Case Study 9: Desertificafion: Sahel, Africa

Question 1

What are the causes of desertification?

Answer 1

• increase population: population has grown rapidly so farmers need more land for crops to be grown. More land has its grass, removed so is eroded easily
• deforestation: increased demand for wood and building, cooking and heating. When the trees are cut down the soil is exposed to oration
• Over cultivation: increase drought (more frequent) means vegetation will not grow. This prevents roots from holding the soil together which can lead to erosion
• droughts: loss of plants, leads to soil erosion. Plants hold soil in place with their roots. Wind blows Sandaway as it is expose, leaving no nutrients in the soil. Nothing can grow.
• fire:during the dry months there is little moisture left in the vegetation. During the heat of the day the sun is direct heat to create wildfires. They spread quickly as it leaves in night quickly and can destroy areas of the Savannah
• soil erosion

Question 2

What are the effects of desertification?

Answer 2

• farming is the predominant industry if crops could not grow them they will lose income
• cattle farmers will be affected as they won’t be able to let their cattle graze – therefore losing income
• food scarcity
• water shortages
• illness
• lack of income for local businesses and infrastructure

Question 3

What is the management for desertification?

Answer 3

1. Improve the soil by adding fertiliser or manual. To stop water being lost from the soil or you could cover the soil with plastic sheets
2. By building Rockall earth dams on the land contours we could stop the soil being washed away when the rain actually comes
3. Encourage the farmers to keep smaller herds of cattle. The nomads could move their herds around. Then when you’re from the cattle could be added to the soil so it will hold more water
4. Increased the plant cover of the soil by receding and control in the grazing. There are lots of new crop varieties that can resist drought was giving higher yields
5. Education

Question 4

What is this case study about?

Answer 4

Of an area of suffering from desertification: causes, effects and management