Drylands under pressure: Science and solutions for global stability
- Maria Costa
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Editor’s Note:This article has been inspired by Ismahane Elouafi’s insightful piece published on Science.org. It explores the critical challenges of global food security and the transformative potential of science, innovation, and international collaboration in addressing these issues.
Drylands are the backbone of global agriculture, supporting 44% of the world’s farming. Yet, they are under siege. Climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity are transforming these essential regions into barren landscapes, threatening the livelihoods of nearly three billion people. These lands, which already face some of the harshest conditions on Earth, are warming faster than other parts of the planet. Their decline imperils food security, biodiversity, and stability across vast swaths of the globe.
The crisis is accelerating. Water scarcity could displace 700 million people by 2030. Land degradation continues to erode agricultural productivity, while habitats vital to countless species disappear. This is not just an environmental issue it is a humanitarian and economic one. Addressing desertification is no longer optional. It requires urgent, coordinated action grounded in science and innovation to restore degraded lands and build resilience.
Drylands under siege
Drylands are paradoxical landscapes dynamic but fragile ecosystems facing persistent water scarcity, unpredictable rainfall, and vulnerability to land degradation but still supporting millions of livelihoods. They sustain nearly half of global agriculture, yet they are among the most vulnerable of Earth’s ecosystems. Every year, vast tracts of productive land are lost to land degradation. The cascading effects are far-reaching. Degraded soils lose their ability to store carbon, accelerating climate change. Essential ecosystem services such as water filtration and pollination collapse, further destabilising these regions.
This degradation breeds conflict. Scarcity of land and water fuels competition, often erupting into violence and forcing migration. As desertification advances, communities are displaced, governance systems buckle, and tensions rise. The Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa is a stark example. Several historical famines have been linked to prolonged droughts in the region. Climate change may further exacerbate risk, expanding drought-sensitive areas worldwide. Without intervention, these pressures will only intensify, undermining global efforts for sustainability, peace, and security.
A multifaceted approach to tackling desertification
Reversing desertification and building resilience in drylands requires bold, science-driven solutions. Sustainable land management is at the heart of this effort. Conservation agriculture is one proven strategy. Minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and permanent soil cover help reduce erosion and restore soil health. In North Africa, CGIAR has helped farmers adopt these practices, boosting wheat yields while conserving water. In Punjab, India, the adoption of zero-tillage practices has increased soil organic carbon, improved water retention, and reduced emissions from residue burning. Over three years, zero-tillage adoption in the region grew by 18%, showcasing its potential to transform smallholder farming systems.
Water scarcity is the defining challenge of drylands. Agriculture accounts for around 70% of freshwater use in these regions, leading to drastic groundwater depletion. Innovations such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater regeneration, and environmental flows management are beginning to transform water management. The MENAdrought project introduced advanced drought monitoring and governance systems in Morocco and Jordan. This has resulted in the cocreation of the MENA Regional Innovation Hub to enhance water accessibility and governance.
A strategy for the future
In December 2024, CGIAR unveiled its Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh. This plan brings together 15 research centres and partners to develop tailored solutions for dryland resilience. Built on decades of research, the strategy focuses on climate-smart innovations such as drought-resistant crops, climate-adaptive livestock systems, and the integration of agriculture and solar energy production. It promotes ecosystem restoration, encourages Indigenous knowledge, and prioritises inclusive governance, ensuring that women, youth, and marginalised communities are active participants in resource management and decision-making.
Case studies: Resilience in action
Across the globe, successful interventions are demonstrating how science-driven solutions can transform degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems.
In Egypt, the Integrated Desert Farming Innovation Program has transformed 250,000 hectares of desert into productive farmland. By combining solar-powered irrigation, climate-smart crops, and soil conservation techniques, the initiative has turned barren landscapes into hubs of economic activity.
In the Middle East and North Africa, the Enhancing Food Security in Arab Countries project, a 12-year initiative across 10 countries, has led to a wheat productivity increase of up to 66%. Adoption rates for these sustainable practices reached 87%, directly benefiting over two million people.
Scaling needs collaboration and investment
The scale of desertification demands a global response. At UNCCD COP16, CGIAR called for stronger partnerships among governments, research institutions, and local communities. Collaboration is essential to scale innovations, mobilise funding, and ensure that solutions reach those who need them most.
Capacity building is also critical. CGIAR emphasises cocreating solutions with local communities to ensure they are practical and culturally relevant. Gender-sensitive governance models and policies promoting sustainable development are essential to drive long-term success.
Addressing the challenges of drylands is not just about environmental protection—it is about social justice, economic equality, and global stability. The global society must continue investing in science, innovation, and policy reforms to ensure a resilient future.
Related links: https://www.cgiar.org/