Exacerbated by climate change, salinisation has profound impacts on the region’s environment, economy, and people.
These challenges are particularly important in the context of sub-Saharan countries, where agriculture plays an important role not only in ensuring food security, but also in shaping livelihoods, fostering development, and driving economic growth. As the population grows, so does the demand for land, water, and food. The escalating needs for these essential resources, compounded by the challenge of salinisation, underscores the urgent call for swift and effective solutions. However, knowledge of the extent and impacts of salinisation remain fragmented and the costs associated with salinisation do not appear to be corresponding with the investments of development projects.
To address this challenge, this project provides knowledge on:
- The state of the art of scientific knowledge on the problem of salinisation of groundwater and soils in sub-Saharan countries
- The location and extend of salinisation in this region
- The impacts of salinisation
- Initiatives, stakeholders and networks that address the challenge of salinisation
- Recommendations for policy makers and practitioners
The impact of salinisation on agriculture and food security in these nations is assessed based on interviews with experts and extension officers. To provide an overview of the governance landscape of saline agriculture, international cooperative initiatives are analysed based on several characteristics.
This project was commissioned by the Sustainable Development Goals Partnership (SDGP), a programme of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Through SDGP, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency contributes to achieving food security and private sector development on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Contact information: Dr Kate Negacz, Janina Smaoui and Pim van Tongeren.
Related publications:
Smaoui, J., Negacz, K. & van Tongeren, P. (2024). Beyond Borders: Addressing African Salinisation Challenges for a Resilient Future. Policy Brief.
Smaoui, J., Negacz, K. & van Tongeren, P. (2024). Salinity in African Countries: From Local Challenges to Global Solutions. IVM Report (R-24/01). Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 72 pp.
Other project outcomes:
FAO’s International Network on Salt-affected Soils (INSAS) Webinar Salinity in Sub-Saharan Africa: Impacts and Initiatives, 25 March 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWLR9uxlN20
Saline Agri Map for more detailed information on the collected initiatives: https://www.salineagrimap.com/