How does desertification impact the people in Africa?

Answer 1

Basically there is very little evidence. All too common is the confusion between degredation and desertification. Because Africa's environment is so variable actual desertification can be vary hard to prove due to the seasonal rains and periods of drought. Some areas have actually been classed as desertified but then 3 rainy seasons later have burst back into life. Check out this article: Binns, T. (1990) 'Is Desertification a Myth?', geography 75 (2), pp. 106-113

Answer 2

Desertification refers to the process of a piece of land -- usually an area that’s semi-arid -- losing its water, wildlife and biodiversity to become a non-productive desert. There are a variety of causes of desertification: climate change, over-grazing by domesticated animals, drought, growing populations using up Natural Resources, inadequate soil conversation and lack of funds to maintain these lands, to name a few.

In the case of Africa, there has been speculation that the country is in danger of desertification. According to UNESCO, some areas of coastal Africa south of the Sahara are indeed in danger, mainly due to poor land management. This is especially a problem for mangrove forests, which provide much needed charcoal and building materials -- not to mention act as a home to a variety of species.

If it estimated by The UN Food and Agriculture Organization that if the detrimental practices leading to desertification action are not stopped and prevention methods are not instated, two-thirds of Africa will experience desertification by 2030.

Answer 3

Is happening in East, Central, and Southern Africa.

Answer 4

drought