Challenging Drylands Myths with Economics and Facts

Ecological adaptations allow dryland plants and animals to reproduce, grow and survive in extreme conditions. Simply dryland systems are ecologically resilient and cannot be dismissed as wastelands

It is important that sustainable use strategies are informed by an understanding of adaptations and dynamics of dryland systems. This type of knowledge results from regular interaction between people and their environment. This knowledge has a value, measurable not in monetary terms but in the success or failure of household livelihood strategies over time. Recognizing the full value of ecosystem services and the opportunities they offer will enhance better planning and realization of the full economic potential of dryland ecosystems. This eventually will change the wrong but popular notion that drylands are economic wastelands, not worth of investment

EfD Authors

Dr. Wilfred Nyangena Coordinator and Research Fellow

Keywords

Files

link to pdf 183.5 kB

Centers

kenya

Type of publication

Policy brief

Reference

Nyangena, Wilfred, 2009 “Realising the true value of ecosystem services” in Mortimore, M. (Ed) “Dryland Opportunities: A new paradigm for people, ecosystems and development” pp. 27-41. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, IIED, London, UK and UNDP, New York, USA.

Environment for Development

Environment for Development