QUESTION 1
Drought and desertification are just two of many key issues facing communities living in Africa. Both drought and desertification bring negative impacts which severely affect both human and natural populations and resources. While drought is a natural phenomenon that cannot be controlled, desertification is often caused by anthropogenic (human) factors and can be prevented.
For this task, you are required to research drought and desertification to determine the differences and relationship between them, why Africa is so susceptible to drought and desertification, the causes of desertification, the negative impacts of drought and desertification, how these impacts can be prevented or managed, and the impact climate change has on both drought and desertification. This task must be completed in the form of an essay.
Your research essay should contain the following information:
Cover page
2 marks
Introduction and Background: Discuss drought and desertification and what is the difference and relationship between them?
10 marks
Why is Africa so susceptible to drought and desertification?
5 marks
A map of areas prone to drought and desertification in Africa. Map must include a scale, legend and north arrow.
10 marks
Discuss the human and natural causes of desertification. You must use case studies and/or articles to support your answer.
15 marks
Discuss the negative impacts of drought and how they can be managed. You must use case studies and/or articles to support your answer.
10 marks
4
Discuss the negative impacts of desertification and how they can be prevented. You must use case studies and/or articles to support your answer.
10 marks
Provide examples from case studies of regions that have successfully combated desertification and how they did this.
10 marks
Discuss how climate change affects drought and desertification. You must use articles to support your answer.
10 marks
Conclusion
5 marks
Bibliography
3 marks
Marks are allocated for evidence of research and data collection
5 marks
Presentation
5 marks
Title: Understanding Drought and Desertification in Africa
Introduction and Background:
Drought and desertification are two environmental challenges that have severe impacts on human and natural populations. Drought is a temporary deficiency in water supply, while desertification refers to the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. While drought is a temporary event, desertification is a long-term process that leads to the transformation of fertile land into desert-like conditions.
Why is Africa so susceptible to drought and desertification?
Africa is particularly vulnerable to drought and desertification due to its geographical location and climate patterns. The continent is largely characterized by arid and semi-arid regions, making it prone to water scarcity and land degradation. Additionally, Africa's high population growth and dependency on agriculture further exacerbate the impacts of drought and desertification.
Map of areas prone to drought and desertification in Africa:
(Insert map here)
Human and natural causes of desertification:
Desertification in Africa is primarily caused by human activities such as overgrazing, deforestation, agricultural practices, and urbanization. Natural factors, such as climate change and extreme weather events, also play a role in exacerbating desertification processes. Case studies in regions like the Sahel and the Horn of Africa highlight the detrimental impacts of these factors on land degradation.
Negative impacts of drought and how they can be managed:
Droughts in Africa have severe consequences on food security, water availability, and livelihoods. Effective management strategies include the development of drought-resistant crops, water conservation techniques, early warning systems, and drought relief interventions. Case studies from countries like Ethiopia and Kenya demonstrate the importance of adopting sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of drought.
Negative impacts of desertification and how they can be prevented:
Desertification leads to land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and reduced agricultural productivity. Prevention measures include afforestation, sustainable land management practices, and community-based conservation initiatives. Case studies from Niger and Burkina Faso highlight successful approaches to combat desertification through reforestation and sustainable land use practices.
Examples of regions that have successfully combated desertification:
(Insert examples here)
Impact of climate change on drought and desertification:
Climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of droughts and desertification processes. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events contribute to the vulnerability of African communities to these environmental challenges. Articles on the impacts of climate change on drought and desertification in Africa emphasize the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation measures to address these threats.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, addressing the complex issues of drought and desertification in Africa requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates sustainable land management practices, community involvement, and climate change adaptation strategies. By understanding the causes and impacts of these environmental challenges, African countries can work towards building resilience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their ecosystems and livelihoods.
Bibliography:
- Insert bibliography here -
Marks for evidence of research and data collection: 5 marks
Presentation: 5 marks
Overall, this research essay provides a comprehensive overview of the key issues surrounding drought and desertification in Africa, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address these environmental challenges effectively.