Land degradation intensifies agricultural economic losses, disorganizes local and regional food markets, and causes social and political instability. To combat it there is an increasing push towards sustainable agriculture - the ability of a farm to produce food indefinitely, without causing irreversible damage to ecosystem health. And now there are lots of creative ways you can help support this work from giving a can of worms to a Bolivian farmer through to helping create a farming conservation plot in Zimbabwe.
New research from Christian international relief and development agency, World Vision, has suggested that 52 per cent of the UK population - 25 million people - believe that buying Easter eggs is a waste of money.
If you are stuck for an idea for your nearest and dearest this Christmas but want to buy something more satisfying than a pair of Santa socks, then the charity Sightsavers International is giving the chance to impress a loved one no end, and make a miracle happen by assisting somebody in the developing world to see again.
In recent years there has been a trend to give animal gifts such as pigs, llamas, alpaca's, goats, sheep, cows and even worms to the developing world. Others have pioneered animal gifts which enable you to adopt or sponsor an animal such as a monkey, bear, dolphin or donkey.
Every year 19th November is World Toilet Day. World Toilet Day falls on the day in 1792 when the Toilet that flushes itself at regular intervals was patented. But campaigners say it also a day to celebrate the humble, yet vitally important, toilet and to raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis. You can give a toilet through Christian Aid here
In recent years there has been a trend to send animals such as pigs, llamas, alpaca's, goats, sheep, cows and even worms to the developing world. You can give the animal gifts quickly and easily online and then send them to Africa or South America on someone else's behalf as a Christmas gift. A card telling your loved one, friend or relative what has been given is then sent with your personal message.
Many teachers would rather receive an ethical gift that benefits children in developing countries - such as those from World Vision, Christian Aid and Oxfam, than chocolate or a bottle of wine, a survey suggests.