desertificación

Desertification is a type of land degradation in dryland areas. It is a complex process that occurs when arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas are exposed to persistent degradation. This degradation results in a loss of biological productivity, diminished soil fertility, and reduced vegetation cover. The primary drivers of desertification are human activities and climatic variations. Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as overgrazing, excessive cultivation, and inappropriate irrigation, deplete soil nutrients and erode topsoil. Deforestation for fuel or timber also removes protective vegetation. Climate change exacerbates desertification through prolonged droughts, increased temperatures, and altered rainfall patterns, which stress ecosystems and reduce their resilience. The consequences of desertification are severe, leading to reduced agricultural yields, food insecurity, water scarcity, and displacement of populations. It impacts biodiversity, increases the risk of dust storms, and contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon from soils and vegetation. Efforts to combat desertification focus on sustainable land management practices, such as afforestation, soil and water conservation techniques, and promoting drought-resistant crops. International cooperation and policy interventions are also crucial for addressing this global environmental challenge.