drought desertification - United Nations Economic Commission for ...

their operational implementation.” 58 Factors identified by many countries as impediments to NAP
implementation include capacity and resource constraints, as well as lack of systematic integration of
desertification control plans into planning and budgetary frameworks at various levels.
51. Noteworthy however, is the fact that the partnership arrangements for implementation of NAPs,
although still not sufficiently implemented, provide a blueprint on how donor coordination in recipient
countries can be organized effectively.
Establishment and operation of National Desertification Funds (NDFs)
52. Some countries have set up National Desertification Funds (NDFs) as part of the NAP process.
The NDFs serve as local and easily accessible sources of funding for implementation of NAP priorities.
A case in point is the Kenya Desertification Community Trust Fund, which was launched in June 2004.
The Fund has benefited from a significant contribution by the private sector and has assisted in the
implementation of priority activities in the country’s NAP. 59
53. The progress made in setting up of NDFs notwithstanding, countries are encountering difficulties
in making these funds genuinely operational. 60 This can be attributed partly to the existence at national
level of similar or related funds, the momentum building up of incorporating NAPs into NDPs and
PRSs, and the emphasis placed by a number of development partners and individual countries on direct
budget support and basket funding as the favoured approach to resource mobilization and allocation.
Establishment of National Coordinating Bodies(NCBs)
54. Countries in the region are establishing National Coordinating Bodies (NCBs) in accordance
with the provisions of the UNCCD. The NCBs are charged with the role of coordination, guidance and
leadership in order to ensure cross-sectoral and integrated planning for desertification control activities.
However country reports highlight the need to strengthen the NCBs whose performance and effectiveness
is constrained by the limited human, technical and financial resources at their disposal. Also pointed out
is the need for enhanced policy making authority and integration of the NCBs into the administrative
structure at a level high enough for them to fulfil their functions of coordination and mainstreaming of
desertification control activities. 61
Mainstreaming of NAPs and other SLM priorities into national development programs (NDPs) including
poverty reduction strategies (PRSs)
55. The UNCCD recognizes the linkages between land degradation and poverty, and stresses the
need to integrate efforts to combat desertification into other development frameworks. It is also
acknowledged that in order to mobilise resources to initiate and sustain implementation of planned
interventions to combat desertification, it is crucial to improve the integration and linkage of NAPs and
58 UNCCD. ICCD/CRIC(3)/2/Add.1 4 January 2005. Synthesis and preliminary analysis of information contained in reports submitted by
affected African country parties. Note by the secretariat.
59 UNCCD 2006. Implementing the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Africa: Ten African experiences. UNCCD
Secretariat. Bonn, German.
60 UNCCD. ICCD/CRIC(3)/2/Add.1 4 January 2005. Synthesis and preliminary analysis of information contained in reports submitted by
affected African country parties. Note by the secretariat.
61 UNCCD. ICCD/CRIC(3)/9 23 June 2005. Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention. Report of the Committee
on its Third Session, held in Bonn from 2 to 11 May 2005.
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