Land Degradation Threatens Global Food Systems and Economic Growth, World Bank Warns

Washington: Land degradation is emerging as a major threat to agriculture, global supply chains and long-term economic development, with up to 40% of the world’s land affected, according to recent findings highlighted by the World Bank.

The deterioration of soils and ecosystems can reduce the ability of land to support crops, livestock and other economic activities. The World Bank has emphasized that protecting productive land is increasingly important as countries face growing food demand, climate pressures and disruptions across global supply networks.

Agriculture Faces Growing Pressure

Healthy land is a fundamental resource for food production. When soil loses nutrients, becomes eroded or suffers from other forms of degradation, agricultural productivity can decline.

The World Bank has previously stressed that improving agricultural productivity and making farming more environmentally sustainable are important components of global food security.

Land degradation can also affect farmers’ incomes, particularly in rural communities where livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture and natural resources.

Economic Consequences Extend Beyond Farming

The impact of degraded land is not limited to farms. Agricultural products are connected to extensive supply chains involving transportation, food processing, manufacturing and international trade.

Disruptions to agricultural production can therefore create wider economic consequences, including pressure on commodity supplies and prices.

The World Bank has also highlighted the broader economic importance of nature. More than half of global GDP is dependent to some degree on natural resources and ecosystem services, making environmental degradation a significant economic concern.

Nature-Based Solutions Offer a Potential Path Forward

The World Bank and other international institutions are increasingly highlighting nature-based solutions and sustainable land management as tools for addressing environmental and economic risks.

Approaches can include restoring degraded landscapes, improving soil management, protecting biodiversity, using trees and vegetation within farming systems, and managing water and land resources more efficiently.

Such measures can help improve the resilience of agricultural systems while supporting ecosystems that provide essential services.

Developing Countries Face Particular Risks

Land degradation can be especially damaging in countries where large sections of the population depend directly on farming, livestock and other land-based activities.

Rural communities may have fewer financial resources to recover from declining soil productivity, droughts and other environmental shocks. This can increase pressure on household incomes and food security.

The World Bank has previously noted that agricultural development is particularly important for reducing poverty because many low-income communities depend heavily on agriculture for employment and livelihoods.

Investment in Sustainable Land Management

Experts increasingly argue that preventing further degradation can be more effective than waiting until productive landscapes become severely damaged.

Investment in sustainable land management can include support for farmers, improved agricultural technology, restoration projects, better water management and policies that encourage environmentally responsible land use.

Recent World Bank-linked research has also emphasized the role of biodiversity in maintaining resilient agricultural landscapes and protecting crop and livestock production.

A Challenge for Global Development

The scale of land degradation makes the issue relevant far beyond environmental policy. It intersects with food security, rural employment, climate resilience, biodiversity and international trade.

With as much as 40% of the world’s land estimated to be degraded, efforts to restore ecosystems and improve land management could become increasingly important for protecting agricultural productivity and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The challenge for governments and investors will be to ensure that economic development does not continue to undermine the natural resources on which future production depends.

Key Highlights:

• Up to 40% of global land is affected by degradation.
• Degraded land can threaten agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
• Weakening agricultural production can create risks for global supply chains.
• Nature-based solutions can support ecosystem and economic resilience.
• Sustainable land management is increasingly viewed as an investment in long-term food security and growth.
• Developing countries and rural communities can face particularly serious consequences.