The Human Dimension of Desertification in the Drylands of Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	The Human Dimension of Desertification in the Drylands of Africa
Author:	Darkoh, M.B.K.
Year:	1996
Periodical:	Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:	11
Issue:	2
Pages:	89-106
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs., ills.
Geographic terms:	Subsaharan Africa Africa
Subjects:	droughts Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Drought and Desertification Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Environment, Ecology desertification Arid zone Resources exploitation
Abstract:	While physical factors such as drought, desiccation and climate change can, and do, play a part, man is the primary agent of desertification in sub-Saharan Africa. Overcultivation, overgrazing and deforestation, together with poor irrigation practices, lead to desertification and soil erosion. The soil erosion rates in the African drylands are amongst the highest in the world. There is a lack of reliable data on the economic and social costs of desertification in the region and drought, and plans and activities of the international development community have met with limited success to date. To stem the problem of desertification in the region, more innovative ways are required to manage resources in a sustainable manner. Sustainable resource management requires a combination of incentives and disincentives, economic benefits and law enforcement, education and awareness, employment creation and employment diversification, enhanced land tenure and family planning. Bibliogr., sum.