consequences of land degradation

Question 1

4 environmental consequences

Answer 1

The soil structure deteriorates as the wind blows it away, causing the advance of the Sahara Desert through the process of desertification

Loss of fertile topsoil leading to the inability of the land to support vegetation

The loss of traditional farming techniques and farmers turn to western methods and cash crops such as cotton and rice, making the land infertile

Desertification has become so severe that it has led to the southward expansion of the Sahara Desert into the Sahel

Question 2

4 social consequences

Answer 2

Land degradation can lead to crop failures and the death of livestock which can cause an increase in malnutrition and starvation

Crop failures/death of livestock, reducing food supply, have led to serious malnutrition and famine in Sudan, Ethiopia and much of Sahel

Mass migration can also lead to conflict between ethnic groups as people move, for example Darfur leading to the growth of large refugee camps

The collapse of the nomadic way of life due to the lack of grazing and water forces many nomads to settle in villages increasing pressure/tension in these areas

Question 3

3 economic consequences

Answer 3

Poverty, hunger and lack of work in rural areas forces many people - young men in particular- to move to cities and towns to find work. This puts pressure on already limited urban resources and leads to the growth of shanty towns

Economically, many farmers have lost their income as a result of poor crop yields meaning they can no longer afford to pay for their basic needs, such as schooling

Widespread poverty leads to an increased reliance on overseas aid to gain access to food and water and debt repayments on international loans are high