Sand and dust storms (SDS) have increased dramatically in intensity and frequency in recent years, especially in some regions, highlighting how the phenomenon damages crops and livestock, worsens desertification, and causes health problems, with an estimated 2 billion tonnes of sand and dust entering the atmosphere every year.
In acknowledging this, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared 2025-2034 as the United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms. Championed by Uganda on behalf of the Group of 77 developing countries and China, the initiative underscores international concern over sand and dust storms and promotes proactive measures through awareness and action.
In so doing, it adds global momentum to the launch of the Guideline on the integration of sand and dust storm management into key policy areas by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to support countries in developing and implementing initiatives to combat SDS and launched on the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2024.
"The Policy Guideline will support countries to develop and implement sand and dust storms-related initiatives, improve land use and management, enhance food security and build resilience to climate change," said Lifeng Li, Director of FAO's Land and Water Division.
Understanding the causes of sand and dust storms to prevent them
SDS are a growing problem around the world. These storms happen when wind picks up loose dirt and sand from the ground, creating massive clouds of dust that can travel long distances.
The FAO-UNCCD Guideline lays out how some areas are naturally prone to dust storms. These are usually arid and barren places, such as the deserts of North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. The dry soil in these regions makes it easy for the wind to lift dust into the air.
Human activities can also create dust storm conditions. Practices such as overgrazing pastureland, cutting down too many trees, overexploitation of natural resources, draining wetlands, and ploughing large-scale cropland can disturb soil and degrade land. Poor land and water management, along with climate change, make these areas more prone to land degradation and desertification and produce dust storms.
The global impact of SDS on agriculture
SDS pose a significant threat to agriculture worldwide, affecting farmers and communities in profound ways. These storms damage crops and livestock, leading to reduced yields and poorer quality food, causing also water contamination and the spread of diseases among plants and animals.
As analyzed in the Guideline, sand and dust carried by strong winds strip nutrients from the soil, making it harder for crops to grow and lowering their quality. The physical damage to crops from abrasive particles results in smaller harvests and less nutritious produce. Livestock are also affected, facing health problems and increased mortality from inhaling dusty air and stress during storms.
Beyond farms, SDS create additional challenges: water sources can become polluted with sediment stirred up by dust storms, affecting both drinking water and irrigation for crops. Diseases carried by dust particles spread among plants and animals, further jeopardizing agricultural productivity. Additionally, the damage extends to farm equipment and infrastructure, escalating costs for farmers already coping with reduced yields.
Solutions and Preparedness
FAO and the UNCCD worked closely on the "Guideline on the Integration of Sand and Dust Storm Management into Key Policy Areas," offering solutions for governments to tackle this phenomenon effectively. The guideline recommends practices such as conservation agriculture and improved water management to protect soil health during SDS events, emphasizing the importance of strengthening infrastructure and coordinated health responses. Aligned with international agreements, it encourages integrating SDS management into national strategies for sustainable development, highlighting the need for increased awareness, technical support, and funding for early warning systems. These efforts aim to mitigate the impacts of SDS on communities and ecosystems globally.
