Land desertification and restoration in Middle East
and North Africa (MENA) region |
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Authors: | Hassan M El Shaer |
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Institution: | Desert Research Center, Mataria, Cairo, Egypt |
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Abstract: | The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is characterized by high population growth, degraded and fragile natural
ecosystems, and a limited amount of arable lands. It is one of the most water-scarce regions in the world. The region is
heterogeneous in terms of the countries' economies, but because it includes some of the richest and some of the poorest
countries in the world, regional average economic performance statistics are misleading. The region is mostly semi-arid
and arid, with significant areas of extreme aridity. These areas are further challenged by extreme temperatures, frequent
drought, land degradation, and desertification. Recent changes in climate patterns, such as prolonged droughts, record
temperatures, and increased rainfall irregularity, intensity and distribution, have all further negatively impacted the natural
and agro-ecosystems in the region. Such changes have led to increased vulnerability of the people dependent on such resources
for their livelihood. This article focuses on the impact of land desertification due to climate changes on the prevailing
natural resources, and discusses several approaches for mitigating or alleviating desertification.
It is clear that water shortage is a problem in many countries of this predominantly arid region, and is unlikely to be reduced
and may be exacerbated by climate change. Proposed adaptation strategies might include more efficient organization of
water supplies, treatment, and delivery systems, and increased use of groundwater. It is necessary to develop alternative
production and management systems appropriate to the socioeconomic and environmental conditions in order to prevent
further degradation of the prevailing agro-ecosystems and sustain the livelihoods of farmers living in marginal conditions.
Grasslands, livestock, and water resources are likely to be most vulnerable to climate change in the region because they are
located mostly in marginal areas. Changes in cropping practices and improved irrigation practices, and introducing proper
livestock-fodder crop production integrated systems, could significantly enhance water use efficiency, eliminate the impact
of desertification, and improve local livelihoods. |
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Keywords: | degradation salinity climate changes water resources livestock rangelands |
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