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Sahel Drought Flashcards

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1
Q

What has been the percentage decrease in rainfall in the Sahel since the 1970s?

A

25-30%

This significant reduction in rainfall contributes to drought conditions.

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2
Q

What climatic factor is highly variable and affects rainfall in the Sahel?

A

Position of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

The ITCZ plays a crucial role in seasonal rainfall patterns.

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3
Q

What occurs in some years that can lead to multi-year droughts in the Sahel?

A

Rains fail entirely

This phenomenon can severely impact agriculture and water supply.

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4
Q

How has global warming impacted drought conditions in the Sahel?

A

Higher evapotranspiration

This results in worsening soil moisture loss and increased water scarcity.

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5
Q

What process increases land degradation and makes the Sahel more prone to drought?

A

Desertification

This is exacerbated by both climatic and human factors.

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6
Q

What human activity has led to intensive farming and overuse of land in the Sahel?

A

Overgrazing and overcultivation

These practices lead to reduced moisture retention in the soil.

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7
Q

What is one consequence of removing vegetation cover in the Sahel?

A

Increased desertification

Loss of vegetation reduces the land’s ability to retain moisture.

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8
Q

What resource is commonly cut leading to worsened soil erosion in the Sahel?

A

Trees for fuelwood and agriculture

Deforestation contributes significantly to land degradation.

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9
Q

What is the population doubling time in many countries of the Sahel?

A

Under 25 years

Rapid population growth increases pressure on land and resources.

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10
Q

What is a direct effect of rapid population growth on resources in the Sahel?

A

More land cleared and more food demand

This leads to less resilience to drought conditions.

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11
Q

What is desertification?

A

Land turns to desert, reducing biodiversity.

Desertification is a significant environmental impact of drought.

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12
Q

What is soil degradation?

A

Loss of fertile topsoil through wind and water erosion.

This process is accelerated during drought conditions.

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13
Q

What happens to water sources during a drought?

A

Water sources dry up, including seasonal rivers and wells.

This can lead to severe water shortages for communities.

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14
Q

What percentage of the population in the Sahel depends on farming?

A

Up to 80%.

Agricultural failure due to drought affects a large portion of the population.

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15
Q

What are the economic impacts of drought?

A

Agricultural failure, livestock deaths, loss of income, and increased poverty.

These factors contribute to a cycle of economic decline in affected regions.

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16
Q

What is a major social impact of drought?

A

Food insecurity and famine.

The 2010 drought affected 10 million people in Niger alone.

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17
Q

Who is most affected by malnutrition and disease during droughts?

A

Children.

High rates of stunting and wasting are observed in this demographic.

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18
Q

What is a consequence of drought-induced migration?

A

Environmental refugees move to urban areas or across borders.

This can lead to overcrowding and additional social challenges in receiving areas.

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19
Q

What increases tensions during drought conditions?

A

Conflict over resources.

Competition for land and water becomes more intense as availability decreases.

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20
Q

What organizations provide humanitarian aid during Sahel droughts?

A

UN, World Food Programme (WFP), Oxfam

These organizations offer emergency food, water, and medical aid.

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21
Q

What was the emergency assistance provided by WFP during the 2012 crisis?

A

Assistance to 9 million people

This aid included food, water, and medical support.

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22
Q

What is the purpose of cash-for-work schemes in response to Sahel drought?

A

Employ locals to build water harvesting systems and reforest degraded land

This initiative aims to create jobs while addressing environmental issues.

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23
Q

What is the Great Green Wall Initiative?

A

A project launched in 2007 by the African Union to create a wall of trees across 11 countries

The initiative aims to combat desertification and improve land quality.

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24
Q

What is the objective of the Great Green Wall Initiative by 2030?

A

Restore 100 million hectares of degraded land

This ambitious goal involves extensive reforestation efforts.

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25
How many trees have countries like Senegal planted as part of the Great Green Wall Initiative?
Over 11 million trees ## Footnote This showcases the progress made in reforestation efforts.
26
What agricultural practice involves planting acacia trees to improve soil quality?
Agroforestry ## Footnote This method helps shade crops and enhances soil health.
27
What are Zai pits?
Traditional technique that traps water and improves yields ## Footnote This method is particularly effective in arid regions.
28
What water management techniques are implemented in response to drought?
Rainwater harvesting, digging boreholes, building small dams ## Footnote These techniques help conserve water and support agriculture.
29
Why is education and community involvement important in managing drought responses?
Teaching sustainable farming methods to reduce pressure on land ## Footnote Community engagement ensures long-term sustainability of agricultural practices.
30
What major drought period occurred between 1910s and 1940s?
Scattered droughts ## Footnote This period saw multiple instances of drought but was not as severe as later periods.
31
What was the peak crisis period for drought and famine in the Sahel?
1968-1974: Severe drought and famine ## Footnote This period marked one of the most devastating crises in the Sahel region.
32
What years saw a recurrence of drought and food insecurity in the Sahel?
1980-1985 ## Footnote This period followed the severe crisis of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
33
What significant events occurred between 2010 and 2012 in the Sahel?
Climate shocks, food crisis, and conflict ## Footnote This period was characterized by multiple stressors affecting the region.
34
What has been happening in the Sahel from 2020 to the present?
Climate-induced stress amid insecurity ## Footnote Ongoing challenges due to climate change and regional instability.
35
What are some causes of the recurrence of droughts in the Sahel?
* Natural climate variability * Oceanic oscillations (e.g., Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation) * Anthropogenic climate change intensifying trends ## Footnote These factors contribute to the frequency and severity of droughts in the region.
36
What percentage of the Sahel Drought causes are attributed to climatic factors?
87% ## Footnote This indicates a significant influence of climate on the drought conditions.
37
What has been the trend in annual rainfall in the Sahel since the late 1960s?
Decreased by up to 40% in some areas ## Footnote This reduction has significantly impacted water availability.
38
What is the role of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in the Sahel Drought?
Caused prolonged dry spells ## Footnote The ITCZ is crucial for rainfall patterns in the region.
39
How have increased temperatures contributed to the drought?
Evapotranspiration outpaces precipitation ## Footnote This imbalance leads to reduced soil moisture.
40
What human-induced factor involves the degradation of land due to livestock?
Overgrazing ## Footnote Nomadic pastoralism has intensified this issue.
41
What is the impact of deforestation on the Sahel environment?
Reduces ground cover ## Footnote Deforestation is primarily for fuelwood and agriculture.
42
What unsustainable practice contributes to soil exhaustion in the Sahel?
Marginal land converted to crops ## Footnote This practice leads to decreased soil fertility.
43
How does population pressure affect resource strain in the Sahel?
Rapid growth exacerbates resource strain ## Footnote Increased population leads to higher demand for limited resources.
44
What historical factors have influenced land use in the Sahel?
Colonial legacies ## Footnote These legacies disrupted traditional land use and mobility.
45
What is desertification in the context of the Sahel Drought?
Encroachment of Sahara southward ## Footnote Desertification leads to loss of arable land and worsens living conditions.
46
What are the effects of soil degradation due to the Sahel Drought?
Loss of fertility, erosion, and salinization ## Footnote Soil degradation impacts agricultural productivity and food security.
47
How does the Sahel Drought affect biodiversity?
Disruption of ecosystems and migration patterns ## Footnote Biodiversity loss can lead to ecological imbalances.
48
Which significant famine occurred during the Sahel Drought?
Famine from 1972-1974; millions affected ## Footnote This famine highlighted the severe impacts of drought on food availability.
49
What social impact does migration have during the Sahel Drought?
Mass displacement to urban areas or southward ## Footnote Migration can strain urban resources and infrastructure.
50
What type of conflict arises due to the Sahel Drought?
Conflict over water and pasture; farmer-pastoralist tensions ## Footnote Resource scarcity can exacerbate existing tensions between communities.
51
What health crises are exacerbated by the Sahel Drought?
Malnutrition, waterborne diseases ## Footnote Health crises can lead to increased mortality and long-term health issues.
52
What is one major economic impact of the Sahel Drought?
Agricultural collapse: Crop failure, livestock deaths ## Footnote The agricultural sector is crucial for the economy in Sahel countries.
53
How does the Sahel Drought contribute to poverty?
Loss of livelihoods, dependence on food aid ## Footnote Poverty can hinder recovery efforts and long-term development.
54
What economic effect does the Sahel Drought have on food prices?
Inflation: Food prices soared ## Footnote Rising food prices can further limit access to essential nutrition.
55
What is the impact of the Sahel Drought on GDP?
Reduced GDP: Agriculture is a major part of the economy in Sahel countries ## Footnote Economic downturns can affect overall development and stability.
56
What event led to the food crisis in Niger during 2005-06?
Poor rains, locust infestation, crop failures ## Footnote This crisis affected 3.6 million people, with children being the most vulnerable.
57
How many people were affected by the food crisis in Niger in 2005-06?
3.6 million people ## Footnote Malnutrition rates doubled among children during this crisis.
58
What contributed to the crisis in Mali in 2012?
Drought, Tuareg rebellion, military coup ## Footnote This combination left 1.5 million people food insecure.
59
What is referred to as a 'risk multiplier' in the context of the 2012 Mali crisis?
Conflict and climate ## Footnote The combination of these factors exacerbated the food insecurity.
60
What ongoing issue is affecting Lake Chad since 2021?
Lake Chad shrinking ## Footnote This has led to loss of water and fishing livelihoods.
61
What group has contributed to ongoing displacement in Chad?
Boko Haram ## Footnote Environmental decline is also a significant factor in the displacement.
62
Fill in the blank: In Niger, the 2005-06 food crisis saw _______ rates among children double.
malnutrition ## Footnote This highlights the vulnerability of children in food crises.
63
True or False: The conflict in Mali in 2012 was unrelated to environmental factors.
False ## Footnote The drought conditions were a significant environmental factor contributing to the crisis.
64
How many people in Mali were food insecure due to the 2012 crisis?
1.5 million ## Footnote The situation was worsened by both conflict and climate issues.

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