Climate Shift Accelerates Drylands in Africa, China

The accelerating spread of arid conditions in South Sudan and Tanzania is redefining the relationship between people and the land they rely on.

Scientists now rank these two African nations as the fastest-drying countries globally, with vast areas of fertile ground transforming into drylands. Meanwhile, China has recorded the largest total area shifting into arid zones, underscoring the global reach of this crisis.

The findings, based on data from the global aridity index, reveal that human-induced climate change is the primary culprit. This shift results from rising greenhouse gas emissions and unsustainable land-use practices that disrupt rainfall patterns, increase evaporation rates, and weaken ecosystems

In South Sudan and Tanzania, aridification threatens agriculture, which forms the backbone of local economies. Dr. Narcisa Pricope, co-author of the study, warned that these changes are already driving hunger and malnutrition. “Communities must rethink how they use land and water,” she said, noting that soil erosion, salinization, and vegetation loss are compounding challenges for farmers.

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East Africa is particularly vulnerable. Reports show that over half of Tanzania’s land and significant portions of Kenya and Ethiopia are classified as semi-arid or dry sub-humid zones. A separate study by the United Nations identified human activities such as overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable farming practices as major contributors to the degradation of 340 million hectares of woody vegetation across Africa’s drylands

These environmental changes are forcing communities to adapt rapidly, often with limited resources. Some have turned to climate-smart agricultural techniques, while others advocate for land restoration projects to rehabilitate degraded areas. Experts stress that international collaboration is critical. Investments in sustainable land management and conservation could help mitigate the most devastating impacts.

The crisis also extends beyond Africa. China’s expanding drylands highlight how the interplay of climate change and human activity threatens livelihoods globally. Aridification in these regions poses risks not just to food security but also to water supplies, biodiversity, and economic stability.