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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Modernisation and desertification in the Sahel region, based on the example of Central Kordofan in the Sudan
Author:Zabek, MaciejISNI
Year:2001
Periodical:Africana Bulletin
Issue:49
Pages:89-106
Language:English
Geographic term:Sudan
Subjects:modernization
regional disparity
droughts
Abstract:The primary reasons for desertification in Central Kordofan in Sudan lie in the unbalanced change in traditional culture which occurred when an industrial civilization collided with an economically undeveloped country and several aspects of life were hastily modernized while others remained unchanged. With the establishment of peace during the British colonial period, the development of communication and trade, the improvement of medical services, and the modernization and commercialization of traditional agriculture and its introduction into the global economy, there was a rapid increase in population and general production. The negative impact of this, in the form of deforestation, overgrazing and overcultivation, could have been mitigated if the positive changes brought on by modernization had influenced different aspects of the culture, most importantly traditional technology and the general economic development of the whole country. For example had there been other forms of investment open to farmers the animal population would not have grown to such an extent. Overgrazing would not have taken place to such a degree if the pastures had not been opened to everyone without restriction. The increase in cultivated lands, too, would have been less great had access to land been limited and had there been alternative sources of income. Finally, deforestation could have been at least partly curtailed had there been other sources of energy and construction materials besides wood. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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