Land, soil and water management

Land, soil and water form the basis for food security, economic development and stable ecosystems. They enable agricultural production, secure livelihoods and are key to climate regulation and biodiversity.

At the same time, these resources are under enormous pressure worldwide. Land degradation, desertification and droughts are on the rise. Soil is becoming less fertile and less able to store water, nutrients and carbon. The consequences: lower agricultural yields, the loss of ecological functions, and agriculture is more vulnerable to climate risks. Countries where many people depend directly on agriculture are particularly affected. 

Global challenges

More than a third of the world’s land is already so damaged that it can only fulfil its natural functions to a limited extent. Every year, around ten million hectares of productive soil are lost. This land degradation is a major development and environmental crisis because it directly threatens the livelihoods of billions of people. 

There are many causes: unsustainable agricultural practices, over-use of soil and water resources, deforestation and inappropriate land use. Climate change is exacerbating these trends through more frequent droughts, heavy rainfall and changing precipitation patterns. 

In arid regions, desertification leads to a vicious circle of declining productivity, poverty, migration and potential conflicts over resources. 

Water resources are also under increasing pressure: agriculture accounts for the largest share of freshwater use worldwide. In many regions, competition for water is further intensified by the growing global population and climate-related uncertainties.

Together with international partners

As part of the 2030 Agenda, the international community has committed to halting land degradation, managing water resources sustainably and protecting ecosystems (in particular in SDG 6 and SDG 15). 

The key policy framework for our work is the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It is the only legally binding international agreement that explicitly addresses soil, land degradation and desertification. 

The UNCCD combines environmental and development objectives and has established a global reference framework through the concept of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). The aim is to prevent further loss of fertile soil, reduce degradation and restore areas that have already been damaged. As a result, the Convention has become much more important: healthy soil is now regarded as a prerequisite for food security, climate adaptation and the protection of biodiversity. 

Furthermore, international water agreements form an important basis for our work on sustainable water management. These include, in particular, the UN Watercourses Convention and the UNECE Water Convention. They promote the equitable, sustainable and cooperative use of transboundary water resources, improve the protection of water quality and enhance the efficient use of water in times of increasing scarcity. 

Securing natural resources sustainably

Sustainable land, soil and water management is closely linked to international environmental, climate and development processes, which form the basis for joint action. 

We work with governments, international organisations and donors to translate these framework conditions into effective policies and practical implementation. At GIZ, we provide support locally in transforming international commitments into national strategies, policy reforms and concrete measures for the sustainable use of land, soil and water.

Where we come in

GIZ promotes sustainable and integrated land, soil and water management to make agricultural and food systems more resilient.  

The aim is to preserve and restore the natural bases for production, safeguard soil fertility and strengthen ecosystem services in the long term. This improves food security, creates income opportunities and supports rural development – especially for smallholder farms

• Securing rights and strengthening governance 

  Sustainable land, soil and water management requires reliable institutional and legal frameworks. GIZ supports governments worldwide in securing land and water use rights, as well as in developing fair and inclusive governance structures.   

  Particular attention is paid to women, indigenous communities, mobile pastoralists and other disadvantaged groups. The aim is to strengthen social participation, reduce conflicts over resource use and take traditional rights into account appropriately.  

• Integrated planning and management 

  Land, soil and water resources are closely interlinked. We support integrated planning approaches that bring together agriculture, water management, environmental planning and spatial planning.   

  We support political and institutional reforms, strengthen cooperation between stakeholders and also promote cross-border collaboration in water management. In addition, we further develop financing and implementation structures.   

• Sustainable use and restoration 

  GIZ supports the sustainable management and restoration of land and water resources. This includes soil-conserving farming methods, integrated soil fertility management, efficient irrigation and nature-based solutions. One of our key priority areas is the restoration of degraded land and improved water availability through efficient use, storage and alternative water sources.    

• Climate-resilient agriculture and transformation 

  We promote climate-adapted production systems, based on local conditions, scientific findings and traditional knowledge. The focus is on adapted cultivation and irrigation methods, strengthening local organisations, and improving marketing and cooperation structures. The aim is to increase the resilience of agricultural systems and improve economic prospects.