FAO Warns of Severe Agricultural Land Degradation in Arab Region: Calls for Urgent Regional Action

17 June 2025, Rome: A new study published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has raised alarm over the rapid degradation of agricultural land, particularly in the Arab region. According to the findings, over 46 million hectares—two-thirds of the region’s degraded land—are severely impacted by human activities, putting food security at risk. The study, released in the MDPI journal Agriculture, highlights an urgent need for restoration and transformation of agrifood systems.

Global Degradation Threatens Food Systems

FAO estimates that 1.66 billion hectares of land worldwide have been degraded due to human action. Of this, more than 60 percent are agricultural lands, including croplands and pastures. With 95 percent of global food production relying on land, the degradation poses a significant threat to food availability, nutrition, and rural livelihoods.

Arab Region Among the Most Affected

The Arab region shows especially alarming signs of cropland degradation. Key drivers include excessive fertilizer and pesticide use, irrigation-induced soil salinization, intensifying sand and dust storms, rising temperatures, and persistent water scarcity—all exacerbated by climate change.

Despite the scale of the crisis, less than 4 percent of land in the Arab region is currently marked for restoration. However, restoring just 26 million hectares of degraded cropland could cut the yield gap for oil crops by up to 50 percent and significantly boost the productivity of cereals, roots, and tubers.

A Call for Regional Collaboration and Local Solutions

The study calls for urgent, integrated efforts to prevent, reduce, and reverse land degradation. It recommends sustainable management of soil, water, and land resources, along with the transformation of agrifood systems. A dedicated regional initiative tailored to local contexts is proposed to facilitate cross-country collaboration focused on land restoration, poverty reduction, and improved resilience.

This proposed initiative builds upon global and regional momentum—particularly the Riyadh Action Agenda unveiled during the UNCCD COP16 held in December 2024. The agenda prioritizes ecosystem restoration and resilience to drought and water stress while promoting sustainable farming practices.

FAO’s Leading Role in Restoration and Drought Response

The Arab region, long affected by desertification and water scarcity, received heightened focus during COP16—held in the region for the first time. FAO’s advocacy helped shape the landmark Decision 19/COP.16, which underscores the importance of restoring agricultural land to combat desertification and ensure food security.

FAO is also spearheading the NENA Regional Investment Framework for Ecosystem Restoration and Development Solutions, in collaboration with UNEP, UNCCD, and the League of Arab States. This framework encourages “champion countries” to scale up restoration efforts across the region.

Innovative Tools for Sustainable Agriculture

As part of its broader push, FAO has developed the Suitability Crop Platform—an innovative tool that provides critical soil and crop data to guide land use planning. These initiatives aim to mainstream land restoration into national strategies, strengthen climate resilience, and support biodiversity and livelihoods in the drylands of the Arab region.

The FAO’s findings and initiatives reflect a global call to action: without urgent restoration of degraded agricultural lands, food security, ecological balance, and rural sustainability remain at severe risk.

Also Read: Air-Conditioned Tractor Cabins Emerging as a Solution for Smallholder Farmers

📢 Reach Farmers, Share Your Story, and Grow Your Brand!
Got news to share? A company story to highlight? Looking to launch an impactful advertising campaign?  Connect with us at info@krishakjagat.org or nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org and make your mark!

📢 Connect with 100+ Million Farmers! India’s leading farmers rely on Krishak Jagat’s Hindi website for trusted agriculture news, advisory and insights. Click here to explore!