Extreme Landscapes: Desertification/human processes

This is a subject that interests me as you can look at the interaction/juxtaposition of physical and human geography. It is a great example of how geography is a current and dynamic subject, by looking at the cause and effect of 'natural' (if there is such a thing) and anthropological impacts.

What is desertification?

The transformation of arable or habitable land to desert, as by a change in climate or destructive land use. This picture shows how with over farming a poor farming methods the soil has become infertile, allowing the desert to move in.













Human processes

The following is a quote from Kofi Annan (UN General Secretary) 2003, altering the world to the dramatic and devestaing effect of desertifcation on human populations. the quote is from mindfully.org. 'Desertification and drought pose an ever-increasing global threat. Human activities such as overcultivation, overgrazing, deforestation and poor irrigation practices, along with climate change, are turning once fertile soils into unproductive and barren patches of land. Arable land per person is shrinking throughout the world, threatening food security, particularly in poor rural areas, and triggering humanitarian and economic crises.'



The graph shows the type of land use in each world area that is causing desertification. The map below shows how vulnerable Africa is to this process especially when you bare in mind that level of poverty on this continent, which will affect their attempts to combat the problem.



The economic problems that will develop as a consequence of desertification are significant, including reduced food production leading to rural communities breaking down, internal migration, external migration and possible conflict. The situation is urgent and needs a global response, but whether this will happen given that those most affected have little 'global power' remains to be seen. it is this type of issue that students can reflect upon and consider possible solutions and developing their own ideas on global issues.