Desertification and drought definitions, examples, and GIS mapping of high-risk areas in Africa.
Desertification is the expansion of dry lands due to poor agricultural practices, climate change, and human activities resulting in land degradation. It occurs globally but is prevalent in semiarid and arid regions like Africa, Asia, and parts of North and South America. Overgrazing, soil erosion, and deforestation contribute to this environmental issue.
Drought is a prolonged period of dry weather leading to water scarcity, affecting agricultural productivity and ecosystems. In Africa, the Sahel region faces significant drought challenges, exacerbating desertification issues. Combining drought with poor land management intensifies the risk of desertification.
GIS mapping can visually represent areas at risk of drought and desertification, aiding in understanding their spatial distribution. Maps from organizations like the USDA depict desertification vulnerability levels across different regions worldwide, highlighting hotspots in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Australia.
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