Causes and Economic Consequences of Desertification in Sudan
Nasreldin Atiya Rahamtalla
Department of Economics
Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria
Email: nasratiya@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Desertification is a significant global ecological and environmental problem that affects negatively all aspects of life. It is caused by a number of factors that change over time and vary by location. This paper attempts to shed light on the economic consequences of desertification in Sudan. The paper relies heavily on secondary data. The paper finds that desertification in Sudan is caused by both natural factors and human factors. Desertification leads to poverty, hunger, displacement, flooding, water scarcity, illiteracy, and spread of diseases, increase of infant mortality and morbidity and loss of herds. It affects negatively livelihood of citizens, cultivable land, soil, Gum Arabic production belt, land productivity and extinction of wildlife. It is recommended that, Awareness programs and trainings on rational utilization and proper management of natural resources are to be conducted to build the capacity of local communities. Efforts should be made by government, organizations and local communities to conserve natural resources. Proper and sustainable forest management is highly needed. Basic services should be provided by the government and international community to the people of the affected areas and this would contribute positively to poverty reduction.
Keywords: Causes, Consequence, Desertification, Sudan, Land degradation.
