosystems disappear even natural resources that were once present.

This means that natural resources, which are continuously needed for the proper functioning of any densely inhabited area, have to be taken from the surrounding environment. However, as the trend of urbanization increases, the demand for resources only grows bigger, drawing more and more resources and leaving behind degraded lands that easily succumb to desertification.

Furthermore, additional problem arises from the space problems. As cities expand, more land in the vicinity is used for the development projects. Even though this often represents fertile land that would have been suitable for agriculture more. We should not forget that most of the human settlements were built along fertile soils, rivers, or other resourceful places that offered some great advantage to their inhabitants. Their loss to buildings and other infrastructure is, therefore, rather wasteful.    

Land degradation due to urbanization has affected strongly many countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, Spain and other places with hot climate, where urban and tourist areas spread along the rivers or coastlines, sealing these lands and pushing farming away onto marginal lands, which will only accelerate their desertification over the time [11] .

#7 Famine, poverty and political instability

While desertification certainly leads to these problems, they can also be its cause . This is because people on the brink of famine, extreme poverty or political instability in their country need to solve the crisis at the moment and do not think about sustainable cultivation strategies.

Unfortunately, outcomes of their compromised livelihoods are often poor land use practices, such as grazing animals on eroding lands, illegal cutting of forests and unsustainable crop cultivation, which only contribute to the soil destruction beyond repair and put lives of people even more in danger.

Greentumble’s writer Deogracias has described how is the problem of deforestation linked to the livelihood of some people in his country, Malawi. You can read the whole story here to get a better understanding about the situation in this developing country and reasons why preventing desertification gets difficult in some areas.  

#8 Climate change

So much could be written about the effects of climate change on the health of our lands, as climate change can lead to land degradation for many reasons, and it is very often climate change that exacerbates the progress of desertification in increasingly many places.

But it is important to realize one thing if we want to know how does climate change cause desertification. As we continue to remove natural vegetation from landscapes, we change radically the water absorption capacity of soils. With less permanent vegetation that would help retain moisture in soils and with less moisture evaporating into the air from plants, less clouds form in that particular area. That means also less rain throughout the year.

With significantly reduced rainfall, drought occurs and triggers problems such as failing harvests, drying creeks and boreholes, poor pasture that weakens livestock, and more frequent outbreaks of wildfires that destroy remaining vegetation.

It is these problems that pressure people to slip into the vicious cycle of repeating all the previously listed causes of desertification–actions which naturally open up the door to the ecological catastrophe of irreversible land degradation.

One of the very recent examples of climate-induced desertification is the disappearance of the lake Poopó, lying in a high altitude of semi-arid plains in Bolivian Andes. Formerly, the second largest lake in Bolivia filled with diversity of fish and birds had completely dried up just in the span of three years, 2014 to 2017. All that is left of the lake is just a large salt desert. The reasons why this has happened are longer periods of droughts and the overextraction of water for irrigation and mining projects [12] .

What are the effects of desertification?

In the introduction of a document called ‘Desertification: The invisible frontline’ from UNCCD is stated: “Desertification is a silent, invisible crisis that is destabilizing communities on a global scale.”

The document further goes on examining the serious and complex web of problems that have arisen from worsening land degradation of the earth’s drylands, which are home to 2,000 million people, comprise of 44 percent of all the world’s cultivated land and should sustain 50 percent of the world’s livestock [13] .

These are huge numbers and huge level of dependency upon these lands that should not fail us. Do you know what that means? It means that the effects of desertification can be extremely serious and not only for us, but for the balance of the whole planet.

Here is what we can expect…

#1 Vegetation is damaged or destroyed

Desertification reduces the ability of land to support plant life. Loose soil buries plants or exposes their roots to the sun, so they cannot fulfill their function. With plants dying, already scarce rainwater gets washed away instead of being drawn into the soil, which only scales up the problem as remaining plants do not have enough moisture to survive dry spells as they used to.

Additionally, if the land is used for grazing at this stage, it only results in a quicker loss of plant species and total degradation.

#2 Soil becomes infertile

Topsoil is crucial for plant growth because it contains most of the organic matter and 50 percent of important nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. It is in topsoil where large pores and soil aggregates form, allowing for proper water infiltration and aeration.

As desertification occurs, this most productive layer of the soil gets blown or washed away from the surface rather quickly because there is no vegetation that would protect it, and nutrients with organic material are lost for good. As the soil dries out, it hardens, and it becomes difficult for any rainfall that does occur to penetrate below the soil’s surface.

Due to unfavorable conditions, plants grown on these damaged soils strive and often do not produce sufficient yields. What remains left is only a lifeless pile of dust instead of a life-giving medium.

Furthermore, through the use of unsustainable irrigation techniques, salt concentration can also rise in many cultivated soils, rendering the soil useless for growing crops or other plants.

Iran is a country that has been suffering of this problem. Most of the agricultural land in the country has increased salinity due to large-scale irrigation plans and progressively drier climate.

Faulty irrigation projects have resulted not only in the soil infertility, they have also decreased water table of the country’s largest lakes by 80 percent and more, exposing shores to the effects of rapid drying out and land degradation [14] .

#3 Soil erosion gets worse

As you may have noticed, desertification problems are often related and lead to one another. The link between soil erosion and other consequences of desertification only confirms this, as erosion is another negative outcome but also a catalyst of previously mentioned problems.

In many cases, increased water runoff from desertified areas wreaks havoc on neighboring lands, eroding soils, damaging vegetation and making soils extremely vulnerable to encroaching desert.

When this happens, weakening soils get also directly exposed to wind, which often picks up last pieces of drying topsoil and mixes them with dust from already degraded parts, exacerbating the problem and creating far-reaching dust storms.

This is exactly what has been happening in the Sahel.

According to the newest data, the Sahara Desert has been gradually spreading over the grasslands in the neighboring Sahel area. Compared with the data from 1920s, Sahara has already expanded by 10 percent.

In recent years, the desert has advanced southward to lake Chad, which used to be an important source of water and livelihood for 30 million people from eight African countries, but dramatic declines in water level due to droughts and loss of land to desertification have brought only insecurity and suffering upon these communities [16] .

Besides other contributing factors, Sahel farmers are partially to blame because they have removed trees to cultivate crops in this semi-arid area, and thus speeding up Sahel desertification by exposing soils to erosion [15] .

Soil erosion is often one of the final steps that closes the loop of continual soil deterioration that is difficult to revert.

#4 Increased vulnerability to natural disasters

Desertification makes natural disasters worse because it reduces natural resilience of ecosystems. This means that affected areas and even adjacent areas have compromised capacity of withstanding extreme weather events. Desertification also increases vulnerability of whole regions to the unpredictable effects of climate change .

Events such as flash floods, landslides and dust storms, become stronger in areas with heavily degraded soils. Without plants stabilizing the soil and slowing down the runoff, rainwater flows faster and floods human settlements in the blink of an eye.

Except causing damage, flood water also picks up many unwanted pollutants while making its progress through urban areas, landfills, wastelands, or agricultural lands where fertilizers and pesticides were used. These pollutants then remain deposited in the soil or wash off into rivers, creeks or lakes.

Flooding is not the only problem, sand storms are another big issue, mainly because wind-blown particles (including those that are polluted) can travel long distances and cause health problems to people even in distant urban areas.

Inhabitants of the Aral Sea region are well-familiar with this problem. Watch the video to learn more about destructive sandstorms and advancing desertification they have to face more frequently.

#5 Polluted sources of drinking water

Vegetation plays an important role in cleaning our water. Plants and trees function like natural water filters, storing pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticide residues, fertilizers and other, in their own bodies. As mentioned previously, grasses and other perennial plants also prevent water runoff by slowing it down and promoting rainwater infiltration into soils.

Barren soils lack this green filter, and therefore, many harmful substances enter groundwater reservoirs or easily wash off into lakes and rivers.

Besides constantly eroding soils by creating gullies and channels each time it rains, water also picks up loosen soil particles and transports them into water bodies. This leads to increased sedimentation and eutrophication –both processes disturb aquatic ecosystems and deteriorate water quality.

What’s worse is that these effects can be felt even thousands of miles away from where the problem originated.  There have been many records of water scarcity and pollution problems that are linked to desertification or other forms of land degradation across dry African and Asian countries.

For example, China’s autonomous region of Ningxia owes its existence to the Yellow River, which has been the only life giver to communities of rice farmers in this arid land that is encircled by sand dunes. Unfortunately, due to the unsustainable water management of diverting water to rice paddies, soil salinity has increased, forcing farmers to use high amounts of fertilizer to save their harvest. And it is these fertilizers that are poisoning scarce sources of potable water, as they are flushed with every rain into the river and drinking wells of people [10] .

#6 Rise of famine, poverty and social conflicts

Desertification is a serious form of land degradation that results in the destruction of natural ecosystems and the end of services they provide for us . This includes natural filtration of water for drinking, climate regulation, recycling of nutrients, carbon sequestration, soil regeneration. There is probably no need to explain how crucial these services are for our wellbeing.

When ecosystems cease to support us and our livestock, only bad things happen. Bad things like prolonged episodes of famine, diseases from water scarcity, fights for thinning resources and death of people, children, animals.

Many African countries, especially in the Sahel area, are experiencing insecurity that only gets worse and worse every year. Climate change, bad management of scarce resources, weak political structure only lead to hunger, which in turn gives rise to conflicts.

One of the latest humanitarian crises has been declared in countries that have been dependent upon resources provided by lake Chad, where lake water gets quickly replaced by inhospitable sand dunes, destroying fishing and farming communities.

Not only that up to 6 million people suffer of hunger in the Chad Basin recently, they are also terrorized by Boko Haram, one of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the world. Boko Haram is believed to constitute of young people deprived of livelihood possibilities due to constant disputes over disappearing water among diverse ethnic groups, inhabiting the area [17] .

Desertification has destroyed even lives of nomadic Bedouins and farmers in Syria. Due to unrestricted grazing of the steppe by livestock combined with the influence of climate change, Syrian land has become so damaged that it has turn into lifeless dust. According to expert opinions from FAO and UN, this high level of land loss to desertification is what has triggered a civil war in the country. The war that has been going for nearly a decade now [18,19,20]

#7 Forcing mass migrations

People have been always on the lookout for fertile lands where they can build their settlements and prosper over long time periods. It is no wonder, that throughout history, desertification events have been a major driver behind migrations of large human populations.

One of the biggest transitions that has forced first farmers in the early Holocene to abandon their lands happened when their previously fertile lands started to turn drier and drier. Unable to grow crops, farmers had to leave their villages in search of better lands. And it was good they did, because since then, the area they have been cultivating became one of the biggest deserts on Earth – the Sahara Desert.

While the main reason for desertification of the Sahara lies in slight changes of the Earth’s orbit, which affected the intensity of the monsoonal rains in the area, early farmers might have been to blame as well.

According to a new hypothesis, scientists believe that herds of domestic goats and vegetation burning to cultivate grasslands of the previously green Sahara could have sped up the process of drying up . Be it true or not, unfavorable conditions still forced early people to leave their homes and everything they were familiar with.

The same happens even at this very moment and will be happening in the future. UNCCD estimates that advancing desertification could displace globally 50 million people in the next 10 years [21] . And when you think about it, it’s just a natural reaction of any living organism to survive – “fight or flight.”

Since small subsistence farmers do not have the means to ward off sand dunes crashing their houses and burying their crops, all they have left is to gather their possessions and leave.

In many instances, these people go to larger cities, hoping for better life by finding a new livelihood. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, as they often lack the skills that are needed for urban jobs. Some of these families then end up living in poverty in slums.

#8 Caused historical collapses of civilizations

There are many historical accounts of how various people groups throughout human history experienced collapse of their civilization as drought and desertification occurred to their lands. The reason is simple, people lost their ability to grow food, water resources became scarce and their animals got weak from not having enough to eat.

These negative events are directly linked to the wellbeing of people. As soon as livelihoods are endangered, people turn against each other, which sets in motion series of events that lead to the collapse.

Examples of civilizations that met their doom due to droughts include the Carthage Civilization, the Harappan Civilization, people groups in Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and people groups in Ancient China [22] .

#9 Extinction of species

Extended droughts, prolonged flooding or sudden extreme changes in temperature can deplete food sources of species causing starvation. Species that once lived in a fertile and productive climate may not survive in a newly desertified region.

With a changing ecosystem, species must adapt to their new climate or migrate to a more favorable climate. If they fail to do so, they will become extinct for their inability to cope with a sudden change of their environment.

This is another very alarming aspect of the desertification problem, because we need biodiverse ecosystems to survive. We need abundance of plants and animal species richness to have oxygen to breathe, clean water to drink and nutritious food to eat. If biodiverse ecosystems disappear, we will be left with pollution, drought, hunger and lack of resources.

That doesn’t sounds like such a bright future, does it?

This list of causes and impacts of desertification is just a brief fraction of the whole scope of such an extensive problem taking place on our lands every day.

Majority of those who are affected the most by this problem are as usual the world’s poorest nations where people struggle daily with the direct impacts of climate turning against them, and deserts claiming more of their already scarce soils.

Therefore, it is important to realize after reading this article how valuable soil conservation is . And try to do everything in our power to help protect natural resources we have.

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Greentumble was founded in the summer of 2015 by us, Sara and Ovi . We are a couple of environmentalists who seek inspiration for life in simple values based on our love for nature. Our goal is to inspire people to change their attitudes and behaviors toward a more sustainable life. Read more about us .

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Desertification – Description, Causes, and Impacts (Essay)

A Problem Statement

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Discussion of the Issue

The European Community recognizes that soil is the main natural resource, extremely complex in its composition, mostly not renewable, but despite this, some human activities lead to its serious damage. Soil consists of mineral and organic substances such as carbon, nutrients, water, air and living organisms and is a source of food, biomass and natural materials (D’Odorico et al. 331). It serves as a platform for the activities of mankind, constitutes an important element of the landscape and world heritage. The soil structure is extremely diverse: only in Europe, 10,000 types have been identified and grouped into 320 main categories. Any deterioration of soil conditions affects other natural environments and ecosystems. The formation of one centimeter of soil can take place over the centuries, and its destruction only because of wind or water is possible in a few years.

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Lastly, it should be stated that droughts and loss of land productivity are the main factors driving people to move from arid regions to other areas. The influx of migrants can negatively affect the population’s ability to use natural resources sustainably (Symeonakis et al. 1571). It can exacerbate the problem of urban overpopulation and, due to the competition for the right to use scarce natural resources, cause domestic, social, ethnic and political conflicts.

Existing Strategies of Coping with the Challenge

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The international community makes many attempts to succeed in solving the problem; however, these measures still do not provide an exact guarantee that the threat will be fully stopped. One should improve the governance structures to address this issue, and it is significant to reconsider the funding spent on the technological advancements that can help to tackle the issue. In 1994, the General Assembly proclaimed 17 June as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought with the aim to raise awareness to the problems of drought and desertification (Bisaro et al. 9). This measure has been relevantly successful; however, it cannot fight the consequences of the phenomenon to the fullest extent.

How It Works

To continue, strategies that lead to unsustainable use of resources and a lack of supporting infrastructure are among the main causes of land degradation (Brandt and Geeson 121). Accordingly, it turns public policy and physical infrastructure into useful tools for solving the problem. Special attention is paid to agriculture as it can play both a positive and negative role depending on how it is done (Bisaro et al. 9). This, in turn, depends on available socioeconomic resources, the conduct of policy and the quality of management. Local institutions, such as community policymakers, that determine land use patterns and social networks, help prevent desertification allowing individuals to make better use of eco-system by increasing access to land, capital, labor and technology.

Lastly, a multi-country development project was implemented during 2010-2012 as a part of the activities of the Central Asian Countries Initiative for Land Management Program (generally abbreviated to CACILM). It is aimed at enhancing various states’ capacity to address problems related to land degradation. The main objectives of the project are to integrate the principles of sustainable land management (generally abbreviated to SLM) into national policies and legislation, and effective mobilization of resources for implementation.

Examination of Alternative Solutions

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The fight against desertification and related economic challenges in dry lands is likely to be more effective when using an active approach to management. With its implementation, management of economic resources should take into account changes and raise the resilience of ecosystems, which also contributes to increasing the protection of society from the problems created by desertification. As a result, measures such as adaptation to climate change and the refusal to expand irrigated areas may together lead to a slowdown in the rate of desertification. It should be remembered that the benefits of this approach can only fully manifest themselves after a while because, first, it is necessary to introduce and consolidate the relevant changes in the development of society and its ability to master new approaches to land use. In contrast, with a reactive approach to management, the current pressure on eco-system services (climate change, overgrazing and large-scale irrigation) is likely to remain at the same level or even increase, leading to further desertification. It means that to stop the desertification, it is significant to take active measures which are expected to be dictated by the international community. Live Chat Order now

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• About the publications
• Desertification
• Level 1: Summary
• Level 2: Details
• Level 3: Source
• 9. Conclusion: Main findings

Desertification is the persistent degradation of dryland ecosystems . It affects the livelihoods of millions of people. In 2000, drylands , which occupy 41% of Earth’s land area, were home to a third of the human population. A significant portion of drylands are already degraded , and the ongoing desertification threatens the world’s poorest populations and hinders the prospects of reducing poverty . Therefore, desertification is one of the greatest environmental challenges today. It is a major barrier to meeting basic human needs in drylands and leads to losses in terms of human well-being .

The causes of desertification include social, political, economic, and climatic factors that contribute to an unsustainable use of scarce natural resources. The magnitude and impacts of desertification vary greatly from place to place and change over time. Furthermore, wide gaps remain in our understanding and monitoring of desertification processes, gaps which sometimes prevent cost-effective actions in affected areas.

Outside of drylands , desertification also has strong adverse impacts, for example by increasing the occurrence of dust storms which affect areas thousands of kilometers away from the desertified areas and can cause political and social problems because of human migrations.

Depending on the degree of dryness of a region, desertification can be prevented and dryland ecosystems restored through specific interventions and adaptations. On the whole, prevention is a much more effective way to cope with desertification, because later attempts to rehabilitate desertified areas are costly and tend to deliver limited results.

The four scenarios developed by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment to explore the future of desertification and human well-being in drylands show that total desertified area is likely to increase, and that the relief of pressures on drylands is strongly linked to poverty reduction. The scenarios also show that proactive management approaches will probably be the most effective in coping with desertification. On the whole, combating desertification yields multiple local and global benefits and helps mitigate biodiversity loss and human-induced global climate change . Environmental management approaches aiming to combat desertification, mitigate climate change, and conserve biodiversity are interlinked in many ways. Therefore, joint implementation of major environmental conventions can lead to increased synergy and effectiveness, benefiting dryland populations .

Effectively dealing with desertification will help reduce global poverty , and is essential for meeting the Millennium Development Goals . Dryland populations must have access to viable alternatives in order to be able to maintain their livelihoods without causing desertification. These alternatives should be embedded in national strategies to reduce poverty and combat desertification. More...

• 1. What is desertification?
• 2. How are desertification and human well-being linked?
• 3. Who is affected by desertification?
• 4. What are the major causes of desertification?
• 5. How will different future development paths influence desertification?
• 6. How can we prevent or reverse desertification?
• 7. Is there a link between desertification, global climate change, and biodiversity loss?
• 8. How can we better understand desertification?

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Land Restoration Desertification and Drought Resilience Essay and Paragraph Writing on World Environment Day 2024

Land Restoration Desertification and Drought Resilience Essay and Paragraph Writing is one of the most important essay topics on the occasion of World Environment Day 2024. Lets understand Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience

Land Restoration Desertification and Drought Resilience

World Environment Day 2024 brings to light the pressing theme of “ Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience .” This theme underscores the critical importance of addressing land degradation, combating desertification, and enhancing resilience to droughts. Through concerted efforts and collective action, we can mitigate the adverse impacts of environmental degradation and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Understanding Land Degradation:

Land degradation poses a significant threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being. It involves the deterioration of land quality due to various factors, including deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, and unsustainable land use practices. Land degradation not only compromises the productivity of agricultural lands but also exacerbates climate change , exacerbates food insecurity, and undermines the resilience of ecosystems.

Combating Desertification:

Desertification, the process by which fertile land becomes desert, is a grave environmental challenge that affects millions of people worldwide. It is driven by factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, and climate change . Desertification leads to the loss of arable land, displacement of communities, and degradation of ecosystems. By implementing sustainable land management practices and restoring degraded lands, we can combat desertification and restore the productivity and resilience of affected areas.

Enhancing Drought Resilience:

Droughts are natural disasters characterized by prolonged periods of below average rainfall, leading to water scarcity, crop failures, and socioeconomic disruptions. Climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of droughts, posing significant challenges to communities, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Enhancing drought resilience involves implementing measures such as water conservation , drought resistant crop cultivation, and efficient irrigation techniques. By building resilience to droughts, communities can better cope with water scarcity and maintain their livelihoods in the face of climate variability.

Promoting Land Restoration:

Land restoration is a proactive approach to reversing land degradation and restoring the health and functionality of ecosystems. It involves a range of interventions, including reforestation, afforestation, soil conservation, and sustainable land management practices. Land restoration not only improves soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity but also enhances ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, and habitat creation. By promoting land restoration efforts, we can revitalize degraded landscapes, conserve natural resources, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Adopting Sustainable Land Management Practices:

Sustainable land management practices are essential for preserving land resources and promoting ecosystem resilience. These practices include agroforestry, conservation agriculture, watershed management, and reforestation. By adopting sustainable land management practices, we can improve soil health, enhance water quality, and increase agricultural productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving biodiversity . Sustainable land management is integral to achieving land restoration, combating desertification, and building resilience to droughts.

Empowering Communities and Stakeholders:

Addressing land degradation, desertification, and drought resilience requires the active participation and engagement of communities, stakeholders, and policymakers at all levels. Empowering communities with knowledge, resources, and decision making authority enables them to take ownership of land restoration initiatives and implement locally appropriate solutions. Building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and mobilizing support are essential for scaling up efforts to address these interconnected environmental challenges.

In conclusion, “ Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience ” for World Environment Day 2024 serves as a call to action to protect and restore the Earth’s land resources. By combating land degradation, promoting land restoration, and enhancing resilience to droughts, we can safeguard ecosystems, protect livelihoods, and secure a sustainable future for all. Let us seize this opportunity to work together towards a world where land is healthy, productive, and resilient to the challenges of the 21st century.

Related posts:

Parched Earth: How Population Growth Fuels Water Challenges

World Water Week is currently underway in Stockholm. The theme, Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future , speaks to the collective effort required to achieve global water goals. Our numbers and the impact we have on our environment must be part of the conversation.

This week, interested parties from all over the world will congregate to discuss all things agua, eau and wasser during World Water Week . Explicit mentions of population growth as a contributing strain on resources are conspicuous by their absence in the event’s agenda. But, as we will explain, our numbers have a significant impact and must be addressed.

Drought and desertification

Our Dried Up Futures report highlights how population growth drives drought, desertification and land degradation, all exacerbating global water crises. Increased demand strains water resources, especially in drylands where rapid population growth intensifies desertification.

Droughts, worsened by the climate crisis, disproportionately impact women and girls, causing economic loss and poverty. Solutions focus on the Population Health Environment approach, integrating family planning and sustainable land management to alleviate water scarcity and environmental stress in vulnerable regions. Empowering women is key to reducing population pressure and protecting water resources.

Water and population

At the UN Water Conference in 2023 , Population Matters highlighted the link between population growth and water scarcity. We advocated for solutions that reduce population pressure, such as promoting gender equality and access to modern contraception.

Discussions centred on the urgent need to address both water management and population factors to achieve water security and sustainability. In advance of the conference, we produced a fully referenced briefing document, Achieving SDG6: Water and Population .

Population growth regionally and globally drives water demand across multiple sectors, in particular through the water-energy-food nexus; increases pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss; increases vulnerability to water-related hazards; and reduces capacity for adaptation and resilience in the face of those hazards.” Population Matters’ Achieving SDG6: Water and Population briefing

The briefing emphasises that over the coming decades, population growth will significantly increase global water demand. Particularly in low-income countries, rapid population growth hinders poverty reduction and impedes development, creating a critical challenge for achieving SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and the other 16 SDGs .

Collaboration is key

To tackle water challenges effectively, addressing population growth is essential. Reducing pressure through education, gender equality and access to health services supports water sustainability. Collaborative global efforts are key to safeguarding water resources, enhancing resilience to the climate crisis and ensuring long-term development. Indeed, these borders must be bridged for a peaceful and sustainable future.

Related content

Dried up futures: drought and desertification.

Drought and desertification are the worst environmental crises facing the world today. Our new report Dried Up Futures examines how these interconnected disasters are driven by population growth, and the urgent need to act now to save our future.

No water, no life: Population growth and climate change are fuelling the water crisis

From India to sub-Saharan Africa to Britain, local water shortages are turning into a global water crisis due to population pressure and climate change. India is running dry India is…

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• Desertification

Desertification [UPSC Environment & Ecology Notes]

This article shares details on the meaning of desertification, the 7 different causes behind desertification, and the harmful effects of desertification like an increase in poverty, hunger, fall in farm outputs, etc.

Desertification is a topic in the Geography as well as environment & ecology sections of the UPSC syllabus. This makes the topic of desertification crucial as it is a part of GS Papers I and III. Aspirants would find this article very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam .

What is Desertification?

Desertification is the degradation process by which a fertile land changes itself into a desert by losing its flora and fauna, this can be caused by drought, deforestation, climate change, human activities or improper agriculture. Desertification is a process of degradation of the land. It occurs because of man-made activities and climate change. Desertification takes place when a particular type of biome converts into a desert biome. 

Desertification Causes

• Overgrazing
• Deforestation
• Farming Practices
• Urbanization and other types of land development
• Climate Change
• Stripping the land of resources
• Natural Disasters

Desertification Impacts

• Farming becomes difficult or even impossible in the area
• Flooding chances are more
• Hunger – because of no farming
• Poor quality of water
• Overpopulation
• Poverty as a result of the above

Steps To Reduce Desertification

Given below are the steps which may help in reducing Desertification:

• Focus on Water management. Rainwater harvest must be done, water that can be reused must not be left out as waste
• Reforestation and tree regeneration
• Buttressing the soil through the use of sand fences, shelter belts, woodlots and windbreaks
• Better and hyper-fertilization of soil through planting
• The residue from pruned trees can be used to provide mulching for fields thus increasing soil water retention and reducing evaporation

UPSC Aspirants can refer to the links below for exam preparation:

Desertification in India

• Population growth, removal of wood, overgrazing, soil erosions, etc. are all important factors that have caused desertification in India.
• According to the Government’s data recently presented to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), India lost 31%, or 5.65 million hectares, of grassland area in a decade.
• As per reports, over 105 million hectares or about 32% of India’s areas have degraded.
• Between 2003-2005 and 2011-2013, 26 states witnessed an increase in the level of desertification in India.

Measures Taken To Curb Desertification in India

Multiple steps and measures have been taken by the concerned authorities regarding curbing desertification in India. Discussed below are the same:

• A Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974 which is coordinated by the Ministry of Water Resources for its implementation in various states of the country. It aims to improve the irrigational potential through water management.
• In 1989-90, Integrated Watershed Management Programme was launched, which was later renamed as Haryali Guidelines in 2013, and then, subsumed under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.
• Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, the Desert Development Programme was launched in 1995 to minimize the effects of drought in areas across the country.
• India also became a signatory to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1994
• The National Afforestation Programme was implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the year 2000.
• In 2001, the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification was implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• The Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India was released by ISRO in 2016 to combat desertification and land degradation.

Measures Taken To Curb Desertification Globally

Desertification is an issue for people across the globe and multiple steps have been taken to curb it. Given below are the steps which have been taken globally to curb  desertification:

• Goal 15 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), 2030 declares that “we are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production.”
• The Bonn Challenge has been taken up according to which 150 million hectares of the world’s deforested and degraded land is expected to be restored by 2020 and around  350 million hectares to be restored by 2030.
• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994.
• Apart from this, every year, June 17 is observed as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

Desertification – Latest News

• Recently, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed on June 17th. The theme for 2019 is ‘Let’s Grow the Future Together’ to encourage people against depleting the land of its inbuilt resources
• For years, commentators have questioned the popularity of sugarcane in arid, drought-prone Marathwada. When farmers reluctantly shifted to tur in 2016, the state government had the opportunity to promote better crop planning, as per water experts. But things didn’t pan out on expected lines. If things continue unchanged, water-stressed regions such as Marathwada could be heading towards desertification, as per opinions shared by experts.
• According to statistics, China has 2.61 million square kilometres of desert, meaning more than a quarter of the country’s land is either degraded or lost to sand. However, thanks to decades-long efforts to combat desertification, China has achieved substantial progress in sand control and ecological protection.

Desertification UPSC Question Example

Consider the following statements:

• Desertification makes land fertile.
• Desertification is always a natural process.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• Both 1 and 2
• None of the above

Frequently Asked Questions related to Desertification

What are the main causes of desertification, what are the effects of desertification, how can desertification be stopped, where is desertification a problem, how does desertification affect the economy.

Relevant Links

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2024 .

Candidates preparing for the Civil Service exam can refer to the below-given links, for more information related to climate change, environment and ecology, water scarcity, and various Government of India schemes to tackle the problem of Climate change.

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Drought is devastating southern Africa’s crops: why it’s happening and what can be learned

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Southern Africa’s worst drought in years has destroyed crops of the staple food, maize, across the region. Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia have all been affected by the drought. Crop failures in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe – the largest maize producers in southern Africa – have destabilised food security in the whole region.

The situation is escalating: the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has now announced that 68 million people need urgent food aid.

The drought is driven by El Niño , an unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean that shifts weather patterns. The latest El Niño phase started globally in 2023.

The Conversation Africa has published a number of articles explaining the current drought, its connection to climate change, and what governments can do to avert hunger. Here are five essential reads.

Governments failed to prepare for this year’s El Niño drought

The World Meteorological Organization warned in May 2023 that the chance of El Niño developing later in the year was increasing. This meant governments in southern Africa knew in advance that a drought was coming which would decimate crops of staple foods. But they failed to take the necessary preparatory steps.

Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi argues that governments in the region need to set up early warning systems for everyone likely to be affected by El Niño, especially farmers whose crops are at risk. To achieve this, governments and the private sector must prioritise climate action in development plans, and get weather offices up and running.

Read more: El Niño disasters: governments know what's coming, but are unprepared – what must change

Smallholder farmers can’t continue to survive on rain-fed maize

Malawi has been particularly hard hit by the drought, declaring a state of emergency in March 2024. By August 2024 , Malawians in 23 of the country’s 28 districts needed food aid to survive.

Maize makes up two-thirds of Malawi’s national calorie intake. Nine out of 10 farming households produce maize and devote over 70% of their land to growing it. Over 90% of farming households rely solely on rain to irrigate their maize plants.

This is a recipe for disaster. Joachim De Weerdt, Channing Arndt, James Thurlow, Jan Duchoslav, Joseph Glauber, Liangzhi You and Weston Anderson explain why Malawi must invest in irrigation systems for farmers across the country, to reduce their dependency on rain.

Read more: El Niño: Malawi's harvest of its staple food maize may fall by 22.5% this year

The regional maize supply chain

Elsewhere, Wandile Sihlobo writes that, while restricting exports might seem like a good way for a country to keep some maize for its own citizens, it removes the incentive for production for the next year as farm-level prices are artificially depressed. Governments in southern Africa should therefore avoid export restrictions and maize price caps.

Read more: Dry weather hits southern Africa’s farmers, putting key maize supplies at risk: how to blunt the impact

As lakes dry up, income sources dwindle

In April 2024, the government of Zimbabwe declared the El Niño drought a national disaster . Water levels dropped at Lake Kariba, which supports 100,000 people and generates most of Zimbabwe’s and Zambia’s electricity.

Joshua Matanzima, who grew up at Lake Kariba, explains that the drought laid waste to the local economy. Fishers could no longer catch enough to feed their families, tourist numbers decreased, residents had to walk further to fetch water, and poaching rose as people sought ways to earn money.

Read more: Zimbabwe: El Niño drought causes major drop in Lake Kariba levels - a disaster for people and wildlife

Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi points out that the current agrifood system has not delivered for Africa. The continent cannot continue to rely on wheat, maize and rice as its staple foods. Historically, Africa had 30,000 edible plant species, and 7,000 were traditionally cultivated or foraged for food. Many of these are hardy, drought resistant, nutritious food sources like Bambara groundnut , cowpea, pigeon pea, millet , sorghum and African leafy vegetables such as amaranth and wild mustard. Southern African governments must do more to encourage the production of these crops.

Read more: 60% of Africa's food is based on wheat, rice and maize – the continent's crop treasure trove is being neglected

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• El Niño phenomenon
• Bambara groundnut

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The Impact of Drought in South Africa Research Grade 11 Geography

The Impact of Drought in South Africa Research Geography Grade 11: South Africa has experienced a series of droughts over the past few decades, with significant impacts on the environment, economy, and society. As Grade 11 learners, it is crucial to understand the causes and consequences of drought in order to develop solutions for a more sustainable future. This article aims to provide a comprehensive research guide for Grade 11 students on the impact of drought in South Africa.

The Impact of Drought in South Africa Research Grade 11

• Understanding Drought

Before diving into the impacts of drought, it is essential to understand what drought is and how it is classified. Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. Droughts can be classified into three main types:

• Meteorological drought: Occurs when there is a significant decrease in precipitation compared to the average for a specific region and time period.
• Agricultural drought: Occurs when there is insufficient soil moisture to meet the needs of crops, leading to decreased agricultural productivity.
• Hydrological drought: Occurs when there is a deficiency in surface and subsurface water resources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
• Causes of Drought in South Africa

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of drought in South Africa:

• Climate change: As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of droughts are likely to increase. Changes in precipitation patterns can exacerbate water scarcity in regions already prone to drought.
• El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO): This climate phenomenon can lead to drought conditions in South Africa when the warm phase, known as El Niño, occurs. This results in suppressed rainfall over the southern African region.
• Land use practices: Unsustainable land management, such as deforestation, can reduce the ability of ecosystems to store water and contribute to drought.
• Environmental Impacts

Drought in South Africa has a range of environmental impacts:

• Decreased water availability: Reduced water levels in rivers, lakes, and dams can lead to water restrictions and increased competition for water resources.
• Loss of biodiversity: Drought can lead to the death of plants and animals, affecting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.
• Soil degradation: Drought can cause soil to become compacted, eroded, or lose its fertility, reducing its ability to support plant life.
• Economic Impacts

The economic impacts of drought in South Africa are far-reaching:

• Agricultural losses: Reduced crop yields and livestock productivity can lead to food shortages and increased food prices, affecting both farmers and consumers.
• Unemployment: The agricultural sector is a significant employer in South Africa. Drought can result in job losses for farmworkers and related industries.
• Reduced tourism: South Africa’s natural beauty is a significant tourist draw. However, drought can negatively impact water-based recreational activities and wildlife populations, deterring tourists and affecting the tourism industry.
• Social Impacts

Drought can have severe social consequences in South Africa:

• Water scarcity: Limited access to clean water can lead to waterborne diseases and affect sanitation, negatively impacting public health.
• Food insecurity: Food shortages and increased prices can exacerbate food insecurity, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• Mental health: The stress of dealing with the consequences of drought can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among affected individuals and communities.
• Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

To minimize the impact of drought and increase resilience, South Africa needs to implement various mitigation and adaptation strategies:

• Water resource management: Improved water resource management, including the development of new water infrastructure and more efficient water use, is crucial for ensuring water security.
• Sustainable agriculture: Adopting drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming practices can help reduce the impact of drought on agricultural productivity.
• Reforestation and land management: Reforestation and better land management practices can improve water retention and reduce soil erosion, helping to alleviate drought conditions.
• Education and awareness: Encouraging communities to adopt water-saving practices and promoting awareness of the consequences of drought is essential for fostering a culture of water conservation.
• Climate change mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting global efforts to address climate change can help limit the frequency and intensity of droughts in the future.

Drought is a significant issue in South Africa, with wide-ranging environmental, economic, and social impacts. For Grade 11 students researching the impact of drought, understanding the causes, consequences, and potential solutions is essential. By implementing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies, South Africa can better manage the effects of drought and create a more sustainable and resilient future.

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Map of South Africa that indicates the drought-stricken areas

Management Strategies for Drought and Desertification

• May 11, 2023
• 1.1 Water conservation and management
• 1.2 Drought-resistant crops
• 1.3 Irrigation systems
• 1.4 Rainwater harvesting
• 2.1 Reforestation and afforestation
• 2.2 Conservation agriculture
• 2.3 Land restoration
• 2.4 Sustainable land management
• 3.1 Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)
• 3.2 Climate-smart agriculture
• 3.3 Working for Water and Working for Land programs
• 3.4 National Drought Management Strategy

Drought and desertification are major environmental challenges that affect many regions around the world, including South Africa. Drought is a natural phenomenon characterized by a prolonged period of dry weather resulting in a shortage of water. On the other hand, desertification refers to the degradation of once-fertile land into a desert-like environment. Drought and desertification are closely related since drought conditions often lead to land degradation, which in turn results in desertification.

South Africa has experienced numerous droughts in recent years, with the most severe drought occurring from 2015 to 2018. The drought had a significant impact on the country’s agricultural sector, resulting in crop failures, livestock losses, and a decline in the country’s GDP. Desertification is also a significant issue in South Africa, with about 66% of the country’s land classified as semi-arid or arid. This article will suggest management strategies for drought and desertification, with a particular focus on South Africa.

Management Strategies for Drought

Water conservation and management.

Water conservation and management are essential strategies for mitigating the effects of drought . South Africa is a water-scarce country, and water conservation is crucial to ensure that there is enough water to meet the needs of its citizens, industries, and agriculture. Water management involves the efficient use and allocation of water resources, including the development of new water sources such as groundwater and desalination plants.

Drought-resistant crops

Another management strategy for drought is the use of drought-resistant crops. Farmers in South Africa can switch to drought-resistant crops that require less water to grow, such as sorghum, millet, and maize. These crops can help farmers cope with drought conditions and reduce the impact of crop failures on their livelihoods.

Irrigation systems

Irrigation systems are also crucial in mitigating the effects of drought. South Africa has invested in various irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation and pivot irrigation, to improve water efficiency and reduce water wastage. These systems help farmers conserve water by delivering water directly to the plant’s roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.

Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is another effective strategy for managing drought conditions. This involves collecting rainwater during the rainy season and storing it for use during the dry season. Rainwater harvesting can help farmers and households reduce their dependence on municipal water sources and alleviate water scarcity during droughts.

Management Strategies for Desertification

Reforestation and afforestation.

Reforestation and afforestation are essential strategies for mitigating the effects of desertification. Trees play a critical role in preventing soil erosion, improving soil fertility, and reducing the effects of climate change. In South Africa, reforestation and afforestation programs have been implemented to restore degraded lands and prevent further desertification.

Conservation agriculture

Conservation agriculture is another strategy for managing desertification. This involves adopting farming practices that reduce soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and conserve water. Conservation agriculture techniques include minimum tillage, crop rotation, and the use of cover crops. These practices can help farmers improve soil health and increase crop yields in degraded lands.

Land restoration

Land restoration is a critical strategy for managing desertification. This involves restoring degraded lands to their natural state through re-vegetation, erosion control, and soil conservation. In South Africa, the Working for Land program has been implemented to restore degraded lands and provide employment opportunities for local communities.

Sustainable land management

Sustainable land management is another important strategy for managing desertification. This involves adopting land use practices that are environmentally sustainable, socially acceptable, and economically viable. Sustainable land management practices include agroforestry, sustainable grazing, and the use of drought-resistant crops. These practices can help farmers and communities adapt to changing climate conditions and prevent further land degradation.

Drought and Desertification Management Strategies in South Africa

Integrated water resource management (iwrm).

South Africa has implemented Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) as a strategy for managing water resources. IWRM involves the coordinated development and management of water resources to ensure social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The implementation of IWRM has helped South Africa to improve water efficiency, reduce water wastage, and enhance water conservation.

Climate-smart agriculture

South Africa has also implemented climate-smart agriculture practices to help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions. Climate-smart agriculture involves the adoption of practices that increase agricultural productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some of the climate-smart agriculture practices being promoted in South Africa include conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and the use of drought-resistant crops.

Working for Water and Working for Land programs

South Africa has implemented the Working for Water and Working for Land programs as part of its land restoration and conservation efforts. The Working for Water program aims to control the spread of invasive alien plants, which contribute to land degradation and water scarcity. The Working for Land program aims to restore degraded lands and provide employment opportunities for local communities.

National Drought Management Strategy

South Africa has also developed a National Drought Management Plan to guide its drought management efforts. The strategy outlines the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, including government departments, communities, and private sector organizations, in managing drought conditions. The strategy focuses on water conservation, drought-resistant crops, and effective water allocation and management.

Drought and desertification are significant environmental challenges that affect many regions around the world, including South Africa. The management of drought and desertification requires a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations. South Africa has implemented various strategies to manage drought and desertification, including water conservation and management, the use of drought-resistant crops, reforestation and afforestation, conservation agriculture, and sustainable land management. These strategies have helped to improve water efficiency, increase agricultural productivity, enhance land restoration efforts, and provide employment opportunities for local communities. Continued efforts and investments are required to ensure the sustainability of these strategies and mitigate the effects of drought and desertification in South Africa.

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The Impact of Drought in the Northern Cape

The Northern Cape Province is the largest of all the nine Provinces of South Africa in terms of land mass, but has the smallest population. Its average rainfall is lower than that of all the other provinces. There has been no rainfall as was expected in the months of September to December. The Province was declared a drought disaster area in 2015, but to date the declaration has not yet been gazetted. The areas affected are Sutherland, in the Namakwa District, the entire Frances Baard District, Tsantsabane and Kgatelopele in Z. F. Mgcau District, Gamagara in John Taolo Gaitsewe District and Douglas and Campbell i Pixley Ka Seme District.

The impact of the drought was felt mostly by the emerging farmers who could not stock up on supplies as a result of not having the resources, thus being forced to sell their cattle to make  ends meet and to alleviate the suffering of the animals. On the one hand farmers focussing on crop production could not prepare the land for planting, could not plant and therefore could not supply the supermarkets and this meant financial losses, while on the other hand, those focussing on cattle, sheep and goats struggled immensely with grazing land as well as water, resulting in animal deaths. This amounted to huge losses for farmers. The total number of livestock affected by the drought is estimated at more than 11000. At least 32 livestock  losses were reported during this difficult period.

The drought has drastically hampered the planting process of summer crops. Widespread rain is urgently needed for the crops that were planted as their yield potential will continue to deteriorate as the drought persists. Some farmers even went to the extent of saying South Africa is in a disaster in the maize belt. The farmers are not the only ones who are adversely affected by the drought. Consumers are hardest hit by the rising food prices. For instance, maize prices are 120%  higher than a year ago, maize-meal prices are between 17% and 0% higher, yellow maize prices are up by 65%, eggs have gone up by 8%, chicken prices are up by 4%, beef  is up by 5%, while dairy products are up by 2%. The fact that the province and the country is not producing enough to feed the population, means that we will soon be living more and more on imported goods, resulting in even much higher prices.

Farmers have been calling on the Department of Agriculture to step in and provide assistance in order to cushion their difficulties, but as usual, they took their own time. The assistance they brought to the farmers was too little and too late. That is, the situation could not be improved by their intervention, although it is reported that the contribution amounted to R23 million. The farmers do appreciate the assistance but expect more money to be channelled especially in the areas that are hardest hit by the drought.

Recent rainfall has done little to pull the Northern Cape Province out of the drought danger zone.  The drought status quo has not changed. To make matters worse the province has been experiencing a heat wave, which puts enormous pressure on the population to use more water for drinking and household use, including gardens. The use of air conditioners and fans have also impacted on the amount of electricity being consumed by various communities and we know there is a shortage in power supply, hence the investigation into renewable energy sources.

Drought, desertification and the Nigerian environment: A review (Q129765992)

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How Chinese hybrid grass technology is changing the world for the better

Lin Zhanxi (1st R) from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University introduces Juncao technology to African students in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Nov. 2, 2018. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

To date, nearly 350 international workshops have trained over 14,000 people in Juncao technology, with introductory papers now available in 18 languages for global use.

"The experimental results were very promising," Professor Lin Zhanxi said. "Juncao is the grass of happiness, a gift from China to all."

by Xinhua writers Liu Bowei, Sun Hao

KIGALI/FUZHOU, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- It was pleasantly warm and dry in Rwanda in early August, and young farmers in Southern Province were celebrating a bountiful harvest. Their hands were not bunched with corn or rice but with mushrooms, cultivated with the help of a technology transferred from a country far away to this "land of a thousand hills" in Africa.

Joining the celebration was Professor Lin Zhanxi. Since the 1980s, the octogenarian scientist has led a research team on Juncao technology in China's southeastern Fujian Province. The hybrid grass technology enables fungi to grow on grass-based substrates instead of felled trees, a solution to the mushroom industry's threat to forests.

The plant's name means "mushroom" and "grass" in Chinese. Its versatility is a key feature, allowing it to grow edible mushrooms, provide livestock feed and help battle desertification.

Thanks to the active and visionary promotion by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Juncao is thriving in and beyond China, improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable development in developing nations across the Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America.

A WAY OUT OF POVERTY

Before known as "the father of Juncao," Lin grew up in the impoverished rural mountains of Fujian. His personal experiences with poverty profoundly shaped his commitment to Juncao technology.

After decades of work, Lin and his team succeeded in selecting and breeding a type of high-yield, drought and salinity-resistant herbaceous plant that can be used as a substitute for wood to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms.

At the ninth Aid-for-Trade Global Review Conference held by the WTO in Geneva in June, Lin reflected on how Juncao technology began its global journey. It was back in 1992 when Lin first presented Juncao to widespread acclaim at an international exhibition on inventions, also in Geneva. There in Switzerland, Lin received many calls to learn more about the technology.

Lin recalled how Xi has passionately supported using scientific and technological means to combat poverty.

In 1997, Xi, then deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Fujian Provincial Committee, listed Juncao technology as part of the province's poverty reduction efforts with the northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Upon receiving the assignment, Lin immediately took his team, as well as grass and fungus seeds, to Xihaigu, a poverty-stricken region in Ningxia.

Today, Juncao technology is used in 31 provinces across China and has significantly contributed to ending poverty and revitalizing rural areas.

Lin Zhanxi (2nd R) exchanges Juncao planting skills with farmers in Minning Town of Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, March 29, 2021.   (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

With Xi's support, a pilot project to introduce Juncao technology in Papua New Guinea was launched in 2000, becoming one of the first applications of Juncao technology overseas.

Fuelled by their dedication and pioneering spirit, Lin and other Chinese researchers have since introduced the technology to 106 countries and regions across the globe.

With a mission to end poverty around the world, Chinese scientists have applied Juncao technology to some challenging environments. In Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands, they witnessed tribes still practicing slash-and-burn agriculture. In Rwanda, families without access to cattle or tractors labored in muddy fields using only hoes. In the Central African Republic, they observed the devastating impact of post-conflict famine.

Throughout these years, Lin has faced gunpoint robberies, malaria, altitude sickness and long periods in remote outposts without electricity or water. Witnessing extreme poverty in developing countries further strengthened Lin's commitment to Juncao.

"We go to the poorest places with a genuine intent to help the people," Lin stated.

A PLANT OF PROSPERITY

Agnes Ayinkamiye is the first coordinator of the Juncao project in Rwanda.

"One of the things that made me especially happy was how we helped people. The project was well-received, and we trained many people, particularly women's cooperatives and youth groups," she said. "I enjoyed my work immensely and was thrilled to collaborate with experts."

"People can earn money through Juncao technology, and it's become quite popular," Ayinkamiye added.

Lin noted that around 4,000 Rwandan households have benefited from the technology, with some experiencing their incomes double or even triple over the years.

Lin Zhanxi (R), a professor from China's Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, visits a mushroom growing shed in Kigali, Rwanda, on Aug. 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Ji Li)

"Juncao technology is affordable ... This technology is applied in such a way that makes it affordable for people at a very local level, which I believe is the key benefit," said Earle Courtenay Rattray, chef de cabinet to the United Nations Secretary-General.

Seruwaia Kabukabu, an entrepreneur in Serea Village of Fiji's Naitasiri Province, is one of the women trained at the Juncao demonstration center in Nadi, Fiji's third-largest city.

"After the training, every one of us received mushroom substrate bags for free from the center. Under the guidance of technical experts, we began to harvest and sell mushrooms within 7-10 days, earning money for our family," Kabukabu said.

The income from the Juncao project allowed her to improve her family's living standards by purchasing essential appliances, building a concrete toilet and bathroom, and even contributing to a clean water project in her community.

"Fiji faces numerous problems ranging from geographical isolation, susceptibility to natural disasters due to climate change that hinders agricultural, and sustainable development and food security," Kabukabu said.

Over the past decade, over 2,400 people in Fiji have received training on Juncao technology, with the Juncao cultivation area in Fiji exceeding 2,000 hectares.

"Simple to learn and effective to implement," said Lin, emphasizing that Juncao technology should lower its technical application threshold abroad "so that even the poorest farmers can get involved."

NEVER-ENDING EXPERIMENT

Apart from cultivating mushrooms, Juncao technology has continued to innovate, expanding its production to include feed and fertilizer.

Since using Juncao as fodder, Tahiya Massawe, a farmer in Bumbwi Sudi, Tanzania, has observed improved milk density and nutrition and increased milk production.

"It has also saved money for me," she told Xinhua, "because the budget I previously spent on other feed is now saved by using this grass."

Farmers multiply Juncao and use it on their farms. Many testimonials show that farmers have accepted the technology simply because the feeds are rich, said Makame Kitwana, director of Planning, Policy and Research at Tanzania's agriculture ministry.

"In a number of ways, scientifically, it has (been proven) that the protein content, as well as carbon content, is high, making cattle more satisfied when consuming Juncao grass compared to other grasses," he said.

Nyambo Obed shows the cultivated mushrooms at his workshop near Muhanga in Southern Province, Rwanda, April 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)

Juncao can also help with ecological management.

Soil erosion has been a serious problem in countries such as Rwanda. Rwandan officials used to worry that if the soil problem could not be resolved, Rwanda would have no land to cultivate. Lin always kept their concerns in mind.

He still remembers the experimental data in Rwanda during his visit over a decade ago. On one day the rainfall for two and a half hours reached 51.4 millimeters. All the rain was captured by the giant (Juncao) grass, and it was very effective in water conservation and soil retention.

In February in Fiji, Lin also worked on applying Juncao technology to saline soil management, aiming to seek additional solutions to combat climate change for developing countries, including Pacific island nations.

"The experimental results were very promising," Lin said. "Juncao is the grass of happiness, a gift from China to all."

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