This document discusses efforts to combat desertification in Africa through international collaboration. It summarizes that desertification affects 40% of the world's land and could displace one third of the population. The tripartite call for proposals between Africa, Brazil, and France aims to 1) build a research community across the continents, 2) develop knowledge on arid regions, and 3) strengthen science's links to society. Eligible projects must be multidisciplinary, involve researchers from at least three countries, focus on arid Africa, and both further knowledge and support local communities.