UN: Drought resilience must be a priority on the global agenda

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is emphasizing the urgent need for prioritizing drought resilience on the global agenda. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Daniel Tsegai, Programme Officer at the Global Policy Advocacy and Regional Cooperation Unit, shed light on the escalating severity and frequency of droughts worldwide. Tsegai underscored the devastating impact of drought on lives, livelihoods, and social structures, highlighting a 30% increase in drought occurrences since 2000. With the ongoing discussions at COP28, Tsegai emphasized the critical role of water management and climate change mitigation in combating the growing threat of drought. He stressed the global nature of the issue, noting that Africa is particularly vulnerable due to limited resources for drought mitigation. However, Tsegai pointed out that drought is a universal challenge, affecting regions across the globe. Europe, for instance, experienced its worst drought in 500 years in 2022. The African continent has borne a significant brunt of the impact, with over 85% of those affected by drought residing in developing countries. Tsegai highlighted the staggering economic costs of drought, citing losses of over $50 billion in Africa over the last five decades. To address this crisis, Tsegai called for enhanced early warning systems, technology, financial resources, and capacity-building efforts to improve drought prediction and risk communication. Moreover, Tsegai emphasized the pivotal role of land management in drought resilience. He emphasized the potential of land rehabilitation and restoration to mitigate climate change impacts and enhance agricultural productivity. By investing in sustainable land practices, countries can bolster resilience to droughts and safeguard food security. One pressing issue that Tsegai addressed is the disproportionate impact of drought on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. With 1.84 billion people affected by drought globally, Tsegai underscored the heightened risks faced by women and children, including food and water scarcity leading to the threat of death. He called for a gender-sensitive approach to drought mitigation, highlighting the importance of empowering women in land management and agriculture. By addressing gender inequalities and ensuring land rights for women, countries can enhance resilience and promote sustainable development. Tsegai's message resonates with the urgent need to prioritize drought resilience on the global agenda. As climate change intensifies and droughts become more frequent, concerted action is required to protect vulnerable communities and build long-term resilience. By focusing on sustainable land practices, early warning systems, and gender-sensitive strategies, countries can mitigate the impacts of drought and advance towards a more resilient future.