Broadly speaking, drylands are characterised by a scarcity of water. The United Nations Environment Programme defines them as lands with an aridity index (AI) of less than 0,65. (The AI is the ratio between average annual precipitation and potential evapotranspiration; if the former is less than the latter, the climate is regarded as arid.). It further divides drylands into hyper-arid lands, arid lands, semiarid lands, and dry sub-humid lands.
Drylands cover about 41% of the Earth’s land surface, or about 6,1 billion hectares. They are distributed among all continents at tropical and temperate latitudes. Africa has the largest area of drylands (32% of the world’s total), followed by Asia, North America, Oceania, South America, and Europe.
An estimated two billion people live in drylands, about 90% of them in developing countries. The majority depend on forests and other wooded lands, grasslands, and trees on farms for their livelihoods and to meet basic needs for food, medicine, wood energy, and non-wood forest products.
Trees tend to be integral parts of traditional food systems in drylands, because crops and livestock thrive in their presence. Their leaves and fruits are sources of food and fodder.
Trees and forests in drylands generate a wealth of environmental services; they provide habitats for biodiversity, protect against water and wind erosion and desertification, provide shade for crops and animals, help water infiltrate soil, and contribute to soil fertility. They also increase the resilience of landscapes and communities in the face of global change. Drylands are home to 35% of global biodiversity hotspot areas, as well as one-third of all endemic and important bird areas. Drylands support half of the world’s livestock, a source of food security for the dryland population living in developing countries.
Climate Change
Denne historien er fra February 07, 2020-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra February 07, 2020-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
