Impact and control of desertification in the drylands: a review article

Abstract

The inherent variation in the impacts of desertification and the criteria and methods used for its control significantly influence the success of its combat. This paper provides a critical review of the empirical studies that have been carried out and of the assessment approaches that have been developed in the drylands. A number of local but differentiated case studies were reviewed. The current knowledge is established, and areas of possible future research work are identified. To combat desertification in a sustainable manner local case studies should be promoted for the reason that diverse areas demand different assessment and prescriptions. The community involvement and the assimilation of socioeconomic measures in the packages of control is the panacea to desertification conundrum.