Biodiversity influences how well a dryland ecosystem functions, and therefore how it will respond to climate change, say scientists.

Pakistan should turn to agroforestry to stem its shrinking forest cover, say experts.

Scientists may have discovered a way of unlocking Egypt's huge underwater aquifer, but critics question the feasibility of the project.

African and Latin American scientists are calling for drylands, which are home to two billion people, to be a key part of the Rio+20 agenda.

An East African ICT scheme that channels agricultural information to villages has won a US$1 million award.

A collaboration between researchers and breweries to boost sorghum production in East Africa could help farmers cope with drought.

Kenyan farmers who lost cattle in the Horn of Africa drought may be compensated through an insurance scheme.

Senegal has started its fourth year of planting, following the signing of an MoU to disseminate strategies between countries.

Pakistan is considering several water management techniques to head off a water crisis caused by wastage and warming.

A new satellite observation centre will provide useful information to Namibian farmers.

Despite the publicity droughts get, there is still a lack of data to monitor and model the risks they pose worldwide, says a UN report.

The Global Dry Land Alliance, initiated by Qatar, will foster research collaboration among arid nations.

The Desertec Industrial Initiative should make more effort to consult locals and boost science in the region, say critics.

Malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes depend on natural sugars for survival — and this could be exploited to trap them.

The agave plant genus, famous for its use in tequila and fibre production, could be a promising source of biofuel for arid regions, say experts.

Egypt's scientists are lamenting the loss of genetic material during the countrywide protests last month.

Jordan will use evaporated seawater to grow crops in the desert.

Oil from an indigenous Cyperus plant is similar to olive oil and could keep the oil-pressing industry busy off-season, a study says.

A project aimed at reversing desertification while increasing livestock numbers, has been awarded a US$100,000 prize.

Guyana is looking to Israel for technology transfer and assistance to alleviate the effects of drought on the Latin American country.