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This has led some scholars to argue that agriculture-induced vegetation loss is a minor factor in desertification. [ 9 ] Human population dynamics have a considerable impact on overgrazing, over-farming and deforestation, as previously acceptable techniques have become unsustainable.
Desertification in Africa is exacerbated by human factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming methods such as monoculture and excessive use of chemical fertilizers. For example, deforestation reduces the quantity of plants that may anchor soil and protect it from erosion, whereas overgrazing depletes vegetation and ...
It can be caused by either livestock in poorly managed agricultural applications, game reserves, or nature reserves. It can also be caused by immobile, travel restricted populations of native or non-native wild animals. Overgrazing reduces the usefulness, productivity and biodiversity of the land and is one cause of desertification and erosion.
Desertification is one of the issues of environmental concern in Nigeria, particularly the northern part of the country. According to UNEP [4] in 1993, Northern Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world at about 3.5%, caused by land degradation, increase in agricultural intensity, over-grazing of livestock, and demand for fuel by cutting down trees.
In Ghana, there are several factors contributing to desertification, but deforestation is the main one. [15] In order to achieve agricultural and commercial goals, this entails cutting down trees, which exposes the soil and destroys vegetation that prevents desertification. [16]
Desertification is caused by such factors as drought, climatic shifts, tillage for agriculture, overgrazing and deforestation. Vegetation plays a major role in determining the composition of the soil. In many environments, the rate of erosion and run off increases dramatically with reduced vegetation cover. [115]
Long-term drought in Nigeria has resulted in desertification and a shortage of land for raising cattle and growing crops. [1] To obtain land for farming or grazing, farmers and herdsmen are encouraged to go to new areas, which frequently leads to violence [2] [3] [4] Herdsmen and farmers have been engaged in increasingly violent fights over the previous two years.
The major proximate drivers are biophysical factors and unsustainable land management practices, while the underlying drivers are social, economic, and institutional factors. [1] Land degradation is a global problem largely related to the agricultural sector, general deforestation and climate change. Causes include: