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The global theme for the 2002 World Day to Combat Desertification is "Land Degradation" On this day we need to focus on the special needs and challenges facing the 2 billion people residing in the worlds degraded areas. Desertification does not mean, as many think the expansion of deserts. It is a process of land degradation, where previously stable environments are degraded by humans through erosion, overgrazing, overcropping, poor irrigation practices and deforestation, combined with variations in climate. Desertification is an environmental problem that is both the reason behind and the consequence of numerous other ecological concerns, including the loss of biodiversity and the depletion of water resources. Desertification has an impact on the capacity of populations and communities to sustain the means needed for livelihood. Desertification reflects fundamental ills, such as poverty, underdevelopment and lack of food security.

This donga undermines food security and also is threatening the only supply of clean water to the community

Mpofane community is under threat from a fast developing donga above that if left unattended will engulf the village. This donga undermines food security as it is eating away farming land. During 2001/2002 season tractors were not able to cross the donga to provide tillage facilities exposing the community to food

insecurity.Mpofane is 2kms off the old Mbabane-Manzini road, a stone’s throw to the royal kraals. It is small and quiet village under chief Mlobokazane Fakudze and indvuna Magindane Dlamini within the Mahlanya constituency. This village comprises about 15 homesteads and is sandwiched between the Mpofane and Mhlambanyatsi rivers.

Swaziland is a signatory to the Convention to Combat Desertification. The Convention provides that the affected developing country parties prepare and implement a National Action Plan. Government, United Nations and civil society have been addressing the issue of land degradation in Swaziland. 

Donga reclamation

Yonge Nawe has been assisting communities to rehabilitate degraded lands. These communities include Ka-Luhleko (Bhunya), Lawuba (Shiselweni), Ntshanini (Shiselweni), Ndlalambi (Hhohho) and Bheinkhosi (Manzini) Community Projects. Yonge Nawe has encouraged and supported the communities to fill up the dongas with stones and trees, especially banana trees.

As we celebrate World Day to Combat Desertification let us pause and get educated on land degradation and its impact on the environment. Let us think globally but act locally!