MADRID - Harmonising their efforts in fight against desertification is the only option African countries have taken at the ongoing two-week UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Madrid, Spain.

In July, African countries’ delegates met in Kigali and decided to take a common stance in as far as fight against climate change is concerned. African delegates at the Madrid meeting are pushing for an effective response within their limited resources.

This common position was taken after developed countries maintained that only $250 million was available to fight desertification in the whole world.

Kenya’s Walter Lusigi, working with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), said that African countries must keep their commitment to the fight against desertification other than complain about funding.

"We have little resources to fight desertification and it is that commitment that will give the continent a breakthrough,” Lusigi said. What remains now is to determine who will lead the way in this struggle on the continent, he added.

Dr Menberu Lule from Ethiopia said that governments should lead the campaign and be supported by academicians and professionals.

"They (experts) will help design or develop the required technology to use in the fight against desertification,” Lule said. Realising what TerrAfrica – a continental agency responsible for promotion of sustainable land use management – is, Martin Bwalya from NEPAD viewed as the best option for that.

It is very significant through TerrAfrica, donor agencies or countries can direct their financial support the respective countries, said  "You should emphasize on formation of synergies to strengthen your efforts and be able to convince donors for funding,” Demark’s Geert told African representatives.

He was among speakers in a September 11 session held on the sidelines of the UNCCD conference. Erick Ferrnandos, a World Bank official, told the Africans to translate policy into practice.

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