Impact of drought/water shortage - LEDC

Ethiopia 1983-84

A drought is a long period of weather that is drier than usual.

Ethiopia is one of the world's poorest countries and in 1983-84 suffered its worst drought in living memory.

Short-term effects:

•·      A serious shortage of food and water caused widespread starvation and illness.

•·      About 500,000 people died. The young and the elderly were especially affected.

•·      Many needed food and medical aid which was sent by charities in MEDC's

•·      There was mass-migration from areas that were too remote to receive food aid. Many ended up in refugee camps.

Long term effects:

•·      Up to 1 million people who were malnourished and poverty stricken continued to need food aid.

•·      Regular aid from MEDC's has improved agricultural output and provided people with security.

Desertification can increase - Turning land into desert, through human and  physical

Impact of desertification on people and the environment:

•·      Population

The growing population has meant that food supply cannot keep up with the demand.This has put too much pressure on the land for cultivation (soil erosion).

•·      Deforestation

The wood is taken to use as firewood and building material.

•·      Soil erosion

Because of the loss of trees, the soil is exposed. It is blown away in the wind and washed away by the rain.

•·      Overgrazing

There is a loss of vegetation due to animals grazing on the same land. This leads to soil erosion.

•·      Civil War

Refugees are forced to use the land as they move to avoid the conflicts. Much money is spent on weapons rather than developing farming.

•·      Drought

Years of drought are caused as the ground cannot soak up the rain when it falls due to the mis-use of the land

D.Drake 2008