Drylands cover over 41% of the earth’s surface and are home to over 2 billion people, primarily in developing nations. Land degradation in these regions stands as one of the most significant environmental challenge of the twenty-first century, affecting grazing resources, food and nutrition security, water availability, biodiversity, and overall environmental health. This degradation is driven by a combination of natural factors, such as climate variability and human activities, including overgrazing and deforestation. The socioeconomic implications are profound, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity while undermining sustainable development. The urgency of addressing land degradation is highlighted by the United Nations’ Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), emphasizing the need for effective restoration strategies in dryland ecosystems. We reviewed various soil and water conservation technologies aimed at ecosystem restoration in drylands, highlighting several key areas of focus. Active involvement of local communities in restoration efforts has proven essential for enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of conservation practices, as communities that take ownership of these initiatives are more likely to engage in and support long-term activities. Additionally, the implementation of integrated watershed management strategies has shown significant promise in enhancing water retention and availability in targeted areas, which is critical for boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring that local livestock keepers and farmers can sustain their livelihoods. Furthermore, restoration practices that incorporate the replanting of native vegetation have led to notable increases in local biodiversity metrics, crucial for building ecosystem resilience, as diverse ecosystems are better equipped to withstand environmental changes and stressors. Lastly, the adoption of these technologies has contributed to improvements in agricultural productivity, thereby supporting food security and enhancing the livelihoods of communities reliant on these fragile ecosystems. Overall, our analysis underscores the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques, as this integrated approach can significantly mitigate land degradation and bolster ecosystem resilience, paving the way for sustainable development in dryland regions.