Case study - Drought in Sahel

Question 1

Give some physical causes of drought in Sahel?

Answer 1

• The region is located at the southern edge of the Sahara Desert therefore it is accustomed to low levels of rainfall
• The drought in the late 20th century could have been caused by higher sea surface temperatures which were caused by anthropogenic climate warming
• El Nino events also cause drought in the region

Question 2

Give some human causes of drought in Sahel?

Answer 2

• Natural dryland ecosystems are being cultivated
• New farmland is being overcultivated and overgrazed causing desertification
• Droughts have been caused by air pollution

Question 3

Give some impacts of drought in Sahel?

Answer 3

• Food shortages, the area has experienced vast population growth and drought has enhanced food and water shortages.