Land
Since 1972, the main driving force leading to pressure on land resources
has been increasing food production. In 2002, food is needed for some
2 220 million more people than in 1972. The trend during the decade 1985-95
showed population growth racing ahead of food production in many parts
of the world. While irrigation has made an important contribution to agricultural
production, inefficient irrigation schemes can cause waterlogging, salinization
and alkalization of soils. In the 1980s, it was estimated that about 10
million ha of irrigated land were being abandoned annually. Human activities
contributing to land degradation include unsuitable agricultural land
use, poor soil and water management practices, deforestation, removal
of natural vegetation, frequent use of heavy machinery, overgrazing, improper
crop rotation and poor irrigation practices. The 1992 Earth Summit took
a step forward in focusing attention on problems associated with land
resources. National needs at times linked with Agenda 21 have provided
a basis for land resources policy, and the importance of land issues was
reiterated in the review prepared for the UN Millennium Summit. This review
identifies the threats to future global food security arising from problems
of land resources.
| Regional highlights: Africa |
| The increasing numbers of African countries facing water stress
and scarcity, and land degradation, are major environmental issues
in the region. The rising costs of water treatment, food imports,
medical treatment and soil conservation measures are not only increasing
human vulnerability and health insecurity but are also draining African
countries of their economic resources. The expansion of agriculture
into marginal areas and clearance of natural habitats such as forests
and wetlands has been a major driving force behind land degradation.
The loss of biological resources translates into loss of economic
potential and options for commercial development in the future. These
negative changes, however, have been tempered by Africa's impressive
wildlife conservation record, including a well-established network
of protected areas and the region's commitment to multilateral environmental
agreements. African countries also participate in many regional and
sub-regional initiatives and programmes. Notable achievements include
the 1968 African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (currently being updated) and the 1991 Bamako Convention
on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary
Movement and Management of Hazardous Waste within Africa. |
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