As the sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) unfolds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has sounded an urgent call for global action. Led by its President, Alvaro Lario, IFAD is advocating for small-scale farmers, highlighting the crucial role they play in combating desertification and ensuring food security amid growing climate challenges.
The Grim Reality of Desertification and Drought
Desertification, compounded by drought and land degradation, poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of an estimated 1.5 billion people worldwide. This crisis is not only an environmental issue but also a human one, with the potential to displace millions and exacerbate food insecurity.
In East Africa, the recent drought was the worst in over 40 years, devastating crops and livestock and leaving millions at risk of hunger. Similarly, the Sahel region, known as the buffer against the Sahara Desert, has seen its southern boundary shift nearly 200 kilometers southward in the past three decades. In Zimbabwe, this year’s severe drought forced President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare a nationwide state of disaster, with an estimated 6 million people expected to face food insecurity during the 2024–2025 lean season.
IFAD’s Response: Investing in Resilience
Amid these challenges, IFAD’s interventions provide a glimmer of hope. The Smallholder Irrigation Revitalization Programme (SIRP) in Zimbabwe exemplifies how targeted investments can improve resilience. By rehabilitating irrigation systems and supporting over 27,000 rural households, SIRP enables farmers to grow crops despite erratic rainfall and aging infrastructure.
“This is not just about irrigation,” said President Alvaro Lario. “It’s about equipping farmers with tools and systems to withstand shocks, ensuring they remain productive and contribute to global food security.”
The Role of Small-Scale Farmers in Food Security
Small-scale farmers produce 40% of the world’s food, a figure that rises to 60% in Africa. Yet, they are disproportionately affected by climate change and often lack access to critical investments. As Lario noted at COP16, “The world’s 500 million small farms are the backbone of our global food systems. Investing in them is not optional; it’s a prerequisite if we want to maintain food security.”
The Stakes at COP16
At COP16, IFAD aims to underscore the high stakes of inaction. Without adequate investment in agriculture, the impacts of land degradation and climate change could push up to 700 million people into forced migration by 2050. Beyond the human cost, these crises threaten economic stability in developing nations, where agriculture often accounts for a significant share of GDP.
IFAD’s presence at COP16 serves as a reminder that combating desertification is not merely an environmental imperative—it is a humanitarian and economic necessity. By focusing on small-scale farmers and sustainable practices, the global community can take meaningful steps to protect ecosystems, secure food supplies, and build a resilient future for millions.
The time for action is now, and IFAD’s leadership is paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable approach to global agriculture.
