Desertification: A Threat to Food Security and Agricultural Development

In 1994, when the Convention to Combat Desertification was adopted, June 17th was declared World Day to Combat Desertification. The phenomenon, which affects more than 1.2 billion human beings according to UN figures, represents a real threat to food security in many countries.

By reducing soil fertility, desertification contributes to the occurrence of famines, which in turn lead to massive population displacements.

For Luc Gnacadja, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, "Confronting this complex issue requires a global response to increase the productivity of land ecosystems and make sustainable agricultural production a priority in view of adaptation to climate change and biodiversity protection." This statement reflects an undeniable reality: the problem of desertification lies at the heart of such major issues as agricultural development and the reduction of poverty and hunger.

But for Gnacadja, we have a great deal of ground left to cover; as he points out, "It has been easier to consider the atmosphere a global public good than to see land the same way," and the agenda for land has not budged for fifteen years. This situation could change for the better if, as Momagri recommends, the international community recognizes agriculture as a global public good, along with the land on which it is practiced.