Desertification in Africa: Impacts, Causes, and Solutions

Desertification in Africa threatens food security, water resources, and livelihoods, and if not addressed, it could lead to the loss of two-thirds of the continent’s arable land by 2030.

Desertification is advancing globally, and the demand for food is becoming increasingly urgent as the loss of arable land accelerates at more than 30 times its historically observed rate. According to a UN report released in 2022, 12 million hectares of land are lost to desertification each year, resulting in the loss of the production potential of 20 million tons of grain and affecting 1.5 billion people, many of whom are already in precarious situations.

Africa is particularly vulnerable, as it faces extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and poor harvests. Much of the continent is on the frontline of desertification, with widespread land degradation and soil erosion affecting the livelihoods of local communities and wildlife. These challenges include the loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, water scarcity and limited access to clean drinking water, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, displacement and migration, as well as health issues.

The consequences of desertification are severe for communities across Africa. The Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, covering 14.9% of the Earth’s surface and home to nearly 420 million people, faces critical issues related to arable land, fertile soils, and water resources. Similarly, the Sahel region, a semi-arid area spanning much of Western Africa, is struggling with harsh conditions and the consequences of desertification. Climate change, land degradation, soaring prices, and conflict have made the already difficult lives of farmers in the Sahel even more precarious.

Parts of Eastern Africa, including Kenya, are also at risk of becoming desertified, as are areas surrounding the Kalahari and Namibian deserts. Apart from the humid rainforests of the equator, much of Africa is relatively dry, with 65% of its land area classified as semi-arid or arid.

Arable land is crucial for Africa, not only as a key asset for farmers but also because, alongside vegetation, it helps store carbon that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that by 2030, Africa will lose two-thirds of its arable land if desertification continues unchecked.

Poorly managed agricultural intensification, overgrazing by livestock, deforestation, and inadequate land management practices are major contributors to desertification. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 58% of desertification in Africa is due to cattle grazing, which removes large amounts of soil-binding grasses and other vegetation. Agricultural activities, especially crop planting and cultivation, contribute to around one-fifth of desertification in Africa.

Desertification is more than just planting trees; it is primarily about avoiding the misuse of land. Effective strategies to address this serious issue include improving irrigation methods to minimize water waste and salinization, managing soil cover to prevent erosion and retain moisture, and retaining crop residues to enrich the soil with organic matter. Additionally, practices such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and the use of organic fertilizers can enhance soil structure and fertility, promoting long-term sustainability.

The future of our land faces critical challenges, with up to 40% of the world’s land already degraded. Healthy land is essential for providing 95% of our food, clothing, shelter, jobs, and protection from natural disasters. However, it is disappearing at an alarming rate. To combat desertification effectively, we need a combination of technological innovation, farmer education, and supportive policies to create an enabling environment for sustainable land management.

References
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/12/1157906
https://www.afd.fr/en/actualites/cop15-combat-desertification-and-restore-land-food-security
https://www.un.org/africarenewal/web-features/desertification-threat-africa%E2%80%99s-development
https://www.green.earth/blog/desertification-in-africa-and-how-desertification-can-affect-people-in-africa
https://www.fao.org/neareast/news/details/desertification-and-drought-day-2024–united-for-land–our-legacy–our-future/en