Question

Briefly describe the causes and effects of desertification

Answer 1

Causes of Desertification:

1. Overgrazing:

2. Increased population:

3. Deforestation practices:

4. Increased food production from marginal lands in arid or semi- arid areas.

5. Irrigation projects in areas with no drainage facility.

6. Shifting of sand dunes by wind storms.

Effects:

Major impact of desertification is biodiversity loss, and loss of productive capacity, such as the transition from grassland dominated by perennial grasses to one dominated by perennial shrubs. In extreme cases, it leads to the destruction of land’s ability to support life.