From dry lands to lifelines: Fighting drought together
The Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) joined the international community in observing the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, commemorated annually on 17 June.This year’s theme, “Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities,” closely reflects SASSCAL’s ongoing mission across its five member countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia.
With the effects of climate change becoming more pronounced, manifesting in recurring droughts and worsening land degradation, SASSCAL continues to lead efforts to understand, manage, and reverse the impacts of desertification in the region.
Southern Africa is particularly vulnerable, with over two-thirds of its land already affected by desertification. In a statement, SASSCAL noted: “The degradation of arable and pastoral lands continues to accelerate, driven by prolonged droughts, unsustainable land use, overgrazing, deforestation, and the broader impacts of climate change.”
Over the past three decades, many countries in the region have faced increasingly harsh conditions, where drought is no longer the exception but the norm. Combined with land degradation, these challenges are placing immense pressure on rural livelihoods, food systems, and economic development.
Driving solutions
To help tackle these issues, SASSCAL supports a range of science-based interventions. Through the GMES and Africa initiative, the organisation is implementing the MISLAND (Monitoring, Impact, and Sustainability of Land Degradation) service, which aligns with UNCCD reporting standards and integrates Land Degradation Neutrality indicators.
MISLAND is being adapted at the national level to support better decision-making and policy implementation across Africa.
Another key project, TIPPECC, in partnership with Germany’s GERICS, has made significant strides this year in launching the Climate Services Gateway. This digital platform provides farmers, researchers, and policymakers with real-time climate data to help them detect early signs of drought and respond proactively, ultimately building resilience to climate change.
By generating knowledge, supporting innovation, and delivering practical tools, SASSCAL is not just studying climate change, it’s helping shape a more sustainable and resilient future for Southern Africa.