Methods Of Combatting Rural Land Degradation

Question 1

Small scale irrigation schemes

Answer 1

Brings water security to areas
Ensures vegetation does not die
Encourages natural vegetation to grow
Native species reintroduced

Question 2

Large scale dams

Answer 2

Ensure regular water supply

Expensive and environmental consequences

Question 3

Crop rotation

Answer 3

Ensures that the same nutrients are not always taken from the soil
Allows soil recovery
Maintains vegetation cover

Question 4

Wind shields

Answer 4

Trees planted in lines perpendicular to the prevailing wind
Protects against desertification
Prevents the wind from blowing away the nutrient rich top soil

Question 5

Drought resistant shrubs and plants

Answer 5

Successful in areas such as the Sahel in Africa North of the equator with little rainfall or water access
Plant roots bind soil and prevent erosion by rain

Question 6

Animal fences

Answer 6

Moved around to control grazing and trampling of ground by animals which compacts the ground
Leads to higher rates of erosion

Question 7

Stone Lines

Answer 7

Can be placed at the bottom of slopes and when overland/surface flow moves sediment is trapped
Locals rake this material back over the source area in order to minimise land degradation