Desertifiction is a complex problem and concept. This problem has ultimate cause, for example poverty, and proximate cause, such as agricultural mismanagement. These two levels of causation lead to processes, such as overgrazing or erosion, that manifest themselves in states of environmental degradation, for example eroded landscapes and annual in place of perennial grasslands. A sub-set of factors contributing to desertification are operative in Namibia, the driest country south of the Sahel. Namibia, with its rapidly increasing population, needs to develop an institutional memory of the consequences of natural rainfall variations. Awareness, education and training, based upon knowledge and understanding of the causes and processes involved, are considered essential components of any plan to address the challenge of desertification. This must be supported by research addressing, not just the symptoms of desertification but, the socio-economic agricultural, political and educational, in addition to biophysical, aspects. Bio-physical scientists working on desertification must learn to communicate with, as well as develop basic skills in disciplines such as politics, economics, journalism and social science.