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?
• 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
• 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/2008/04/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.