Exploiting provisions of land economic productivity without degrading its natural capital

Motivated by the United Nations target of achieving zero net land degradation by 2030 and the Rio + 20 United Nations' “future we want” resolution, which aims to achieve a green economy, this study was conducted with an objective of identifying strategies for achieving sustainable use of lands at a global and a regional level. Using econometric approaches, we observed that achievement of zero net degradation is possible, even in developing regions, if land users are provided with good market access and secure land rights and if institutions are strengthened to regulate land use. Such achievement is possible, even in densely populated and severely impoverished areas. The probability of achieving zero net land degradation is greater in drylands – especially among communities with pastoral and other livestock-based livelihoods.