The economics of soil erosion and benefits of sustainable land management in Asia and Africa

Abstract

The economic costs of soil erosion and associated nutrient loss and benefits of sustainable land management are examined in 44 Asian and 42 African countries using an integrated biophysical and econometric modelling approach that is then used to develop cost-benefit analyses. The overwhelming evidence is that the introduction of SLM practices to prevent soil erosion and other degradative processes has a net positive effect. Benefit-cost ratios range from an average of 7 for African countries and 4.5 for Asian countries. The implication of the results for poverty reduction, employment and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals will be discussed.