Causes and Effects of Desertification Quiz

Desertification in Africa

• Majority of desertification in Africa is caused by human actions, not climate.
• Causes of desertification include:
  • Poor farming practices
  • Cutting down trees that hold soil in place
  • Overgrazing, leading to removal of vegetation from soil
  • Draining surface and underground water for industrial and home use

Effects of Desertification

• People living in affected areas face starvation and poverty
• Limited land available for farming and grazing
• Many move to urban areas seeking better living conditions

Solution to Desertification

• Some Africans work to replant trees, build windbreaks, and push back desertification
• United Nations and World Food Bank have provided aid to those living in affected areas

Africa's Environmental Issues

• Water pollution and unequal distribution
• Deforestation
• Desertification

Water Pollution and Unequal Distribution

• Water is vital to Africa, but many countries lack access to clean water
• Limited supply of clean water for drinking and washing
• Rural areas often lack running water and plumbing, requiring women and children to walk miles to gather water

Poverty and Education

• Fetching water is time-consuming, preventing women from working and children from attending school
• Lack of education and employment leads to low GDP and slow economic growth
• Many Africans are trapped in poverty

Drought and Famine

• Droughts lead to crop withering and livestock death
• People in affected areas face famine and starvation
• Droughts often lead to death from starvation

Pollution and Health

• Pollution from factories, animals, and human waste contaminates water sources
• Industries dump toxic chemicals and industrial wastes into waters
• Clean water is essential for basic health and sanitation
• Lack of clean water increases risk of skin and eye infections, water-borne diseases, and death

Economic Impact

• Water pollution devastates local industries that depend on water sources
• Sick people are unable to work, negatively impacting economy
• Unclean drinking water is a leading cause of death for thousands of children in Africa