:: IJEBD::
(International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business Developmen.
Volume 08 Number 02 March 2025
ISSN: 2597-4785 (ONLINE)
ISSN: 2597-4750 (PRINTED)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- ShareAlike 4.
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Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Practices in Drylands:
How Do They Address Desertification Threats? Samuel Zachariah1 Mubanga Mpundu2 University of Zambia.
School of Graduate Studies.
Lusaka.
Zambia1 University of the Western Cape.
South Africa2 Corresponding Author: samuelzachariah@yahoo.
com, mmpundu@uwc.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Desertification poses a significant and growing threat to drylands worldwide, profoundly impacting biodiversity, livelihoods, and food security.
These regions, covering approximately 41% of the Earth's land surface and inhabited by over 2 billion people (United Nations, 2.
, are particularly vulnerable due to their low precipitation and fragile ecosystems.
Desertification, driven by climatic variations and human activities, leads to the degradation of land, diminishing agricultural productivity, deteriorating water quality, and exacerbating poverty (D'Odorico et al.
, 2.
Methodology: In response to these challenges.
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices have emerged as critical tools in combating desertification and restoring ecological balance in drylands.
SLM encompasses a diverse array of strategies aimed at sustainably managing land resources to enhance soil fertility, conserve water, and support resilient agricultural and pastoral systems.
These practices not only mitigate the adverse effects of desertification but also contribute to the sustainable development goals by improving ecosystem health and supporting local livelihoods.
Findings: This paper explores the various SLM practices implemented in drylands, evaluating their effectiveness in mitigating desertification threats through a synthesis of case studies and scientific evidence.
By highlighting successful strategies and identifying challenges in the adoption and implementation of SLM practices, this study aims to provide insights into enhancing sustainable land management strategies in the face of escalating desertification pressures.
Originality/value: This paper is original Paper type: a Research Paper Keyword: Sustainable Land Management.
Desertification.
Drylands.
Agroforestry.
Soil Conservation.
Water Harvesting.
Rangeland Management Received: November 13th
Revised: February 18th
Published: March 31th
INTRODUCTION
Drylands cover approximately 41% of the Earth's land surface and are home to over 2 billion people (United Nations, 2.
These regions, characterized by low precipitation and fragile ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to desertification, a process of land degradation exacerbated by climatic variations and human activities (UNCCD, 2.
Desertification leads to reduced agricultural productivity, diminished biodiversity, and increased poverty, posing significant challenges to sustainable development (D'Odorico et al.
, 2.
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices offer promising solutions to mitigate desertification and enhance the resilience of dryland ecosystems.
SLM encompasses a range of strategies aimed at improving soil fertility, conserving water, and supporting sustainable agricultural and pastoral systems.
These practices not only mitigate the adverse effects of desertification but also contribute to the sustainable development goals by improving ecosystem health and supporting local livelihoods.
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Practices in Drylands: How Do They Address Desertification Threats? Samuel Zachariah1.
Mubanga Mpundu2 Page iC217 :: IJEBD::
(International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business Developmen.
Volume 08 Number 02 March 2025
ISSN: 2597-4785 (ONLINE)
ISSN: 2597-4750 (PRINTED)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- ShareAlike 4.
0 International License.
Despite their potential benefits, the adoption and implementation of SLM practices face challenges related to funding, technical knowledge, policy support, and socio-cultural factors (Liniger et al.
, 2.
This paper examines various SLM practices employed in drylands, assesses their effectiveness in addressing desertification threats, and discusses the barriers to their widespread adoption.
By synthesizing existing literature and case studies, the paper provides insights into successful strategies and recommends approaches to enhance the implementation of SLM practices.
II.
METHODS
This study employs a systematic review of literature approach to comprehensively synthesize existing research and case studies on Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices in drylands.
The research methodology involved searching peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and publications from international organizations using keywords related to SLM, desertification, and drylands.
The selection criteria for case studies included relevance to the effectiveness of SLM practices and identification of challenges in their adoption.
Peer-reviewed journals provided rigorous academic insights, while government reports and international organization publications contributed policy perspectives and practical implementation strategies.
The synthesis of literature encompassed a qualitative analysis to identify common themes, successful practices, and barriers to the adoption of SLM practices in drylands.
The qualitative analysis focused on extracting key findings from the literature, synthesizing evidence on the effectiveness of different SLM strategies, and identifying recurring challenges hindering their widespread By systematically reviewing diverse sources, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of current practices, their outcomes, and the factors influencing their implementation in combating desertification in drylands.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Findings Effectiveness of SLM Practices Agroforestry Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and improve water retention (Garrity et al.
, 2.
This practice not only promotes sustainable land use but also enhances biodiversity and provides additional economic benefits through diversified crop and tree products (Nair.
Case studies from Niger and Ethiopia highlight the success of agroforestry in restoring degraded lands and increasing agricultural productivity (Reij et al.
, 2.
In Niger, the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) approach has been pivotal in revitalizing barren lands through selective regeneration of indigenous trees and shrubs.
This method has not only restored soil fertility but also provided fodder for livestock and fuelwood for local communities, thereby improving livelihoods (Garrity et al.
, 2.
Similarly, in Ethiopia, agroforestry systems combining fruit trees with cereal crops have demonstrated improved soil structure, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced water availability for crops during dry periods (Reij et al.
, 2.
The success of agroforestry in these regions underscores its potential as a sustainable land management strategy in combating desertification and promoting resilience in dryland ecosystems.
By integrating ecological, economic, and social benefits, agroforestry exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture that addresses multiple challenges posed by land degradation in drylands.
Soil and Water Conservation Techniques Techniques such as terracing, contour bunding, and the use of zai pits have proven effective in reducing soil erosion and enhancing water infiltration in drylands (Critchley and Siegert, 1.
Terracing involves constructing earth embankments along the contour lines of sloping lands, thereby reducing runoff and soil erosion by slowing down water flow and promoting water infiltration into the soil.
Contour bunding, on the other hand, consists of building small embankments along the contour of the land to trap runoff water and sediment, preventing soil erosion and improving moisture retention (Reij et al.
, 2.
The use of zai pits, a traditional technique employed in West Africa, involves digging small planting pits and filling them with organic matter to improve soil fertility and water retention.
These pits also serve as microcatchments for rainwater, contributing to improved soil moisture and crop growth (Critchley and Siegert, 1.
Studies in Burkina Faso and Kenya have highlighted significant improvements in crop yields and ecosystem Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Practices in Drylands: How Do They Address Desertification Threats? Samuel Zachariah1.
Mubanga Mpundu2 Page iC218 :: IJEBD::
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Volume 08 Number 02 March 2025
ISSN: 2597-4785 (ONLINE)
ISSN: 2597-4750 (PRINTED)
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0 International License.
resilience through the adoption of these soil and water conservation practices (Fatondji et al.
, 2006.
Odadi et al.
In Burkina Faso, for instance, the widespread adoption of zai pits combined with stone bunds has led to enhanced soil fertility, increased crop yields, and improved livelihoods among smallholder farmers (Fatondji et , 2.
Similarly, in Kenya, terracing and contour bunding have been instrumental in mitigating soil erosion on hilly landscapes, thereby safeguarding agricultural productivity and enhancing water availability for crops (Odadi et al.
, 2.
These soil and water conservation techniques not only contribute to sustainable land management but also play a crucial role in mitigating desertification and promoting resilience in dryland ecosystems.
By conserving soil moisture, preventing erosion, and improving soil fertility, these practices support agricultural sustainability and food security in regions prone to land degradation.
Rangeland Management Sustainable rangeland management practices, such as rotational grazing and community-based management, play a crucial role in vegetation restoration and soil health improvement in drylands (Briske et al.
, 2.
Rotational grazing involves systematically moving livestock between different grazing areas to prevent overgrazing and allow vegetation recovery periods, thereby maintaining ecosystem balance and soil fertility (Savory and Butterfield, 1.
Community-based management approaches empower local communities to collectively manage rangeland resources through participatory decision-making and sustainable practices.
This fosters stewardship of natural resources and promotes resilience in dryland ecosystems (Gadgil et al.
, 2.
Studies from Mongolia and Australia illustrate the benefits of these practices in enhancing pasture availability and improving livestock productivity (Odadi et al.
, 2.
In Mongolia, traditional pastoral management practices, coupled with community-based agreements on grazing rotations and seasonal rest periods, have contributed to the regeneration of grasslands and improved livestock health (Fernandez-Gimenez, 2.
Similarly, in Australia, rotational grazing systems have been instrumental in maintaining biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and optimizing livestock production in arid and semi-arid regions (Odadi et al.
, 2.
These sustainable rangeland management practices demonstrate effective strategies for enhancing ecosystem resilience, conserving biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods in dryland environments.
By integrating ecological and socio-economic considerations, these approaches contribute to sustainable land use practices that mitigate desertification and promote long-term environmental stewardship.
Water Harvesting Water harvesting techniques, such as check dams and percolation tanks, play a crucial role in increasing water availability and supporting agriculture in drylands (Glendenning et al.
, 2.
Check dams are small barriers built across gullies or streams to slow down the flow of water, allowing sediment to settle and water to percolate into the soil, thereby recharging groundwater levels (Rao et al.
, 2.
Percolation tanks, on the other hand, are structures designed to capture and store rainwater for gradual release into groundwater aquifers, ensuring sustained water availability during dry periods (Rao et al.
, 2.
Case studies from India and Kenya demonstrate significant improvements in groundwater recharge and agricultural resilience through the implementation of these water harvesting techniques (Joshi et al.
, 2008.
Glendenning et al.
, 2.
In India, the construction of check dams and percolation tanks has facilitated better water management in semi-arid regions, leading to enhanced crop yields and improved livelihoods for local communities (Joshi et al.
, 2.
Similarly, in Kenya, strategic placement of check dams has helped mitigate water scarcity challenges during prolonged droughts, supporting agricultural activities and maintaining ecosystem health (Glendenning et al.
, 2.
These water harvesting practices not only enhance water availability but also contribute to sustainable land management by reducing soil erosion and promoting ecosystem resilience in drylands.
By capturing and storing rainwater, these techniques support agricultural productivity and alleviate water stress in regions vulnerable to climate variability and desertification.
Discussion Challenges in SLM Adoption The adoption of SLM practices in drylands faces several challenges:
Financial Constraints: Limited funding for implementing SLM projects.
Technical Knowledge: Insufficient expertise and training in SLM practices among local communities.
Policy Support: Inadequate policy frameworks to incentivize sustainable land management.
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Practices in Drylands: How Do They Address Desertification Threats? Samuel Zachariah1.
Mubanga Mpundu2 Page iC219 :: IJEBD::
(International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business Developmen.
Volume 08 Number 02 March 2025
ISSN: 2597-4785 (ONLINE)
ISSN: 2597-4750 (PRINTED)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- ShareAlike 4.
0 International License.
Socio-cultural Factors: Cultural beliefs and practices that hinder the adoption of new agricultural Recommendations To enhance the adoption and effectiveness of SLM practices in drylands, stakeholders should consider the following recommendations:
Investment in Capacity Building: Provide training and extension services to enhance technical knowledge among local communities.
Policy Reforms: Develop supportive policies and regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable land Community Engagement: Foster community participation and ownership in decision-making processes related to SLM initiatives.
International Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships among governments.
NGOs, and research institutions to share knowledge and best practices in SLM.
IV.
CONCLUSION
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices play a crucial role in mitigating desertification and promoting resilience in dryland ecosystems.
By integrating agroforestry, soil and water conservation, rangeland management, and water harvesting practices, these approaches contribute significantly to sustainable development and improved livelihoods (Liniger et al.
, 2011.
Critchley and Siegert, 1991.
Briske et al.
, 2011.
Glendenning et , 2.
Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, enhancing soil fertility, reducing erosion, and improving water retention (Garrity et al.
, 2.
Similarly, techniques such as terracing, contour bunding, and zai pits have proven effective in reducing soil erosion and enhancing water infiltration in drylands, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and ecosystem health (Critchley and Siegert, 1991.
Fatondji et al.
Sustainable rangeland management practices, including rotational grazing and community-based management, contribute to vegetation restoration and soil health improvement in drylands (Briske et al.
, 2.
Examples from Mongolia and Australia illustrate the benefits of these practices in enhancing pasture availability and livestock productivity (Odadi et al.
, 2.
Water harvesting techniques, such as check dams and percolation tanks, are critical in increasing water availability and supporting agriculture in drylands by capturing and storing rainwater, thereby mitigating water scarcity challenges during droughts (Glendenning et al.
, 2012.
Joshi et al.
, 2.
Addressing the challenges to SLM adoption requires coordinated efforts and collaboration among Factors such as funding constraints, limited technical knowledge, inadequate policy support, and socio-cultural barriers must be addressed to enhance the implementation of SLM practices effectively (Liniger et , 2.
This paper has provided insights into effective strategies for implementing SLM practices in drylands, emphasizing the need for capacity building, supportive policies, community engagement, and international By leveraging these strategies, stakeholders can enhance the resilience of dryland ecosystems, mitigate desertification, and promote sustainable development in regions vulnerable to environmental REFERENCES