The CSFD carries out analyses and assessments: it undertakes skills assessments and debates on knowledge, gaps and new scientific issues. It is also a prospective and follow-up force. It takes part in the definition of research priorities and advises ministries on the actions to be undertaken in that field. It is also an information and promotion source: it provides to political decision-makers accurate information on desertification; it disseminates information to a broad audience and to development actors. It attends the statutory meetings of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, within French delegations, and contributes to the definition of the ministerial instructions given to these delegations.

The CSFD is funded by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development and the French Development Agency (about 100 000 euros/year), with the complimentary participation of researchers and university teachers from public bodies. 

Since January 2005, the CSFD is publishing thematic reports and fact sheets.