World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought-June 17, 2024

This year's World Day is to Combat Desertification and Drought spotlights land stewardship. The theme – “United for land. Our Legacy. Our Future.” – is a recognition that sustainable land management is critical to providing a healthy and sustainable future for all.

Drought and desertification are genuine problems that will impact all of us; they are issues of this generation, not the next. Until the necessary legislative changes are put into place internationally to SaveSoil, it is the responsibility of every person on the globe to keep the discourse about soil relevant and alive. This is now a survival situation rather than a decision.

The global population is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050 according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The more the people, the more the food and land needed to produce the food. However, it is important to understand that the issue of food insecurity is also worsened by the loss and degradation of forests. Loss of trees and forests affects the availability of fruits and other food products derived from forests and trees, it also alters ecological factors crucial for crops and livestock, consequently influencing overall food availability.

Moreover, trees, forests, ecosystems, and sustainable farming methods play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of climate change. They create resilient communities by safeguarding against massive soil erosion, floods, and fostering sustainable food systems. Exploring the roles of trees & forests in ecosystems and sustainable farming methods is critical in solving climate crises.

*Why does African countries like Sierra Leone do not benefit from their natural resources?

*Because of mismanagement and corruption. Because natural resources are not a panacea, and never generate more than a fraction of GDP and employment compared to internal economic activity.