DESERTIFICATION IN THE ARID AND SEMIARID MEDITERRANEAN REGIONS. A FOOD SECURITY ISSUE

Abstract

The distinctive character of Mediterranean areas arises from both physiographic conditions and the history of human development. The aridity, the frequency of drought events, the management of natural resources, especially soil, water and vegetation cover and the human pressure on fragile ecosystems, have produced land degradation, water shortage and. Finally, high risk of desertification, all issues increased by the effects of the climatic change. On the other hand, the already existing food security problems, especially in South Mediterranean countries, can be increased because of these issues. . In this work we make a description of desertification processes in the Mediterranean area and we relate them to food security issues since we consider they are closely connected. Differences between North and South Mediterranean approaches to desertification and food security are marked and a special focus on causes for food insecurity is presented. Poverty, especially rural poverty, is considered the main driving force for food insecurity and possible solutions are discussed. Aspects like small farming, land tenure, local markets, trade aspects and water issues are considered relevant. Support to small farmers and local markets is considered essential to assure food security and to stop desertification processes. Finally, reforms on land and trade policies are considered necessaries.