The encroachment of the desert in the Central Bilad al-Sudan: but is it really encroaching?

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Book chapter

Title:	The encroachment of the desert in the Central Bilad al-Sudan: but is it really encroaching?
Author:	Mustafa, Shettima
Book title:	The Central Bilad al-Sudan: tradition and adaptation
Year:	1977
Pages:	47-64
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Niger Northern Nigeria
Subjects:	deserts droughts
Abstract:	According to the mass media, the natural desert is advancing and increasing desertification is therefore inevitable. Professional literature on the subject is divided and there are wide differences in what is seen as 'desert' and 'desertic factors'. In addition to natural factors, there are also human factors at work in the process of desertification. The contrast between North Nigeria and southern Niger indicates that several factors, such as overcultivation, over-grazing, tree felling, and erosion, can be controlled, as has been done in Niger. The author recommends a large number of small-scale projects, such as the sinking of wells and bore holes, and the erection of windbreak shelterbelt plantations, in combatting some of the desertic factors at present creating desert-like conditions in the region. Bibliogr., note, sum. in French.