Rural

Question 1

Causes of land degradation

Answer 1

Deforestation 
Over exploitation of fuel wood
Overgrazing 
Agricultural activities 
Industrialisation 
Mining

Question 2

Land degradation

Answer 2

Value of biophysical environment is affected by combo of human induced processes acting upon land

Question 3

Techniques to manage land degradation

Answer 3

Afforestation
Fanya Juu Terraces 
Zai pits 
Magic stones/ diguettes 
Microdams

Question 4

Afforestation

Answer 4

Reduces wind erosion and prevents soil erosion as the tree roots bind together the soil holds it in place. Great green wall of Africa project aims to achieve this

Question 5

Fanya Juu Terraces

Answer 5

By digging drainage channels at right angles to the slope and throwing the soil upslope a terrace is formed that allows water to infiltrate rather than run off.
Needs a lot of labour
Makanya Tanzania crop yields increased from 1.5 tonnes per hectare to 2.4 tonnes per hectare

Question 6

Zai pits

Answer 6

Hollows dug by farmers to retain moisture and nutrients. Eroded soil can be productive rather than abandoned. Organic material are added to planting pits instead of spreading it over entire field area where it is often blown away
One farmer - millet yields increased from less than 350kg/hectare without zai pits to between 1000-2000 kg/hectare

Question 7

Magic stones/ diguettes

Answer 7

Lines of stones placed along the contour lines of gently sloping land to trap rainwater and soil. Effective during heavy rainfall to reduce overland flow caused by ITCZ rains
Rainy season yields can be improved by 40%

Question 8

Microdams

Answer 8

Sahel is characterised by a short raining season followed by long dry season. Microdams collect rain off water to charge the aquifer, maintaining surface water for a long period of the year.