When plans for two United Nations conferences on water and desertification were initiated ten years ago, the interconnection between the two was recognized. Accordingly, one of the resolutions of the UN Water Conference was aimed at the role of water in combating desertification.

This article reviews water development and management for desertification on a global basis over the past decade, with particular reference to: planning management and institutional aspects, assessment of water resources, agricultural water use, mitigation of natural hazards, conservation and enhancement of water quality, shared water resources, community water supply, environment and health, and education and training.