OverpopulationOverpopulationImpact on ResourcesImpact on Resources

Effects of Overpopulation on Effects of Overpopulation on ResourcesResources

Overpopulation can lead to the overuse and Overpopulation can lead to the overuse and degradation of resourcesdegradation of resources

Where?Where?

Sahel, Africa. Sahel, Africa.

(Includes parts of Sudan)(Includes parts of Sudan)

Causes of DesertificationCauses of Desertification

Human activities; overgrazing, deforestation Human activities; overgrazing, deforestation (triggered by overpopulation)(triggered by overpopulation)

Climate change; droughtClimate change; drought

Areas affected by DesertificationAreas affected by Desertification

OvergrazingOvergrazing Cattle are a sign of statusCattle are a sign of status More people mean more cattleMore people mean more cattle Nomads graze more cattle on the land than it can Nomads graze more cattle on the land than it can

supportsupport Reduces plant coverReduces plant cover Grasses often do not re-growGrasses often do not re-grow Soil damagedSoil damaged Infertile, unsuitable for cropsInfertile, unsuitable for crops

DeforestationDeforestation

Trees removed for fuel.Trees removed for fuel. Trees removed to clear land for crops.Trees removed to clear land for crops. Less tress mean reduced transpiration of Less tress mean reduced transpiration of

moisture from them.moisture from them. As a result the atmosphere contains less As a result the atmosphere contains less

moisture and there is less rainfall in the region.moisture and there is less rainfall in the region.

Deforestation; FuelDeforestation; Fuel Increase in populationIncrease in population High demand for fuelHigh demand for fuel Forest clearancesForest clearances Soil exposed to wind and flash floodsSoil exposed to wind and flash floods Soil erosionSoil erosion Animal manure may be used as fuel, thus Animal manure may be used as fuel, thus

depriving the soil of fertiliser.depriving the soil of fertiliser.

Over-cropping/Over- cultivationOver-cropping/Over- cultivation Pressure to grow cash cropsPressure to grow cash crops Cotton, beans, etcCotton, beans, etc Plantation workers get small tracts of land beside Plantation workers get small tracts of land beside

plantationsplantations To feed their families they grow crops here To feed their families they grow crops here

continuouslycontinuously Land cannot be left fallowLand cannot be left fallow Soil loses its nutrients and becomes uselessSoil loses its nutrients and becomes useless DesertificationDesertification

Climate changeClimate change 30% decrease in rainfall levels in the Sahel in 30% decrease in rainfall levels in the Sahel in

20 years.20 years. Drought more frequentDrought more frequent Dry soil leads to soil erosionDry soil leads to soil erosion Wells have been dug anywhere possibleWells have been dug anywhere possible This dries out the soil even moreThis dries out the soil even more