AFRICA'S IN TROUBLE!
Help save the disappearing continent today!
Desertification
What is desertification?
Desertification is a type of land degradation in which a dry land region becomes increasingly arid, usually losing its vegatation, wildlife, and bodies of water. Essentially, it becomes a desert. Although most of the world's deserts expand and contract due to natural changes in climate, desertification is a problem caused by human activities.
What causes desertification?
Desertification, like stated above, is a problem mostly induced by human activities. We believe the four most important causes of desertification are overgrazing, farming of average land, destruction of plants in dry regions, and incorrect irrigation in arid areas. Overgrazing has only become a major problem in recent years. Long ago animals would move in response to rainfall. People would move with the animals, therefore preventing overgrazing in those areas. Now, since humans have a steady food supply, they use a fence to keep their animals from moving about, resulting in overgrazing. The farming of average land is causing much desertification. Farmers are clearing and using average land for crop growing without giving time for the land to rest in between seasons, thus sucking out all the nutrients and richness in the soil, making it useless. The destruction of plants in dry regions is causing desertification because as people cut down and use trees and other plants as fuel, there is nothing left to protect the soil. If the soil is left unprotected, it will turn to dust and be blown away by the wind. Incorrect irrigation techniques, which are more common in poorer areas, are causing desertification because they create a build up of salt in the soil. Farmers are using incorrect irrigation techniques such as canal irrigation because of the lack of water, however the lack of water given to the soil causes a large salt build up to occur.
What are the effects of desertification?
Desertification has affected many people and things in Africa and many other places around the world. One effect of desertification is the soil's usability. Desertifcation causes the soil to loose much of its nutrients, causing it to become unsuitable for crop growing. Another effect is vegetation damage and loss. Because of the loose soil created by desertification, plants can get damaged. The loosened soil will bury plants or leave their roots exposed causing them to die. A major effect of desertification is food loss. Since desertification takes out the nutrients in soil and makes it inadequate for growing crops, the production of food will decrease. This decrease can lead to starvation in both people and cattle on or near an affected area, especially in places where the population is growing. Some other effects include flooding, poor water quality, dust storms, and pollution which all can inflict harm on the people and environment around areas of desertification.
The Solution!
To solve this terrible problem we have been teaming up with many anti-desertification groups such as the Naam groups, C.A.R.E (both of which are smaal groups created in Africa), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Along with these groups, we are taking many actions to stop and prevent desertfication such as, trying and teaching new farming methods to many farmers, so they can maximize their crop growth without harming the environment around them. We are also planting many trees and other plants around effected and endangered areas. These plants will help protect the soil from erosion and minimize the effects of desertification. We also have been working with many people to devolop a fertilizer that comes from certain types of rock, which can vegetation grow.
Desertification in Africa
More than one-third of Africa is threatened by desertification. In many semi-arid areas, it is estimated the desert is expanding by more than three miles per year.
The Flag of Mali
Mali, our next project's destination, is greatly threatened by desertification.
Desertification in Mali
Deforestation, a prolonged drought, and increased farming has caused soil degradation and dramatic desertification in Mali.
Our Next Project - Mali!
Attention all members and potential members, our next project will be in Mali! First off, we would like to thank all of our tremendous volunteers that helped in this years project in Nigeria! If you are thinking about signing up for our next project, we will be proud to have you back on board! During our project, we will be visiting many cities in Mali, such as Tombouctou, Bamako, Kayes, and many more! For a complete list of cities and travel dates please visit our website at www.SaveAfricaToday.com. If you are not familiar with our procedures during these projects, all of the information you need including sign up sheets can be found on our website. If you have any more questions regarding our next project please give us a call at 1-800-984-9898. We hope to see you there!
How can you help?
Contact The End of Desertification Foundation today! The End of Desertification Foundation (TEDF) has been educating people, from chidren to elders, about the dangers of desertification and the efforts that need to take place for almost 10 years. We have been arranging projects in different countries almost every year since we have started. We believe desertification is a big problem that is being overlooked by many people today. We need people to become aware and take a stand against desertification. This is why we hope to see you join us at our next project in Mali! Desertification is a real problem, lets work together to solve it!
How do we fund these projects?
We fund these projects solely on donations from benevolent people like you. With your help we can save lives and change the world! We greatly apperciate any donation large or small. If you are in any interest to change the world, please call at 1-800-984-9898. Thank you for making a difference!
The End of Desertification Foundation
The End of Desertification Foundation (TEDF) is a non-profit organization founded and created by Alexander L. Costa in January of 2003. If you have any questions or you would like to learn more about TEDF, please give us a call at 1-800-984-9898 or visit our website listed below.
Email: TEDF@live.com
Website: www.SaveAfricaToday.com
Location: 10886 Bossier Drive, Alpharetta, GA
Phone: 1-800-984-9898
Facebook: facebook.com/TEDF
Twitter: @TEDF
Citation
MacPherson, Korey, Kevin Schunk, Nickye Blaire, and Chris Reilly. "Desertification." Desertification. Lycos Inc., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012.
*This is a fictional brochure, used for educational purposes only