Unlocking the Hidden Potential of Drylands

Drylands support 44 percent of global food systems and are home to more than 2 billion people. According to the Landscape Alliance, every dollar invested in these ecosystems can yield a 30-fold return. This makes sustainable management a critical driver for climate resilience, food security, and economic prosperity.

Why do drylands matter for global food security?

Drylands act as a foundation for much of the world’s food production. The Landscape Alliance reports that these regions support roughly 44 percent of global food systems. Because of this connection, many global food brands interact with dryland ecosystems and the products grown within them.

Myriam Sidibé, Chief Mission Officer and Founder of Brands on a Mission, notes that while brands touch these lands, their value isn’t always recognized. Sidibé argues that value must be reinvested into the communities that grow these foods to ensure long-term stability.

She also emphasizes the link between environment and people, stating, “You cannot separate resilience of landscape from resilience of humans.”

How can investment in drylands yield a 30x return?

Despite their importance, drylands are degrading rapidly. However, restoration offers massive economic potential. Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of the Landscape Alliance, states that for every dollar invested in drylands, the return is 30 times that amount. She describes these regions as “places of deep opportunity.”

To capture this value, organizations are launching specific initiatives like the Landscape Alliance’s Thrivelands Project. This global initiative focuses on restoring ecosystems to drive both food security and climate resilience.

Ubalijoro suggests that making these areas “thrivelands” requires a combination of enabling policy, investment, and direct work with farmers within existing value chains.

What climate-smart practices are working in the field?

Different regions are adopting specific technologies and financial models to combat land degradation and economic instability.

Scaling low-cost solutions in India

In India, where drylands are central to the lives of many farmers, technology is helping bridge the gap between climate volatility and profitability. Kaushik Kappagantulu, Co-Founder and CEO of Kheyti, reports that his company provides low-cost, climate-smart agricultural solutions tailored to these environments.

Kappagantulu has observed significant results from these implementations, noting that farmers can double their incomes while using 90 percent less water and experiencing 60 percent less crop loss.

Utilizing carbon credits in Egypt

In Egypt, the focus is shifting toward financial incentives that reward sustainable land management. Helmy Abouleish, CEO and Founder of the SEKEM Group, believes carbon credits can help farmers build necessary resilience.

Abouleish argues that organic and biodynamic farming methods are actually cheaper when the true environmental costs are accounted for. He suggests that carbon credits provide the economic incentive needed for farmers to maintain these climate-smart practices without increasing their financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of global food systems rely on drylands?

According to the Landscape Alliance, drylands support approximately 44 percent of the world’s food systems.

What is the economic return on dryland investment?

Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro of the Landscape Alliance states that every dollar invested in drylands can return 30 dollars.

How do climate-smart tools help farmers in India?

Companies like Kheyti provide tools that allow farmers to double incomes while reducing water usage by 90 percent and crop loss by 60 percent.