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.