africa: U.N. seeks donors to fight loss of fertile soil

Arid countries fighting the loss of fertile soil caused by deforestation and drought, notably in Africa, appealed for money from rich nations this week at a United Nations conference in Cuba. The gradual decline in soil productivity resulting from deforestation, over-grazing, and climate change threatens the food security of 1.2 billion people in 110 countries, said the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).