rural Flashcards
discuss the consequences of RLD on the people and their environment (10)
One impact of rld in the Sahel region is that due desertification from the soil structure deteriorating as it has no roots to bind to and so blow aways means that the Sahara desert is expanding southwards
Another impact is that due to drought and improper farming tehcniques, trying to grow crops will end up in crop failure
This means farmers wone be able to support theur families because they dont have a steady income
This also means that there is a limited amount of food which leads to an increase in death rate amd a decrease in life expectancy
Another impact of rld is that many people will migrate from the country side to urban areas due to a lack of food in the countryside
Due to the overpopulation in urban areas with limited housing this means they will end up living in shanty towns
Migration can also lead to conflict between ethnic groups as people move
Explain rld management strategies and comment on their effectiveness (10 marks)
In the sahel, afforestation is used to manage RLD such as the great green wall, this is when trees are planted to help bind to the soil to prevent soil erosion and reduces wind erosion. This strategy is ineffective as it costs alot of money and can run the risk of the trees being cut down for firewood
Agroforestry is also used, this is when trees are interplanted with crops which helps to reduce erosion by runoff. This is effective because the trees provide protection to the soil from the sun/rain and also provide nutrients to the crops through dead organic matter decomposing
Magic stones are when stones are placed along the contours of the land, which helps to reduce the amount of soil lost due to runoff. This is effective because it is cost effective and easy to do
Moveable fencing allows farmers to control the grazing area of the cattle to prevent overgrazing. This is effective because iy allows the soil to recover and prevent compaction
Terracing is done by digging a drainage channel and throwing soil uphill to make a ridge. This is effective because it increases infiltration and makes the soil more fertile for growing crops
