Area of Desert & Drought: Sahara/Sahel

What are the human causes of a desert

Deforestation for fuel/dam construction

Over grazing of animals

Climate change

What are the Physical causes of deserts

Dry area & increasing temperature

Heavy but rare rain

No time for environment to adapt

What are the impacts of desertification

20 million people affected by starvation

Farmers loose fertile land

$ 2 billion needed to feed habitants

Solutions of desertification

Holes in the ground be filled with organic matter

• attracts termites that dig

Rows of stones placed to store water

• They slow down erosion and keeps minerals

Trees are planted for food, soil, fertilisation, fuel

• only tall branches are kept → focused

how hot is the Sahara desert during the day

30-50°C