Desertification is sweeping across Africa with devastating force. As once-fertile lands turn to dust and arid areas grow, the consequences for millions of people are immediate and severe. The expansion of barren landscapes is not just a distant concern; it is a pressing reality reshaping lives and livelihoods across the continent.
This time last year, world leaders converged in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the 15th session of the Conference of Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Their unified message explained that desertification in Africa is more than an environmental issue—it is a full-blown humanitarian crisis. Themed “Land. Life. Legacy: From Scarcity to Prosperity,” the summit illustrated the urgent need for global action to address desertification, land degradation, and drought, which have become Africa’s major environmental challenge.
Desertification, the process by which fertile land transforms into desert, poses a particularly severe threat. According to the UNCCD, over 250 million people worldwide are affected by this phenomenon, with the Sahel region and desert areas in Southern Africa among the hardest hit. The Sahel, a semi-arid expanse stretching across the northern part of sub-Saharan Africa, has experienced relentless degradation. Once-fertile lands are now barren, leading to severe food insecurity, acute water scarcity, and widespread displacement. Climate change has only exacerbated these issues, with frequent and intense droughts making the situation even more dire.
At COP15, President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire called for hope and collective mobilisation. “Our summit must be one of hope, of the collective mobilisation of states and development partners, in favour of land and forest restoration initiatives of our countries,” he stated.
The impact of desertification is multifaceted. As land productivity declines, agricultural output falters, leading to food shortages and heightened competition for scarce resources. This, in turn, exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities and fuels conflicts. Families are forced to abandon their homes in search of arable land, driving urban migration and the expansion of informal settlements. The displaced populations face severe vulnerabilities, including limited access to clean water, healthcare, and education.
For millions of Africans, desertification is a daily struggle. In the Sahel region, a belt of semi-arid land stretching across northern Africa, the impact of desertification is particularly severe. The area, which includes countries like Chad, Niger, and Mali, has been experiencing severe land degradation and drought for decades. In Niger, for example, the village of Agadez, once a thriving center of agriculture, has seen its land turn to dust. Farmers who relied on fertile soil for their crops are now forced to migrate in search of arable land, leaving their homes and families behind.
The consequences of desertification extend beyond just land and food. In Agadez, as agriculture falters, water sources are becoming scarce. The once-reliable wells that supplied water for irrigation and drinking have dried up, forcing residents to travel long distances to find clean water. This has led to heightened tensions and competition for resources, often resulting in conflicts within and between communities.
In Southern Africa, the situation is near catastrophic. Zimbabwe, for instance, has been grappling with the effects of desertification in its rural areas. The once-productive lands of Masvingo Province have been severely degraded, affecting the livelihoods of countless farmers. As crops fail and livestock perish, many families are facing food shortages. The economic strain has led to increased migration from rural to urban areas, where many are met with inadequate infrastructure and limited job opportunities.
One notable example is the impact of desertification on the Great Green Wall (GGW) project, an ambitious initiative aimed at combating desertification across the Sahel and Sahara. Launched by the African Union in 2007, the GGW envisions a sprawling 8,000-kilometer natural forest stretching from Senegal to Djibouti. The project aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, improve food security, and create jobs. Despite its noble goals, the GGW has faced significant challenges. In Senegal, where the project has seen some progress, local farmers have reported mixed results. While some areas have benefitted from reforestation efforts, others have struggled due to insufficient funding and logistical hurdles.
In Kenya, the effects of desertification are evident in the northern region of Turkana. Once home to rich grasslands, Turkana has been transformed into a desolate landscape due to prolonged drought and overgrazing. The pastoral communities that once thrived in this region are now facing severe hardships. Livestock, a primary source of income and food, are dying due to lack of pasture and water. As a result, many families are forced to abandon their traditional livelihoods and seek alternative sources of income in urban areas, where they often struggle to adapt to a new way of life.
Women in these affected regions bear a disproportionate burden. In Turkana, women are responsible for gathering water, a task made increasingly difficult by the dwindling supply. They often have to travel long distances, putting themselves at risk of violence and exploitation. The economic strain also affects their ability to educate their children, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Despite these challenges, women are playing a crucial role in grassroots efforts to combat desertification. In Senegal, women are actively involved in reforestation projects and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The impact of desertification extends beyond economic hardship, affecting social stability. Many young people, facing dwindling opportunities, turn to dangerous alternatives such as illegal activities or extremist groups. These groups exploit the vulnerable, offering food and financial incentives in exchange for loyalty. This exacerbates regional instability and undermines efforts to combat desertification and promote sustainable development.
While this lingers, the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative stands out as a beacon of hope. Ibrahim Thiaw, the Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, acknowledged the progress made but emphasised that significant challenges remain. “Projects of this ambition and magnitude do not materialize on inspiration and hope alone,” Thiaw said. “They need financial support, good governance, and coordinated action.” His comments highlighted that while the GGW has achieved some success, the pace of progress remains sluggish, and there is an urgent need to accelerate efforts.
