Human behaviour can influence the impact of drought and desertification (brought about by climate change) through a variety of scientific, technical, social and political solutions.
Scientific and technical solutions:
- increase in water resources and in improved stock management (irrigation techniques that avoid water waste and salinisation of the ground;
- planting vegetation (trees, Green Dam);
- stabilisation of dunes through adapted vegetation and other environment-friendly devices;
- application of irrigation and drainage techniques;
- identification and development of crops that are well-adapted to hydric and salt stress;
- establishing observation networks for monitoring vulnerable ecosystems and irrigated perimeters; development of early-warning systems.
- improvements to the ground’s capacity to retain water to allow the development of agriculture (organic amendment).
Social solutions:
- drawing on the “indigenous knowledge” of local communities (e.g. the management of Saharan oases);
- educational programmes to raise awareness about desertification and to change attitudes and behaviours;
- technical training of populations;
- food aids, substitution of materials used for supplies and resources (e.g. gas instead of wood).
Political solutions:
- egislative measures: protective laws;
- development of national policies and strategies of intervention (anti-erosive measures, biomass production, forestation, control and enhancement of water resources, reorganisation of pastoral activities, modernisation of production processes, diversification and development of new activities).
- development of international programmes, particularly for monitoring desertification and to exchange experiences and good practices.