Transcript DESERTIFICATION IN THE SAHEL

DESERTIFICATION IN THE
SAHEL
WHAT IS DESERTIFICATION?
• Desertification is the process in which
arable land is turned into desert.
• It occurs mainly in semi-arid lands which
border the world’s major deserts.
What is the Sahel Like?
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Semi-Arid Area
Periods of Rainfall and Drought
Supports Small Bushes
Wind-Battered Trees
Physical Reasons For
Desertification In The Sahel
• 1950s, 1960s- above average rainfall,
causing nomadic herders to settle and
farmers to intensify agriculture.
• 1970s- Below average rainfall leads to
severe drought. Crops and animals die.
The Sahara Desert advances.
Human Impact
• Overgrazing- Nomadic herders settle in
one place. Herds overgraze, stripping the
land of any vegetation. No vegetation to
protect the soil.
Human Impact
• Cutting down trees- Trees protect the soil
from wind and rain. Many of the trees have
been cut down for firewood. Land has
been stripped of trees.
Physical Impacts of Desertification
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Soil erosion
Loss of plants and animals
Gullying
Dry rivers
Growth of Desert
Increase in Sand Storms
Flash Floods
Consequences
• Encourages large-scale migration from
rural areas to urban areas….increases
poverty, shanty-towns, disease,
malnutrition.
• Prevents sustainable economic and social
development of the region.
• Economic damages and social costs are in
the billions!
What Can Be Done?
• Plant Trees
– Roots bind the soil together
– Leaves provide shade and intercept water
– Provides fuel wood and building materials
– Cheap, but very long-term
Jojoba Plantation
What Can Be Done?
• Terracing
– Prevents rainfall from washing away topsoil
and nutrients.
– Cheap to build- only need the people to
perform the labor.
• Sand shields/fences catch sand blown from both
directions, forcing accumulation at desired place.
• Controls erosion and increases likelihood of new
vegetation.
Nat. Geo. Photo Gallery: The Sahel
• http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/0
4/sahel/maitre-photography.html
Writing Prompt
Imagine you are a boy or girl living in the
Sahel at the age of 15. Write a 1 page
story describing your life. Discuss
positive/negative experiences you
encounter on a daily basis. Describe what
you and your family do each day. Be
creative and detailed.