Class: Opal. Causes of Desertification (in the Sahel region)

Desertification

Class: Opal

Causes of Desertification

(in the Sahel region)

Severe Drought

Long Rainless Periods: Crop Failures, Dry Soils

Rapid Population Growth More trees cut: Fuel and Housing Overgrazing: Sheep, Goat, Cattle eating the Veg Over-Cultivated Land: loss of fertility

As a result: Bare and Exposed Soil – Unsuitable for Vegetation

Causes of Desertification

(in the Sahel region)

Increase the amount of grazing land available Restrict the number of cattle, sheep and goats

which graze in semi-desert regions Drought-resistant grass and trees being

planted! Roots also help bind the soil together to prevent being blown away in wind

Irrigation: A Solution?