The Importance of Soil: ISDC’s Trip to the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai

The Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC), the external science advisory body for CGIAR, met in Dubai, UAE in November 2024 to finalize the review of CGIAR Portfolio 2025-30. This meeting concluded the ISDC-moderated review engaging 39 external Subject Matter Experts who assessed the 13 proposals throughout October.

Did you know that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is in the top six most water stressed countries in the world? The region is vulnerable to climate change with drought, rising sea levels, and extreme heat being key factors. These challenges, unless tackled, will likely decrease the amount of arable land and increase the need to import more food.

The lack of moisture and poor-quality soils, which have low fertility and poor water holding capacity impact on the types of crops that can be grown. These challenges need an integrated approach to crop production to increase yields but conserve the soil, water use, and environment.