faq

what is desertification?
why is desertification a problem?
what are its causes?
what are some possible solutions to desertification?
desertification data

what is desertification?

Desertification does not refer to the expansion of existing deserts, but rather to the degradation of productive drylands (rangeland or cropland) into less productive desert. Drylands occur on every continent, and are estimated to cover around 40 percent of the earth's surface. In the past, drylands recovered after long droughts and dry periods through shifting agricultural practices, nomadic herding, and so forth. Today, however, pressure on drylands is heightened due to intensive agricultural practices and increasing populations.

why is desertification a problem?

Drylands are an important natural resource. Contrary to popular belief, drylands have great biological diversity and their products are economically, agriculturally and socially useful. Degradation transforms productive drylands into less productive desert. Basic needs, such as fresh water and food supplies, are threatened, as is fertile topsoil, vegetation cover, healthy crops and biodiversity levels. Degradation of drylands is also directly linked to other problems, including poverty, food insecurity, and migration.

Over 250 million people are directly affected by desertification. In addition, some one billion people in over one hundred countries are at risk. These people include many of the world's poorest, most marginalized, and politically weak citizens.

what are its causes?

Desertification is mainly caused by two factors: natural climate variations, and intensive land use. Overcultivation, overgrazing, deforestation and poor irrigation practices are all examples of intensive land use.

In January, FoE Europe put out a press release stating that Europe and many other parts of the world are increasingly being stricken by serious drought. The overall percentage of land area affected has doubled in the last thirty years, with climate change singled out as the key factor, according to a new report from the US National Center for Atmospheric Research. This new scientific evidence increases the urgency for European leaders to agree drastic cuts in emissions, according to FoE Europe.

Intensive land use is related to various economic, social and cultural factors:

• economic globalization and international trading pressures favor the exploitation of natural resources for immediate gain rather than the sustainable use of land:
• in many countries, the environment has a lower priority than do economic concerns, and the technology used on the land is inappropriate or damaging.
• population increases put more demand on the land for food production.

what are possible solutions to desertification?

Solutions include:

• sustainable and equitable land use
• the promotion of policies for sustainable development
• community-based management of drylands
• reforestation, soil conservation, land and water management
• capacity-building in affected communities
• use of alternative/appropriate technology
• promotion of sustainable energy sources and food security
• the establishment of a global financial mechanism and other financial resources to assist affected populations.
  

These solutions are included in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, (UNCCD) which entered into force in 1996. To date, over 110 countries have ratified the UNCCD.

Friends of the Earth groups attend meetings of the UNCCD, and many are involved in implementing the convention's national action plans.

desertification data

• Over 250 million of people are directly affected by desertification
• Africa is the most directly affected, and urgent action is needed there
• 70 percent of the world's drylands (excluding hyper and arid deserts) are degraded
• Over 110 countries in the world are affected by desertification.
• At the global level, it is estimated that the annual income foregone in the areas immediately affected by desertification amounts to approximately US$42 billion each year.