Question

Explain 5 effects of aridity and desertification.

Answer 1

1. Desertification leads to loss of soil fertility leading to a decrease in crop production.
2. Reduced food production can lead to famine in the affected areas.
3. Desertification leads to destruction of water catchment areas/insufficient supplies of water for domestic use.
4. Drying up of vegetation due to desertification leads to exposure of land to agents of erosion.
5. Desertification may trigger migration from the affected areas due to drought and decreasing food production.
6. Aridity and desertification can lead to extinction of some plants and animal species.