Frequent droughts an increasing reality

Climate change is increasingly evident in many countries through recurrent droughts and desertification, which now affects more than two-thirds of southern Africa.This is according to the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), which joined the global community in marking the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on 17 June.The centre said this year’s theme, 'Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities', resonates with its daily work through projects implemented across member countries, namely Namibia, Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia.The degradation of arable and pastoral land continues to accelerate, driven by prolonged droughts, unsustainable land-use practices, overgrazing, deforestation and the impacts of climate change, the organisation noted.Threat SASSCAL added that over the past 30 years, many countries in the region have faced harsh and unforgiving climatic conditions, with drought becoming a recurring reality rather than an occasional event.“Coupled with desertification, these challenges threaten not only the health of our ecosystems but the very foundation of our rural livelihoods, food security and socio-economic development," SASSCAL said. In response, the organisation said it generates data, invests in people, integrates restoration of land and unlocks opportunities for the people."SASSCAL does not merely study the land but invests in and restores it while coordinating science that speaks directly to the needs of our communities, ecosystems, and economies."

Frequent droughts an increasing reality

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Frequent droughts an increasing reality

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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