MEMORY MAPSMEMORY MAPS

Drought in the Sahel

* * * * NEWS FLASH * * * *

MONDAY 22ND MARCH 1973

DROUGHTS HAVE PLAGUED THE LAND HERE IN THE SAHEL STRETCHING FROM WEST AFRICA EASTWARDS FOR FIVE YEARS BUT IS DROUGHT HERE REALLY THE PROBLEM?

• LAND USE PRACTISES HAVE CAUSED THE DEATHS OF MORE THAN 100,000 PEOPLE

• OVER 12 MILLION CATTLE HAVE DIED

• SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN DISRUPTED ON A NATIONAL SCALE

DESERTIFICATIONDESERTIFICATION

• What is desertification?Desertification is when a desert gradually spreads to the surrounding areas of semi-desert

The SAHELThe SAHELThe Sahel is located in the southern region of the Sahara desert, Africa. Look at the following pictures. In pairs discuss where you think the Sahel is located.

The Sahel regions are areas which experience

desertification.

Why does the Sahel suffer from desertification?Why does the Sahel suffer from desertification?

DESERTIFICATION

Increase in population Increase in cattle

Deforestation for fire wood Grassland grazed more intensively

Roots no longer hold soil together Roots may be eaten as well as grass

Leaves no longer protect soil from weatherLess vegetation means less protection from weather

Loose top soil blown away by wind

(Soil Erosion)

=

Loose top soil blown away by wind

(Soil Erosion)

=DESERTIFICATION

EFFECTS OF DESERTIFICATIONEFFECTS OF DESERTIFICATION

YOU HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR EACH TASK.

TASK 1 – DRAW A SPIDER DIAGRAM LISTING AT LEAST 8 EFFECTS OF DESERTIFICATION.

EFFECTS OF DESERTIFICATION

TASK 2 – I WILL SHOW YOU ON THE NEXT SLIDE A PHOTOGRAPH.

YOU ARE A JOURNALIST AND YOU MUST GIVE AN APPROPRIATE CAPTION OR TITLE TO THE PHOTOGRAPH.

THE BEST CAPTION/TITLE WILL BE STORED WITH THIS PHOTO FOREVER

CAPTION NEEDED…