This article makes a detailed examination of progress in implementation of the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification (PACD) since its inception in 1977. It reveals many shortcomings in implementation of the PACD and points out that the rate of desertification is increasing in most parts of the developing world.

While the technology to stop desertification is there, the missing ingredient where desertification continues is political will — and the consequent resource allocations. Where governments have shown strong political will to stop desertification, as in the USSR and China, significant successes have been registered.