Desertification...in Perspective

The international community has not addressed the critical environmental challenge presented by desertification for several reasons: desertification is an implacable adversary, making any antidesertification crusade long, difficult, frustrating, & costly; & the desertification concept is too ambiguous & diffuse, & therefore yields no consensus on what the critical indicators of desertification are. Despite substantial investments in mainstream desertification-control programs, the perceived absence of significant victories in these efforts has raised doubts in government ministries & budget authorities as to whether success is possible. It is argued that success will depend on a precise definition of what is meant by desertification & the continuing quest by the science & technology community for a better understanding of the desertification process. Additionally, affected countries must confront high population growth rates, inadequate land tenure systems that create disincentives to effective management, & civil conflicts. Adapted from the source document.