Soil Degradation: A Global Crisis Threatens Our Food Security!

Soil Degradation: A Global Crisis Threatens Our Food Security!

On June 19, 2025, the second day of the field course in Namibia started with an exciting morning led by Dr. Stefan Liehr was opened. His talk on “Understanding Socio-Ecological Systems (SES)” highlighted the importance of tipping points in desertification. Dr. Liehr explained how even small ecological or social changes can have serious impacts on ecosystems. These findings are particularly relevant for long-term sustainable land management.

As part of a group exercise, participants were encouraged to identify various factors influencing rangeland systems. The focus was on overgrazing, financial pressure, stakeholder collaboration, and bush encroachment and vegetation cover. The aim was to develop feedback loops and management strategies to avoid or specifically trigger tipping points. The complexity and interconnectedness of ecological and social processes in pasture management were impressively highlighted.

Focus on biodiversity and soil health

After lunch, Dr. Clara Nesongano a session on biodiversity assessment. She discussed the concept of biodiversity as well as various assessment methods and their role in a changing climate. Dr. Mark Bilton expanded the discussion with input on research design, emphasizing the importance of clearly defined research questions. “Don’t try to answer everything – answer a good question well,” was his core message.

Doctoral student Lisa-Maricia Schwarz presented relevant indicators for assessing the degradation status of sward, including aspects such as soil loss, ground cover and productivity. These indicators are crucial for effective management measures. Katrin Zimmer gave another lecture on assessing the degradation status of the soil layer and the role of soil in ecosystems. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of organic carbon stocks in soils as a key indicator of their health.

In a broader context, the European Commission looks at the problem of land degradation in its new World Atlas of Desertification. Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, pointed out that over the last 20 years, agricultural production and at the same time the irrigated area have increased significantly, which has significantly affected the quality of the soil. The Atlas provides decision-makers with relevant insights into the causes of land degradation and possible remedies.

According to the Atlas, over 75% of the Earth's land area is degraded and more than 90% of soils could be degraded by 2050. These developments have far-reaching social and economic consequences; An area equivalent of 67 times Belgium is degraded every year. Africa and Asia are particularly affected by this. Economic losses due to land degradation burden the global economy with around 10% of annual economic output. This in turn promotes food insecurity, climate change and migration.

Need for action and local solutions

The challenges are enormous. Between 1970 and 2012, the number of freshwater species decreased by an impressive 81%. Experts estimate that global crop yields could fall by almost 10% by 2050, with countries such as India, China and countries in sub-Saharan Africa particularly affected. Plant production there could even be halved. The deterioration of soil quality due to excessive fertilizer use in Asia and lack of fertilizer application in Africa is another example of these dynamics.

In order to counteract negative developments, it is important to find local solutions. The Atlas recommends a combination of increasing yields, plant-based nutrition and reducing food losses as possible measures to curb land degradation and protect biodiversity. Developments in this area are essential to meet the challenges of agricultural expansion and climate change.

For more information you can read the report from the University of Potsdam, the report on desertification from the European Commission and the Soil Atlas see.