The study synthesizes the experience of the Bank, in drylands management, with special emphasis on Africa. The struggle to protect dryland resources from degradation, has to a large extent, been considered a defensive battle against desertification. However, this study points at the many possibilities - not problems - for increasing the productivity of drylands, such as doubling yields in many areas. Pastoral resources management is also reviewed, suggesting flexibility, and mobility of the pastoral herds, as critical to ensure success in the provision of access to grazing, and drinking water for livestock.

The process to improve dryland farming practices, should maximize the use of organic material, ensure access to inorganic fertilizers, and improve the efficiency of its use, while minimizing the loss of plant nutrients. Efforts towards building a community-based resource management, should include information on the dynamics between resources, and people, and, broaden the scope of agricultural extension. Drought preparedness should be strengthened through indigenous practices, and through a reduction of price fluctuations for livestock, and grains. The study indicates that drylands ecology need considerable attention in project design, and suggests involving local populations at an early stage, to utilize their indigenous knowledge for project interventions