Desertification

Question 1

What is desertification?

Answer 1

Desertification is caused by both natural factors and human activities.

It refers to the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Question 2

What percentage of the world’s population is threatened by desertification?

Answer 2

Approximately 20% of the world’s population.

This indicates a significant global issue affecting millions of people.

Question 3

True or False: Natural causes of desertification cannot be worsened by human activity.

Answer 3

False.

Many of the natural causes may be made worse by human activity and climate change.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: Desertification can be exacerbated by _______.

Answer 4

human activity and climate change.

This highlights the interconnectedness of natural processes and human influence on the environment.

Question 5

What is a consequence of soil erosion?

Answer 5

Loss of nutrients

Nutrient loss affects plant establishment and growth.

Question 6

How have rainfall patterns changed?

Answer 6

Less predictable, leading to drought

Drought causes vegetation to die due to lack of water.

Question 7

What effect does reduced vegetation have on soil?

Answer 7

Decreases nutrient addition through decomposition

Dead organic matter contributes nutrients to the soil.

Question 8

What is the impact of short, intense bursts of rain?

Answer 8

Increased surface runoff and soil erosion

Short bursts of rain do not allow for proper soil absorption.

Question 9

What does overgrazing lead to?

Answer 9

Loss of vegetation

High animal numbers prevent land recovery.

Question 10

What is the result of over-cultivation?

Answer 10

Depletion of soil nutrients

Crops take up nutrients, leaving none for future vegetation.

Question 11

What is a consequence of deforestation?

Answer 11

Increased soil erosion

Deforestation removes shade and roots that bind soil.

Question 12

How does population growth affect land use?

Answer 12

Increased pressure to raise more animals and grow more crops

More people lead to higher demands on land resources.

Question 13

What are the natural causes of desertification?

Answer 13

soil erosion, rainfall patterns and reduced vegetation

Question 14

What are the human causes of desertification?

Answer 14

over-grazing, over-cultivation, deforestation and population growth

Question 15

What is the main goal of strategies to reduce the risk of desertification?

Answer 15

Halting and reversing desertification means tackling the causes.

Question 16

Name one method for water management to combat desertification.

Answer 16

Contour stones or bunds can be used to increase infiltration.

Question 17

What is the purpose of earth dams in desertification strategies?

Answer 17

Earth dams can be used in the wet season to store water.

Question 18

How does drip irrigation contribute to reducing desertification?

Answer 18

Drip irrigation can be used to water crops more efficiently.

Question 19

List two aspects of education that can help reduce desertification.

Answer 19

• Sustainable farming methods
• Family planning to reduce population growth

Question 20

What does agroforestry combine?

Answer 20

Agroforestry combines agriculture with forestry.

Question 21

How does agroforestry help to reduce deforestation?

Answer 21

Agroforestry means some trees remain.

Question 22

What are two benefits of trees in agroforestry?

Answer 22

• Provides shade
• Increases infiltration and interception

Question 23

What is afforestation?

Answer 23

Tree planting, such as the Great Green Wall across the Sahel.

Question 24

How do tree roots help in reversing desertification?

Answer 24

Roots help to bind the soil together reducing soil erosion.

Question 25

What role does the canopy of trees play in soil preservation?

Answer 25

The canopy offers shade helping to prevent the soil from drying out.

Question 26

What effect does tree planting have on soil nutrients?

Answer 26

Nutrients in the soil are replaced by falling leaves and branches.

Question 27

How do trees affect animal and insect activity in the soil?

Answer 27

Trees increase animal and insect activity which helps improve soil quality.

Question 28

What is the function of contour stones or bunds in reducing soil erosion?

Answer 28

They help to prevent the soil from being blown or washed away.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: Contour stones or bunds help to _______ overland flow.

Answer 29

reduce

Question 30

What is one way that contour stones or bunds contribute to soil health?

Answer 30

Ensuring that dead organic matter stays in one place and can decompose.