Land degradation in the Sahel significantly affects over 80% of the population reliant on agriculture, compounded by unsustainable farming, rapid population growth, economic constraints, and climate change. The Greater Sahel Investment Portfolio (GSIP) addresses these issues by promoting sustainable land management and green economic growth through innovative financing solutions. GSIP leverages partnerships and diverse financing instruments to catalyse transformative changes towards land degradation neutrality (LDN).
Tackling the LDN challenges in the Sahel Land degradation is a critical issue in the Sahel, where over 80% of the population relies on agriculture. Unsustainable farming practices worsen soil erosion and decrease agricultural productivity. Rapid population growth exacerbates these trends, with the Sahel's population expected to double by 2050. Economic challenges also persist, with significant government revenue diverted to foreign debt servicing rather than essential programs. Climate change further intensifies land degradation and food insecurity. Urgent action is required to address these interconnected challenges and safeguard the Sahel's future.
A Greater Sahel Investment Portfolio approach to addressing LDN and development challenges
The Greater Sahel Investment Portfolio (GSIP) responds to these challenges by unlocking innovative financing for UNCCD member states to achieve land degradation neutrality. GSIP aims to promote sustainable land management, mitigate climate change impacts, and foster inclusive green economic development. Through strategic interventions across four project components, GSIP seeks to popularise sustainable land management practices and enhance access to diverse financing instruments. Leveraging partnerships with various stakeholders, GSIP operates through innovative financing mechanisms, capacity building, communication, and coordination to catalyse transformative change towards land degradation neutrality.
Despite vast challenges, only 3% of current financing targets combating desertification. However, tapping into existing thematic financing areas offers a potential boost, with one third of development finance and two thirds of climate finance addressing crucial aspects like sustainable agriculture and food security.
Key Take-aways
Unsustainable agriculture in the Sahel leads to soil erosion, reduced fertility, and lower productivity, affecting food security and livelihoods.
Achieving land degradation neutrality is crucial for addressing conflicts in the Sahel, exacerbated by governance failures and climate change.
Despite increasing land degradation, productivity improvements are observed, particularly in the Sahel.
Addressing skyrocketing debt in the Sahel requires innovative financing tools like debt-for-nature swaps and green bonds, though challenges remain in measuring environmental impact.
FORWARD OUTLOOK
A regional approach is essential to address development and conflict challenges in the Greater Sahel, focusing on natural ecosystems and economic integration.
Enhancing capacity and accessing finance are crucial for adopting regional economic and environmental strategies.
Strengthening regional integration can help tap into emerging opportunities and address varying risks in the region.
Demonstrating the benefits of projects addressing environmental and human development objectives is key to fostering sustainable development.
Diversifying partnerships and financing sources, including private sector involvement, is necessary to mobilise additional resources. In fact, while only 3% of current development and peace finance target desertification, one third (33%) of development finance and two-thirds of climate finance target the broader Planet-People nexus such as sustainable agriculture, and food security.
Identified donors and partners play a crucial role in supporting environmental and development initiatives across the region.
A broad portfolio approach is recommended to address land degradation dynamics, conflict risks, and debt distress effectively.
Thematic areas covering land restoration, sustainable food systems, and capacity building are essential components of the portfolio approach.
Implementing a phased co-creation model can help operationalise the portfolio approach effectively.
Measuring impact through Sustainable Return on Investments (SROI) is crucial for attracting private sector investments and assessing project sustainability.
