Droughts and Desertification

Droughts and Desertification 1. What causes drought and desertification? Drought: • Definition: An extended period of below-average rainfall with little or no rain. • Caused by: • Changes in rainfall, temperature, cloud cover, and evaporation. • Linked to global warming, climate change, and El Niño. • Longer droughts = broader impact. • Types of drought: • Meteorological: Rainfall below average over time. • Agricultural: Insufficient rainfall for crops. • Hydrological: Low rainfall = rivers and water sources run dry. • Ecological: Natural vegetation suffers. • Socioeconomic: Impacts people due to low rainfall. Desertification: • Definition: The process where once fertile land becomes arid and unproductive. • Caused by: • Human factors (e.g. deforestation, overgrazing, overcultivation, overuse of resources). • Climate change (less rainfall, higher temps). • Leads to loss of soil fertility and erosion. 2. How do droughts and desertification affect people? • Food shortages: Poor crop yields lead to higher food prices. • Starvation and hunger: Food becomes scarce, people may slaughter livestock to cut costs. • Job losses: Farmers suffer → unemployment increases. • Urban migration: People move in search of better opportunities, increasing urban pressure. • Tourism suffers: Lack of water impacts hotels and guest houses. • Famine may occur in dry settlements (especially those without dams). 3. Environmental impact • Water supply drops: Rivers, lakes, and dams dry out. • Vegetation dies: Plants don’t get enough water. • Soil erosion increases due to lack of vegetation. • Natural habitats of animals (insects, birds, fish) are threatened. • Greater veld fire risk due to dryness. 4. How can drought and desertification be managed? • Early warning systems: Use satellites to monitor conditions and inform farmers. • Weather predictions: Help prepare communities. • Water storage projects: Reduce evaporation loss. • Water restrictions: Especially in urban areas. • Research: Understand and manage events like El Niño. • Soil management & afforestation: Plant trees to reduce erosion. • Local education: Train communities and farmers. 🌍 Drought is worse in Africa because: • High population growth. • Poor farming practices and corruption. • Conflict and civil wars over resources. • Subsistence farmers and women & children are the most at risk.