Back in 2024, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) already highlighted – in the Global Land Outlook – that “current global food systems are among the main sources of land degradation. Globally, they are responsible for 80% of deforestation, 70% of freshwater use, and are the largest cause of terrestrial biodiversity loss”. When land is degraded or affected by drought, it loses its capacity to sustain plant and animal life, including crops and livestock and to fulfill its ecosystem functions.

In contrast, agroecology, including agroforestry, is a sustainable solution to combat land degradation. Agroecology promotes soil regeneration, diversified crop and livestock production, improved yields, reduced dependency on external inputs, circular systems and economies, good governance, local led solutions, supporting both the land and the communities.