Examples of computer program codes and information on hardware and software requirements are included as well. As 2020 approaches, pressure on land resources is likely to intensify along with the need to feed the growing world population. In the long run, declining soil productivity, which is already limiting agricultural production in some regions, could become a serious problem, according to this recent 2020 Vision discussion paper. Productivity has declined substantially on about 16 percent of farmland in developing countries over the past 50 years. Today, soil quality is low on 25 percent of the world s agricultural land.
Degradation is especially severe in Africa and Central America.
Scherr reviews more than 80 recent studies to assess the effects of soil degradation on food security and predicts future patterns of soil degradation. She also provides guidance on policy and research priorities to reduce the threat of land degradation to food security.