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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?. Semi-Arid Area Periods of Rainfall and Drought

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DESERTIFICATION IN THE SAHEL

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  1. DESERTIFICATION IN THE SAHEL

  2. 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.

  3. What is the Sahel Like? • Semi-Arid Area • Periods of Rainfall and Drought • Supports Small Bushes • Wind-Battered Trees

  4. 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.

  5. Human Impact • Overgrazing- Nomadic herders settle in one place. Herds overgraze, stripping the land of any vegetation. No vegetation to protect the soil.

  6. 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.

  7. Physical Impacts of Desertification • Soil erosion • Loss of plants and animals • Gullying • Dry rivers • Growth of Desert • Increase in Sand Storms • Flash Floods

  8. 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!

  9. 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

  10. Jojoba Plantation

  11. What Can Be Done? • Terracing • Prevents rainfall from washing away topsoil and nutrients. • Cheap to build- only need the people to perform the labor.

  12. Sand shields/fences catch sand blown from both directions, forcing accumulation at desired place. • Controls erosion and increases likelihood of new vegetation.

  13. Nat. Geo. Photo Gallery: The Sahel • http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/04/sahel/maitre-photography.html

  14. 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.

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