Causes of desertification: climate change and human impact
Desertification turns fertile land at desert edges into barren, unproductive ground. Climate change and human activities — such as overgrazing and deforestation — both drive this process.
Real World
In the Sahel region of Burkina Faso, overgrazing by expanding cattle herds has stripped ground cover, while declining monsoon rainfall since the 1970s has prevented vegetation recovery, accelerating soil erosion.
Exam Focus
Always discuss climate and human causes together — examiners reward answers showing how physical and human factors interact, not just listing them separately.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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