Introduction A Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) was unveiled at the 16th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) in Riyadh, aimed at transforming agriculture in some of the world’s most arid regions. The initiative was launched by CGIAR, a global leader in agricultural research, in collaboration with two of its key centers:
  • International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
  • International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
The strategy targets the 2.7 billion people living in drylands, particularly across Asia and Africa, regions facing extreme challenges like water scarcity, land degradation, and desertification. WHY DRYLAND MATTERS? Drylands are critical to the world’s population and food systems, as they:
  • Host 1 in every 3 people globally.
  • House nearly half of the world’s livestock.
  • Contribute to 44% of global food systems.
However, 20-35% of drylands are degraded, threatening food security, biodiversity, and livelihoods. OBJECTIVES OF GSRD The 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) aims to:
  • Enhance food security by transforming dryland agriculture.
  • Conserve biodiversity while ensuring sustainable farming practices.
  • Build resilient livelihoods for people in dryland regions.
The strategy was developed over five decades of research in dryland regions and presents a roadmap to tackle some of the most urgent challenges exacerbated by climate change. KEY FOCUS AREAS The GSRD introduces innovative, climate-smart solutions to combat the unique challenges of dryland farming, focusing on:
  1. Water Scarcity: Implementing solutions such as solar-powered agrivoltaics to maximize the use of limited water resources.
  2. Land Degradation and Desertification: Advanced techniques in agroforestry and improved land management to reverse soil erosion and restore degraded lands.
  3. Climate-Resilient Crops: Developing drought-tolerant crops like barley, lentils, chickpeas, and cacti to ensure food security even in harsh climates.
  4. Sustainable Livestock Practices: Enhancing livestock feeding practices to improve productivity and resilience against environmental stressors.
By leveraging the combined expertise of CGIAR and its partners, the strategy aims to create context-specific and lasting solutions that empower communities dependent on drylands for their livelihoods. WHY GSRD MATTERS? Drylands are at the frontlines of climate change, with temperatures rising 20-40% faster than other regions. With 70% of the world's hungry living in environmentally fragile and conflict-affected areas, transforming dryland agriculture is essential to addressing global food insecurity. The strategy emphasizes five key areas of focus:
  • Adapting agrifood systems to climate change: Ensuring that agricultural systems can withstand and thrive in changing environmental conditions.
  • Conserving biodiversity: Protecting dryland ecosystems and the rich variety of life they support.
  • Sustainably managing soil and water resources: Optimizing the use of limited natural resources to maintain agricultural productivity.
  • Promoting healthy diets: Ensuring that agricultural practices lead to nutritious and diverse food systems.
  • Fostering inclusive development: Empowering communities, particularly marginalized groups, and ensuring that the benefits of these innovations reach everyone.
These actions will enhance resilience not only in dryland regions but also globally, as the solutions pioneered by GSRD can be scaled to other regions vulnerable to climate change.

COLLABORATION & IMPACT

  • The GSRD is the result of extensive collaboration among national research organizations, governments, and private sector partners.
  • It highlights Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) commitment to addressing one of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today.
  • As climate change drives the expansion of drylands, the solutions outlined in the strategy provide hope for sustainable agricultural practices that can benefit both dryland regions and the broader global community.