TRIGGERS AND PROCESSES OF DESERTIFICATION IN THE DRY LANDS OF NORTH CAMEROON

Abstract

Desertification is officially defined as: "land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors including climatic variations and human activities (Seely, 2002). The definition clearly supports the basis for a vigorous research programme to combat desertification which now affects many developing countries. This paper seeks to enhance an understanding of the triggers and processes of desertification as a link between research on the one hand and implementation of programmes to combat desertification on the other hand. It uses a combination of primary and secondary data to distinguish between the impacts of rainfall variability and desertification on reduced biomass productivity. The study posits that anthropic factors have had an overwhelming role to play in the desertification of the region even though the climatic factor remains the important trigger. Finally, it concludes that in combating desertification, the interplay of the various environmental aspects must be considered side-by-side: that is, the effects of climate change, the destruction of biodiversity and the mounting scarcity of water resources. Synergies need to be developed to produce more integrated and holistic approaches which will lend the measures being implemented additional success and breadth of effect.