Based on a review of case studies from developing countries this paper argues that global assessments of land degradation should be interpreted with care. On the one hand, degradation is not a linear process that can easily be measured by static parameters. Positive environmental outcomes are...

World population is projected to reach almost 8 billion people around the year 2025 (UN 1999). This expected increase has raised considerable debate about the world's ability to meet future food needs (Rosegrant et. al. 2001a; Scanes and Miranowski 2004). However, food is only one serious concern....

Based on a review of case studies from developing countries this paper argues that global assessments of land degradation should be interpreted with care. On the one hand, degradation is not a linear process that can easily be measured by static parameters. Positive environmental outcomes are...