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Losing to the Desert: Drought and Desertification (Effects of…
Losing to the Desert: Drought and Desertification
Causes of Desertification
Severe Drought
Scientists believe that global warning is causing increased drought through many parts of Africa
Have occurred since 1970s. Drought are usually long rainless periods during which crops fail and soils become dry and dusty
The soil becomes bare and exposed and therefore can be blow away by the wind. The eroded land then becomes barren
Rapid population growth
High birth rates and improved health care have resulted in rapid population growth. More people need more food, fuel and housing
More tress are cut down for housing and fuel
More sheep cattle and goats overgrazed the land and stripped away its natural grass cover
Land has been over-cultivated, so that its fertility has declined
The soil becomes bare and exposed and therefore can be blown away by the wind. The eroded land then becomes barren
Effects of desertification
Has affected millions of hectares of land and threatens the livelihoods of nearly 100 million people in countries such as Mali and Eatiopia
It has contributed to the outbreak of terrible famines
Forced millions of people to leave their homelands and migrate to other areas. These areas then become overpopulated and overgrazed and cause more desertification
What can be Done?
Irrigation schemes are being used to increase the amount of grazing land available
Efforts are being made to restrict the numbers of cattle, sheep and goats which graze semi-deserts regions
Drought-resistant grasses and trees are being planted. Their roots help to bind the soil together and prevent it from being blown away in the wind