Environmental and demographic effects of desertification in al-Qadisiyah province

Abstract EN

Since mid-20th century, desertification is one of the most serious environmental problems that has economic and urban impacts on large number of world population.

The major reason of this phenomena is the arid climate, shortage of water and the misapplication of natural resources especially in the rural areas.

These factors lead to the disintegration of the associations between natural environment and its social, economic and urban surroundings.

The most important result of the study is that desertification problem is in continuous aggravation because of the indifference to its danger and its future effects in addition to the lack of environmental, agricultural planning and mismanagement of environmental resources.

Also, there is no coordination between the ministries and the environmental, agricultural and water institutions.

It is clear that the environmental effects are grave especially after the deterioration of biological cover and lack of biodiversity, and the increase of dust storms especially during the arid climate and heat waves in the last two decades.

In respect to demographic situation, the economic and social reality deteriorate in the rural area of Al-Qadisiyah province due to desertification effects on agriculture.

As a result, people start migration from the rural areas towards urban centers.