Study Figure 3 below, which outlines some causes of desertification in semi-arid regions.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Overcultivation | Continuous growing of crops on the same land without dry/fallow periods, depleting vital soil nutrients. |
| Overgrazing | Excessive numbers of livestock strip away protective vegetation cover, leaving the dry topsoil vulnerable to wind and rain erosion. |
| Population growth | Rising demand for food, water, and fuel leads to the rapid clearing of vegetation on marginal lands. |
| Climate change | Shifting rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts dry out ecosystems, preventing natural soil recovery. |
Assess the different factors that cause desertification.
