Cause Of Desertification

I. DESERTIFICATION According to Katyal and Vlek (2000), when defining desertification, it should be based on activities of human which is the causative element, degradation of land as the driving process, declination in economic productivity specifically on the flora and fauna which should be advantageous for humans and animals as the indicator. It is said that land degradation starts when there is already drop of fiftheen percent (15%) on the potential productivity. Furthermore, variabilities of climatic condition and restorative management should be considered as a sign that productivity of of a certain land is diminishing. And lastly, areas in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid environment as the primary concern for global initiatives.The

Vulnerable areas of desertification (Courtesy of google images)

II. CAUSES OF DESERTIFICATION According to U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification (Greenfacts, 2016), desertification is a result of climatic variations and human activities occurring in arid, semi-arid, and sub-humid regions.

A. Climatic Factor

One of the natural events occurring is drought. This happens when precipitation is less than the normal precipitation level of a certain area that leads to hydrological imbalances. When hydrological cycle is imbalanced, it affects the natural production system because of the continuous high temperature and irregular occurrence of rainfall threatening the growing pattern of plants and trees (UNCCD, 2011).

Aside from drought, patterns in rain, increase in global temperature, and climate change are other factors contributing to drying up of lands (World Ecology Report, 2009). Climatic variations have already a big influence on the dry regions because it is given that these areas are already susceptible to desertification (low productivity, organic matter and stability). Due to these conditions, drylands are more exposed to soil degradation with the influence of wind and water (Cullet,

With desertification leading to problems in economically, socially, and environmentally, this was the start to have universal agreement internationally to address desertification. As of 2015, there are 194 participating parties. The UNCCD is primarily concerned on the effect of land degradation socially and economically on the areas of arid and semi-arid lands. This is where people susceptible to problems in access to ecosystem services are located. The strategic objectives of this convention is improving the living conditions of affected areas, improving the condition of affected ecosystems, generating global benefits through effective implementation of UNCCD, and mobilizing resources in support to the implementation (UNCCD,