Why is it difficult to stop the processes of slash and burn farming, overfarming, and overgrazing in Africa?

Case Stude: The Sahel Desert

In the Sahel Desert, desertification is becoming a huge problem. Around the 1950’s, people settled into the Sahel region, in areas where there was water. This resulted in overgrazing, which is one of the greatest causes of desertification. Eventually, the perennial shrubs were destroyed because of grazing, and they were replaced by annuals. Then, the annuals were grazed out which left bare soil. A lot of the topsoil was washed away, and all that was left were rocks. Silt turned hard when it was hit by rain. Therefore, plants were not able to grow because there roots could not penetrate this hard layer. Now this region has turned to desert and it continues to expand. (Desertification, The Sahel, 2004) Records show that rainfall in Sahel has decreased and sands have shifted about sixty miles south into the area. Sahel is expanding due to lack of vegetation in the area. (Sahel, 2005) Another reason desertification is occurring in the Sahel region is because people are using the slashing and burning method to clear land. This degrades the quality of soil just like overgrazing. (Desertification-a Threat to the Sahel, 2000)

Short Term Effects of Desertification in the Sahel:  

-Soil loses its nutrients which makes it not useful  

-Overgrazing destroys vegetation and without it erosion occurs  

-Land becomes salty which makes it difficult to grow crops

Long Term Effects of Desertification in the Sahel:  

-People die of starvation  

-Cattle die of starvation  

-The soil becomes completely useless  

(Prospects and Problems, 2004)

Explanation: