Desertification

Desertification is a growing global concern as climate change and poor land management practices turn once fertile lands to desert. The concern is particularly grave in parts of Asia and Africa where the risk of food insecurity among much of the population is high and the loss of productive soils catastrophic. Promising solutions include improved water management techniques, better soil conservation practices at individual farms, and planting of drought-resistant cover crops to maintain soil structure. In this unit, you will evaluate three approaches: planting Jatropha, a drought-resistant perennial shrub; using bunds and zais to reduce water loss; and educating local farmers about better soil management techniques. Your challenge will be to choose one solution to implement in particularly vulnerable areas.