The degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities, is a significant environmental concern. This process leads to a persistent reduction in the land’s biological or economic productivity and complexity. An example of this phenomenon is the expansion of the Sahara Desert southward into the Sahel region of Africa due to overgrazing and deforestation.
Understanding this land degradation process is crucial within the framework of Advanced Placement Human Geography due to its multifaceted impacts on human populations and environmental systems. It contributes to food insecurity, forced migration, and resource conflicts. Historically, unsustainable agricultural practices and land management have exacerbated the problem, impacting vulnerable communities disproportionately. Recognizing the spatial patterns and human-environment interactions associated with this process is vital for developing sustainable solutions.
