Lack of mechanization remains a widespread problem for Africa. Photo: Kabai Ken Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Kabai Ken Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Farmers in Africa bet on tractor sharing

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The shortage of farm machinery is a well-known problem for Africa. Founded in Nairobi, Hello Tractor is an app that aims to foster cooperation between farmers and equipment owners
Drought limits the soil's ability to absorb water, thus favoring erosion in subsequent rainy periods. Photo: Pixabay, Flickr CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain DedicationPixabay, Flickr CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

See some WEF’s suggestions to protect European soil from drought emergency

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The combination of long-term drought and subsequent heavy rains is putting a strain on Europe's dry soils. From the World Economic Forum, five strategies to counter land erosion
Drought is having an unprecedented impact in Europe. Photo: CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredCC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Europe faces four unexpected effects of drought

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The Continent is dealing with the worst drought in five centuries. Amid failing crops, struggling transportation and electricity generation shortages, the World Economic Forum photographs some unusual consequences of a phenomenon that threatens the future of soil and the Planet
Protected areas in Brazil amount to 220 million hectares, or 51 percent of the Amazon. Extending protection over another 130 million hectares would cost no more than $2.8 billion a year. Photo: Andre Deak Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Andre Deak Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Protecting the Amazon would require minimal spending, a study says

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In the Brazilian Amazon, costs per hectare of anti-deforestation policies are hundreds of times lower than in protected areas in Europe. But government commitment remains largely weak
The Government of Wales wants to remunerate operators who provide sustainable agricultural practices. Photo: David Stowell Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)David Stowell Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Trees and soil testing: Wales rewards new sustainable agriculture

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The Government of Wales has released further details on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). The mechanism, which remunerates sustainable agriculture and carbon farming initiatives, will come into effect in 2025
Since the start of industrialization, England has lost 80% of its heathlands. Photo: Andrew Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Andrew Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

England reckons with its history as biodiversity declines

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England is one of the world's poorest countries in terms of natural variety, UK Environment Agency says. To counteract the historical fallout from early industrialization, a new land management approach is needed
European demand for African rubber contributes to deforestation in the continent's west-central area. Photo: Simon Law Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Simon Law Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Europe under fire as rubber industry is destroying African forests

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In 21st century, the development of rubber tree plantations has led to the destruction of more than 500 km2 of native forests in Africa, says Global Witness. EU regulation is still weak
A FAO study in Lesotho found erosion in 30 percent of the wetlands surveyed. Photo: Paramente Phamotse Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Paramente Phamotse Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Land degradation is threatening wetlands in Lesotho

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About one-third of wetlands in Lesotho show soil degradation. A FAO-sponsored study releases first useful information to start restoration efforts
One of the large communal houses inhabited by Yanomami people in the state of Maranhão, one of the hardest-hit territories by land acquisitions. PHOTO: © Dennison Berwick/Survival© Dennison Berwick/Survival

Brazil, a law has deprived Indigenous people of 250,000 hectares in two years

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In the South American country, a disputed 2020 law paved the way for the acquisition of non-demarcated indigenous lands. Despite legal battles more than two-thirds of Brazilan states are still enforcing the legislation
In Somalia a UN project aims to restore forests that have been devastated by years of illegal logging. Photo: Vladimir Lysenko Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Vladimir Lysenko Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

After decades of deforestation and drought, Somalia tries to change its course

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In Somalia, the illegal charcoal trade has encouraged deforestation and drought. A U.N. initiative now aims to restore degraded land. But food crisis remains a threat