This week Zimbabwe joined the global community to observe Desertification and Drought Day under the theme “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future”.
The day, formerly known as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought until 2020, is dedicated to raising public awareness about the international efforts aimed at tackling desertification and drought. In a statement, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Environmental Education and Publicity Manager, Amkela Sidange explained the importance of the day.
“This day aims to inform people that desertification and drought can be effectively tackled, solutions are possible, and strengthened community participation and cooperation at all levels is key,” Sidange said.
The commemoration aims to bolster the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, particularly in African countries experiencing severe drought and land degradation.
This event follows closely after World Environment Day, observed on June 5, which also highlighted the themes of land restoration and resilience against desertification and drought.
She said desertification, the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub humid areas, arises from factors like climate change and unsustainable human activities, leading to a significant loss in biological productivity and diversity.
“Drought, characterized by prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall, results in serious hydrological imbalances and water shortages, affecting natural ecosystems and human activities,” she said. Statistics reveal the severity of the issue, with up to 40% of the world’s land already degraded, impacting millions of lives. In Zimbabwe, approximately 35.6% of land is affected by degradation. Sidange highlighted that land restoration is crucial to reversing these trends and building resilience against climate change, drought, and desertification.
Climate change exacerbates desertification and drought, with increasing temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events putting additional pressure on land, water, and natural resources.
Unsustainable land use practices, including overgrazing, deforestation, and poor irrigation methods, further contribute to the problem, especially in vulnerable drylands.
The impacts of desertification and drought are far-reaching, threatening food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems. They can lead to crop failures, livestock losses, ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and forced migration of affected populations.
Sidange said there is need for a comprehensive approach to address these challenges, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable land and water management, ecosystem restoration, and support for vulnerable communities.
