The United Nations Organization and the Issue of Desertification

The wide interest in processes of desertification and possible remedial actions is rather recent: it dates back to the severe drought that struck the Sudano-Sahelian zone of West Africa about a decade ago. The United Nations system had a definitive role in catalyzing this interest and organizing a worldwide response to this relatively new issue. This paper reviews the role played by various agencies and organizations of the United Nations in the planning, holding, and follow-up of the international conference on desertification in Nairobi, Kenya. Research and training opportunities within the UN system related to desertification are also reviewed, and a series of useful addresses are listed in an annex.