Republic of the Philippines

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

City of Ilagan Campus
COLLEGE OF NURSING

DESERTIFICATION

Definition:
Desertification is a type of land degradation in which a relatively dry land region becomes
increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water as well as a vegetation and wildlife. It is
caused by a variety of factors. Desertification is a significant global ecological and
environmental problem.

[ARID: Lacking moisture specially having insufficient rainfall to support trees or woody
plants.]

Causes of Desertification:
1. Climate Change: Arid and semi-arid areas are already prone to limited rainfall. With
climate change, these regions can experience more erratic and less predictable rainfall
patterns. This can lead to prolonged droughts, making it difficult for plants to grow
and soil to remain fertile.
 Republic of the Philippines
ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
COLLEGE OF NURSING

2. Overgrazing: When too many animals, such as cattle or goats, graze on the land, they
eat up the vegetation faster than it can regrow. This damages the soil and makes it
vulnerable to erosion by wind and water.

3. Deforestation: Cutting down trees and removing vegetation exposes the soil to direct
sunlight, causing it to dry out more quickly. Trees also play a role in preventing
erosion and maintaining soil quality.

4. Poor Farming Practices: Farming methods that don't take into account the land's
natural capacity can lead to soil degradation. Practices like improper irrigation,
excessive plowing, and not using crop rotation can all contribute to soil erosion and
loss of fertility.
 Republic of the Philippines
ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
COLLEGE OF NURSING

5. Urbanization: As cities and towns expand, they often require more land for
construction and agriculture. This can put pressure on nearby natural areas, leading to
soil degradation and reduced vegetation.

Types of Desertifications:
1. Light Desertification
In this type of desertification, a very slight damage occurs in vegetation cover
and soil. This damage does not affect the biological capacity of the
environment and can be neglected.
2. Moderate Desertification
A medium degree of damage of vegetation cover occurs and formation of
small sand dunes and salinization of the soil which reduces production by 10-
25%.
3. Severe Desertification
In this type, spreading of weeds and unwanted shrubs in the pasture at the
expense of desirable and wanted species occurs as well as increasing of the
erosion activity which affects division cover and reduces production up to
50%.
4. Very Severe Desertification
In this type of desertification, composition of active naked great sand dunes
occurs and formation of many groovers and valleys and the salinization of the
 Republic of the Philippines
ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
COLLEGE OF NURSING

soil which leads to soil degradation. It is the most serious type of

desertification.
Examples of Desertifications in Philippines / other countries:

Impact of Desertification

Environmental effects

● Loss of vegetation cover: Desertification can lead to the loss of vegetation cover,
resulting in soil erosion and the degradation of soil quality.
● Soil degradation: Desertification can result in the degradation of soil quality, making
it difficult for plants and animals to survive in the affected area.
● Reduced biodiversity: Desertification can lead to a reduction in biodiversity as
species are unable to adapt to the changing conditions.
 Republic of the Philippines
ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
COLLEGE OF NURSING

● Increased vulnerability to changes in weather patterns: Areas affected by

desertification are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather pattern changes, such as
increased drought and decreased rainfall.

Economic effects

● Loss of agricultural productivity: Desertification can lead to a loss of agricultural

productivity, making it difficult for farmers to grow crops and raise livestock.
● Decreased water availability: Desertification can decrease water availability,
making it difficult for communities to access clean water for drinking and irrigation.
● Loss of livelihoods: Desertification can result in the loss of livelihoods for
communities that depend on natural resources for their survival, such as farmers and
pastoralists.
● Increased poverty: Desertification can lead to increased poverty as communities
struggle to adapt to changing environmental conditions and the loss of natural
resources.

Economic value of biodiversity

● Displacement: Desertification can result in the displacement of communities as they

are forced to leave their homes in search of food, water, and resources.
● Conflict: Competition for scarce resources can lead to conflict between communities,
particularly in areas where resources are already scarce.
● Migration: Desertification can lead to migration as communities are forced to move
in search of food, water, and resources.
● Health impacts: Desertification can lead to health impacts, such as malnutrition and
disease, as communities struggle to access food and clean water.
 Republic of the Philippines
ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
COLLEGE OF NURSING

Prevention and Solutions:

1. Sustainable Land Management: Implementing practices like proper irrigation,
contour farming, and crop rotation can help maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion.
2. Reforestation and Afforestation: Planting trees can help restore vegetation cover
and stabilize soil.
3. Conservation of Water Resources: Efficient water management, such as collecting
rainwater and using it wisely, can help combat drought and improve soil moisture.
4. Educating Communities: Raising awareness about the causes and consequences of
desertification can encourage communities to adopt sustainable practices.

Esperanza, Daryl Jaywin J.

Aroc, Maria Althea C.
Crisostomo, Jouana

BS Nursing 2C