Rural Land Degradation. Flashcards
- Referring to either a rainforest or semi-arid area you have studied, explain the consequences of land degradation on people and environment. (6)
Removal of the forest for mining, logging etc. destroys the way of life of the indigenous people as their hunting area many be destroyed, leaving them short of food and forcing them to move further inland. The tribes use the land in a sustainable manner but loggers and miners destroy the area, completely preventing it from regenerating. Clashes between various competing groups occur, e.g. the violent death of Choco Mendez allegedly at the request of ranchers. Reduction of the fallow period, leading to reduced yields, leaves the population with less food. The using up of tribal land resulted I the creation of reserves for indigenous people, causing unrest and conflict with the developers. The new settlers brought disease with the local people had no immunity to, causing large numbers to die. Local farmers have been displaced and forced to move to crowded cities, where they end up living in favelas.
