L.D

Question 1

Strategies to manage land degradation (7)

Answer 1

Movable fences
Crop rotation
Reforestation
Stone lines/magic stones
Energy efficient stones
Irrigation
Terracing

Question 2

Movable fences

Answer 2

Farmers restrict grazing to a specific area allowing other land to recover. Reduces overgrazing and trampling of soil.
-EFFECTIVE
fairly cheap and requires no maintenance
BUT
requires money to set up

Question 3

Crop rotation

Answer 3

Different crops are grown each year on the same patch of land leaving area to recover.
EFFECTIVE
Not expensive and requires little maintenance
BUT
Can’t grow as much and it leaves areas of soil unprotected so it may be washed away of blown away

Question 4

Reafforestation

Answer 4

Planting trees in drier areas to encourage water collection.
EFFECTIVE
Interception means that rain hits the ground with less intensity so more water is infiltrated into the soil. Tree roots hold the soil together reducing soil erosion. Provides shade and fuelwood.
BUT
Can be expensive and takes a long time for the trees to grow.

Question 5

Magic stones/stone lines

Answer 5

Stones are lined filling the contours of the land and stops soil from being washed downslope. Encourages infiltration and better crop growth.
EFFECTIVE
increased yields by 50%. Cheap and used local materials.
BUT
Very labour intensive and can diverge the community away from other essential jobs

Question 6

Energy efficient stoves

Answer 6

Mud stoves are used in houses in Mali and use 80% less fuel wood.
EFFECTIVE
Forests are given the time to grow. Construction is cheap
BUT
Heavy so not that portable and provide less light and warmth

Question 7

Irrigation

Answer 7

Artificial watering of crops from stored water. Prevents soil from being blown away.
EFFECTIVE
Very. Prevents soil erosion and increases crop yields.
BUT
Overuse can make the soil saline so farmers have to change to saline resistant crops or use expensive fertilisers.

Question 8

Terracing

Answer 8

Steps are cut into sides of slopes reducing runoff and retaining topsoil.
EFFECTIVE
Water infiltrates into the soil more and less topsoil and nutrients are washed away. Cheap to build.
BUT
Requires lots of maintenance and slopes can have poor soil so low crop yield despite terracing

Question 9

Impacts of land degradation (10)

Answer 9

Desertification = less land available for crops and livestock = farmers less income
Crop failure=famine
Decrease in fuel wood = more fossil fuels needed to be burnt
Large scale migration
Social tensions over land and food
Refugee camps = rapid spread of disease
Rely on international aid
Increased environmental damage
Loss of traditional skills (farming) people have to give up there way of life
Loss of flora and fauna=reduction in biodiversity