Desertification occurs when drought and human activity destroy once-fertile land and water resources. The Sahel region of the Sahara is an area particularly affected by desertification. Lake Chad, located within the Sahel, is now referred to as “Africa’s disappearing lake,” as it is literally shrinking. Watch this video on desertification and read this article about Lake Chad. Based on what you learn from these resources, write a brief essay giving specific examples of how human activity has contributed to the problem of desertification in the Sahel region. How has the problem affected Lake Chad? How has it endangered the local population’s way of life?

Human activity, including irrigation practices, hydroelectric dams, and intense agricultural use, have led to desertification in the Sahel region. In addition, global warming has added to the problem. Over time, the soil becomes overused and sterile. As that dry and arid soil moves, it begins to encroach on local bodies of water. Lake Chad, as a result, has shrunk in size. Just 40 years ago, this lake contained 15,000 square miles of water. It now contains just over 500 square miles of water.

The locals of this region depend heavily on both fertile soil and healthy bodies of water for survival. Desertification can greatly endanger their way of life. For example, famers cannot produce the necessary crops, and fishers cannot rely on as much seafood. The article mentions that fishers who used to be able to fill hundreds of traps can now barely fill one. Desertification in the Sahel and its impact on Lake Chad will have a lasting effect and could possibly mean a different way of life for generations to come in the region.

Explanation:

Human activity, including irrigation practices, hydroelectric dams, and intense agricultural use, have led to desertification in the Sahel region. In addition, global warming has added to the problem. Over time, the soil becomes overused and sterile. As that dry and arid soil moves, it begins to encroach on local bodies of water. Lake Chad, as a result, has shrunk in size. Just 40 years ago, this lake contained 15,000 square miles of water. It now contains just over 500 square miles of water.

The locals of this region depend heavily on both fertile soil and healthy bodies of water for survival. Desertification can greatly endanger their way of life. For example, famers cannot produce the necessary crops, and fishers cannot rely on as much seafood. The article mentions that fishers who used to be able to fill hundreds of traps can now barely fill one. Desertification in the Sahel and its impact on Lake Chad will have a lasting effect and could possibly mean a different way of life for generations to come in the region.

Explanation:

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