Nomads and Desertification (Level 1)

Do nomads contribute to desertification? Can they stop this detrimental process? Currently approximately 2 billion people live in regions affected by desertification. Protection measures will only succeed if they take consideration of livelihoods of these people and their specific needs. Traditional techniques of pastoralism or agriculture can play an important role in combating desertification and finding sustainable livelihoods - but only if they are developed together with the local people.

: Three correct answers
: one correct answer.

You can answer the questions by guessing or using the following links:

1	Nomads have developed livelihoods in deserts, drylands and savannas over thousands of years. Which of the following groups belong to them?

	The Mongols
	The Monocans
	The Massai
	The Tuareg
Find out more on nomadic livelihoods in Wikipedia.

2	Which of the following pictures shows a nomad? A) B) C) D)

	A)
	B)
	C)
	D)
Linktips: GEO.

3	Which are the main causes of desertification?

	Intense livestock farming and deforestation
	Pastoralism of Nomads
	Irrigation techniques that consume too much waater or degrade soils
	Longer drought periods - possibly due to climate change.

4	In which countries would you finde nomads, who live as nomads the entire year?

	In Eritrea
	In the Sahara
	In Mongolia
	In Russia
See also Wikipedia on Nomads.

5	Is Nomadism becoming extinct? Which statements are correct?

	In Mongolia there currently is a «renomadisation». Settled people are returning to their nomadic roots.
	More and more Nomads change to settled living patterns
	Many nomads have realised, that the nomadic life ist often more attractive than the poor livelihoods settled people often land in.
	In desert areas the areas suitable as pastures often are so far apoart from each other, that a nomadic life is often inevitable.