ACSAD is a regional center for research and studies on the development of the arid and semi-arid areas of the Arab World. ACSAD’s activities include research, training programs, organizing scientific meetings, providing technical advice and assistance and establishing technical cooperation with Arab and international organizations.

ACSAD undertakes research and conducts training in the following areas: survey and evaluation of the capacities and characteristics of agricultural natural resources, protection of agricultural natural resources from deterioration and pollution and identification of the optimum forms for the rehabilitation and exploitation of the deteriorated areas, generation, transfer and use of appropriate agricultural techniques, survey and evaluation of the socioeconomic characteristics of the population in arid and semi-arid areas of the Arab world and identification of the best methods of improving their productive capacity and standards of living, integrated and sustainable development in specific areas in the Arab arid and semi-arid lands
Enhancing the role and participation of rural women in agricultural development.