Methods of preventing desertification

The following methods can be used to prevent and slow down the rate of desertification:

• Afforestation that is planting trees where none previously existed.
• Fallowing-allowing fields to fallow instead of growing crops on them continuously.
• Legislation-passing laws that favour conservative farming methods and practices and penalises those who do not follow the practices.
• Educating people about the impact of poor farming methods and schooling them on the best farming methods available to them.
• Planting trees lines for example gum trees to act as wind breaks and lessen the impact of wind erosion.
• Dam construction-for use in irrigation schemes and to provide alternative hydro-electric energy instead of relying on firewood.
• Practice irrigation for example using oases and rivers such as the Nile river.
• Limit settlements near water sources such as oases.
• Construct contours to conserve land and lessen the effects of erosion.
• Terracing to lessen the impact of erosion.
• Paddocking to implement controlled grazing and prevent overgrazing.
• Practice crop rotation.
• Create sand embankments.
• Fencing to protect forests.
• Grow drought resistant crops such as sorghum or practice activities such as extensive cattle ranching that put less pressure on pastures.
• Use alternative sources of fuel instead of firewood for example LP Gas.

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