Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-07-22T14:01:54Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese_EbersonPessoaRibeiro.pdf: 9633163 bytes, checksum: c53af293a4b48a50a637951aa84a56d8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-22T14:01:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese_EbersonPessoaRibeiro.pdf: 9633163 bytes, checksum: c53af293a4b48a50a637951aa84a56d8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-09 / A bacia hidrográfica do rio Pajeú, por ser uma área localizada em uma região semiárida, torna–se mais vulnerável e susceptível aos efeitos das mudanças ambientais e do processo de desertificação, com sérias implicações econômicas e socioambientais. Assim, a presente Tese teve como objetivo geral identificar e avaliar os diferentes graus de susceptibilidade ambiental da bacia hidrográfica do rio Pajeú à variabilidade climática e ao processo de desertificação. Para atender ao referido objetivo foram traçados os seguintes objetivos específicos: avaliar a variabilidade espaço–temporal da precipitação na bacia hidrográfica do rio Pajeú, empregando o Índice de Anomalia de Chuva (IAC); avaliar o balanço hídrico climatológico e o grau de aridez, além de realizar o mapeamento da classificação climática da bacia hidrográfica do rio Pajeú pelo método de Thornthwaite-Mather (1955); e identificar e analisar a dinâmica espaço–temporal de parâmetros biofísicos na detecção de mudanças ambientais na bacia hidrográfica do rio Pajeú com aplicação de alguns componentes do algoritmo SEBAL. Dessa maneira, os procedimentos metodológicos empregados foram: o Índice de Anomalia de Chuva (IAC) por ser uma técnica utilizada para caracterizar e monitorar a variabilidade espaço–temporal pluviométrica; o Balanço Hídrico Climatológico (BHC) e classificação climática de Thornthwaite-Mather (1955) por possibilitar a determinação do regime hídrico de uma localidade, permitindo avaliar a quantidade de água no solo que pode estar disponível; e a estimativa de alguns parâmetros biofísicos para a detecção de mudanças ambientais na referida bacia hidrográfica, aplicando alguns componentes do algoritmo SEBAL por meio da utilização de produtos MODIS, além do trabalho de campo para validação dos resultados. Os resultados apresentaram uma predominância de IAC negativos para a variabilidade interanual com pontos de inflexão mais extremos nos anos chuvosos, demonstrando também que toda a bacia hidrográfica fica com índice de anomalia entre seco e muito seco. O extrato do BHC revelou elevadas taxas anuais de ETP, bem como a predominância da deficiência hídrica ao longo do ano, deficiência que aumenta em direção à foz do rio Pajeú; já os parâmetros biofísicos revelaram que a porção sul da bacia hidrográfica é a mais degradada, apresentando temperaturas mais elevadas. A partir dos parâmetros e índices avaliados, como também da pesquisa de campo, concluiu–se que a área pesquisada está susceptível a processo de desertificação, em maior grau no Núcleo de Desertificação de Cabrobó devido às condições climáticas e edáficas. No entanto, em toda a bacia hidrográfica há apenas manchas concentradas de degradação ambiental, nas quais a ação antrópica se fez mais intensa. / The Pajeú River watershed, for being an area located in a semi-arid region, is more vulnerable and susceptible to the effects of environmental changes and the desertification process, with serious economic and environmental implications. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify and assess the different degrees of environmental susceptibility of the Pajeú River watershed to climate variability and the desertification process. For this, the following specific objectives were established: to evaluate the spatiotemporal rainfall variability in the Pajeú River watershed using the Rain Anomaly Index (RAI); to evaluate the climatic water balance and the dryness degree, to perform the mapping of the climatic classification using the Thornthwaite-Mather method (1955); and to identify and analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of biophysical parameters in detecting environmental changes in the Pajeú River watershed by applying some SEBAL components. Thus, the methodological procedures used were: Rain Anomaly Index (RAI) because it is a technique used to characterize and monitor the rainfall spatiotemporal rainfall variability; the Climatological Water Balance (CWB) and the Thornthwaite-Mather climatic classification (1955) for enabling the determination of the water regime of a given location in order to evaluate the amount of water in the soil that may be available; and the estimation of some biophysical parameters for detecting environmental changes in this watershed by applying some SEBAL components and MODIS products, in addition to the field work to validate the results. The results showed a predominance of negative RAI for the interannual variability with more extreme inflection points in rainy years, also showing that the entire watershed presents anomaly index between dry and very dry. The CWB extract showed high annual ETP rates and prevalence of water stress throughout the year, which is a deficiency that increases toward the mouth of the Pajeú River; and the biophysical parameters revealed that the southern portion of the watershed is the most degraded, with higher temperatures. From the parameters and indexes evaluated and the field work, it was concluded that the study area is susceptible to the desertification process to a greater degree on the Desertification Center of Cabrobó due to climate and soil conditions. However, there are concentrated environmental degradation spots throughout the watershed, in which human action was more intense.

No description available.

Current climate change trends are affecting the magnitude and recurrence of extreme weather events. In particular, several semi-arid regions around the planet are confronting more intense and prolonged lack of precipitation, slowly transforming these regions into deserts. In this thesis we present a stochastic (meso-scale) model for vegetation-precipitation interactions for semi-arid landscapes. Extensive simulations with the model suggest that persistence in current trends of precipitation decline in semi-arid landscapes may expedite desertification processes by up to several decades.

Magister Scientiae (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) / Desertification deteriorates the landscape functionality of rangelands, affecting the resilience of biome boundaries which have a cascade effect not only in vegetation composition and characteristics but also in animal communities. The balance between plants and small mammals are essential in maintaining the functionality (i.e. nutrient cycling, soil stability, and water infiltration) of rangeland which includes the arid Steinkopf communal rangeland. However, the landscape functionality of rangelands has not been extensively studied, especially in communal areas where desertification is a serious concern since many people farm with livestock to survive. The aim of this study was to assess landscape functionality along an arid biome boundary and its relationship to small mammal assemblages. This study further aimed to provide a local landscape perspective of the current desertification process and projected expansion of the Desert Biome into more mesic biomes in South Africa. Three replicates for three Desert Biome, ecotone and Succulent Karoo Biome sites (27 sites in total) were selected to assess landscape functionality and survey small mammal assemblages over a one-year period. The change in landscape functionality between the three areas was assessed to determine the resilience of the biome boundary to desertification. For each small mammal survey, 216 live Sherman traps were set up during the summer and winter seasons to account for breeding, mortality, and possible migration. With the data, the body condition index, population density, and diversity were quantified.

The Caspian Region includes the Caspian Sea and five littoral states: Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russian. 40% of the Caspian coastal zone is arid, 69% of this territory undergone desertification according to international reports. Among the reasons are soil erosion caused by water, wind and irrigation, the salinization of soil, intense bioresources usage, and soil pollution due to oil extraction and production. Desertification is a serious problem, at global, national and local scales. It is important to know what should be sustained or developed in order to protect land from desertification. The generalization of data over desertification processes in Caspian countries, studying the dynamics of this process in space and time could help facilitate measures to counter regional desertification. To understand Caspian Region coastal desertification phenomenon, vegetation cover satellite images for the years 1982 – 2006 were investigated to give map vegetation changes over time. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data for this study was derived from the Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) dataset, with the spatial resolution of 8 km. A coastal strip 160 km from the coast, divided by countries, was investigated. Theanalyses were focused on extent and severity of vegetation cover degradation, and possible causes such as landscape, land use history and culture, climatic changes and policies. The aim was to address questions related to desertification phenomenon, by focusing on Caspian Region time-series of vegetation cover data and investigation patterns of desertification in the region. In this study evidence of land degradation in the Caspian Region countries was found to occur on local scales or sub-national scales rather than across the regional as a whole. Changes in vegetation cover revealed by AVHRR NDVI appeared to be reversible in character and were dependent on the climate conditions, and anthropogenic impact in approximately equal proportions.

Desertification, the deterioration of productive and fertile lands into barren and desolate deserts, usually occurs as a result of deforestation, drought, or improper planting and agriculture. This thesis investigates ways to provide reliefs such as water and shelter in a continuously desertifying landscape (Taklamakan desert, Xinjiang, China) for locals, pilgrims, travelers and expedition caravans. To create diverse experiences in the desert, both temporary and permanent structures are considered in this project to minimize further land degradation. Movements of historical trade routes, oasis towns, and modern population fluctuation are examined to determine strategies and locations for intervention. The progressions of architectural, environmental and cultural decay are revealed in three selected sites: the Kapakaskan Village, the Jafar Sadiq Shrine, and the ancient ruined city of Niya. The design and the primary area of study seek to explain and incorporate passive or low energy building systems, form, cultural community, and technological innovations.

BARRETO, Lucas Lopes. Suscetibilidade ao processo de desertificação no Núcleo dos Sertões dos Inhamuns: o caso da sub-bacia do riacho do Urubu – Mucuim – Arneiroz – CE. 2015. 152 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em geografia)- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 2015. / Submitted by Elineudson Ribeiro (elineudsonr@gmail.com) on 2016-10-14T12:56:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_llbarreto.pdf: 8830368 bytes, checksum: 1e1f96e70a62dab95b2dbaa5e004c9db (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Jairo Viana (jairo@ufc.br) on 2016-10-18T18:57:33Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_llbarreto.pdf: 8830368 bytes, checksum: 1e1f96e70a62dab95b2dbaa5e004c9db (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-18T18:57:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_llbarreto.pdf: 8830368 bytes, checksum: 1e1f96e70a62dab95b2dbaa5e004c9db (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Watersheds are areas of significant relevance to geographical studies by witnessing the dynamic, current and previous, landscape, for harboring vast biodiversity and areas are preferably development of societies, contributing to socioeconomic and cultural activities. Because of this potential, the uses made, in some cases, not consistent with the ability to support, resulting in environmental problems. Desertification is the degradation of the quality of natural resources and socioeconomic conditions in dry lands. This degradation process has performance levels. The areas of Brazil that have higher levels of degradation are called Nuclei of Desertification. This research was developed in the sub-basin of the Urubu-Mucuim stream which has an area of 310, 771km² in the municipality of Arneiroz, located in the southwestern portion of the state of Ceará, in Nuclei of Desertification Sertões dos Inhamuns, with the aim of analyzing the performance of desertification on this sub-basin. The methodology used was the Environmental Systems with the application of Geobiofisicos indicators that helped to understand the level of existing desertification. To support this analysis, it was also used as technical field work, the application of interviews and Cartography, which contributed to the production of maps that have scales of 1: 100,000 and 1: 150,000, the satellite images used for mapping were Landsat 8 and RapidEye. The study area is likely the work of desertification; one can see that the geo-environmental characteristics and heavy duty applications made by communities contribute to the framework of degradation. However in some areas the welfare programs mitigate the environmental degradation processes, and there is thus a need for rational use of natural resources policies to mitigate and live with the problem of desertification. / As bacias hidrográficas são áreas de relevância significativa para estudos geográficos por testemunharem as dinâmicas, atuais e pretéritas, da paisagem, por abrigarem vasta biodiversidade e por serem áreas preferencialmente de desenvolvimento das sociedades, contribuindo para atividades socioeconômicas e culturais. Devido a estas potencialidades, os usos feitos, em alguns casos, não condizem com a capacidade de suporte, resultando em problemas ambientais. A desertificação é a degradação da qualidade dos recursos naturais e das condições socioeconômicas nas terras secas. Esse processo de degradação tem níveis de atuação. As áreas do território brasileiro que possuem maiores níveis de degradação são denominadas de Núcleos de Desertificação. A presente pesquisa foi desenvolvida na sub-bacia hidrográfica do riacho do Urubu-Mucuim que possui uma área de 310, 771km², no município de Arneiroz, localizado na porção sudoeste do Estado do Ceará, no Núcleo de Desertificação dos Sertões dos Inhamuns, tendo o objetivo de analisar a atuação da desertificação sobre esta sub-bacia. A metodologia utilizada foi a dos Sistemas Ambientais com a aplicação dos Indicadores Geobiofísicos, que contribuíram para entender o nível de desertificação existente. Para subsidiar esta análise, também foram utilizadas como técnicas o trabalho de campo, a aplicação de entrevistas e a Cartografia, que contribuíram na confecção dos mapas que possuem escalas de 1:100.000 e 1:150.000, as imagens de satélites utilizadas para o mapeamento foram Landsat 8 e Rapideye. A área estudada está susceptível a atuação da desertificação, pode-se perceber que as características geoambientais e os intensos usos feitos pelas comunidades contribuem com o quadro degradação. Porém em algumas áreas os programas assistencialistas atenuam os processos de degradação ambiental, havendo a necessidade de políticas de uso racional dos recursos naturais para mitigar e conviver com a problemática da desertificação.

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2016-08-03T13:22:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Izabel Cristina de Luna Galindo.pdf: 3128808 bytes, checksum: 6ede325485a6160b598810445d6e81d9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-03T13:22:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Izabel Cristina de Luna Galindo.pdf: 3128808 bytes, checksum: 6ede325485a6160b598810445d6e81d9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-03-23 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Land degradation in semiarid regions is a result of natural processes that can be induced by man, through the inadequate use of natural resources, resulting in the degradation of vegetation, soil and water resources. Aiming to relate vegetation and soil degradation processes in the Agreste and Sertão region of Pernambuco State, soil and vegetation were characterized in twelve plots, representative of preserved, moderately degraded and degraded environments in the municipalities of Jatauba and Floresta. To study the vegetation, plants were stratified in three layers or height classes: 3 – plants with more than 3.0m of height, were sampled in the total plot area(200m²); 2 – plants with height between 0.51-3.0m, were sampled in an area of 100m2; 1 – plants with height equal or less than 0.50m, were sampled in 18 miniplots of 25 x 50cm. Soils were morphologically characterized in each plot and samples were collected by horizons for physical, chemical and mineralogical analysisIn Jatauba County, the vegetation of the 2nd stratum showed a great decrease in absolute density as a result of soil degradation intensity. Species with greatest relative densities were Neoglaziovia variegata (caroá) and Cordia leucocephala(moleque-duro) in the preserved area; Bromelia laciniosa (macambira),Aspidosperma pyrifolium (pereiro) and Caesalpinia pyramidalis (catingueira), in the moderately degraded area; and C. pyramidalis and Sida galheirensis (malva branca),in the degraded area. Soil properties (Planosols) best correlated with the preserved vegetation were the thickness of A + E horizons and the amounts of organic carbon. The occurrence of soil crusting and erosion, as well as, the high percentages ofexchangeable sodium were observed with greater intensity in the degraded sites, particularly related to sparse vegetation. Associations between vegetation and soil variable groups, obtained through canonic correlation analysis, indicate that the presence of higher plants and great soil covering by the shrub stratum gives protection to soil surface, reducing the formation and development of soil surface crusting. On the other hand the vegetation cover seems to require a greater nitrogen uptake for plant nutrition or organic matter decomposition, resulting in a decrease of total nitrogen.In Floresta County the vegetation showed a great decrease in absolute density with soil degradation intensity, in relation to all studied strata. C. pyramidalis was the dominant specie in the 3rd vegetation stratum in all environments. Species with the greatest relative densities were: C. leucocephala and Croton mucronifolius, in the preserved site; Malvastrum coromandelianum, A. pyrifolium and Melochia tomentosa (capa bode), in the moderately degraded site; and M. coromandelianum and C. pyramidalis, in the degraded site. Soil properties (Luvisols) best correlated with the degraded areas was: shallow profile, small thickness or removal of the surface horizon, and soil erosion intensity, as well as, high levels of exchangeable sodium. The decrease in the amounts of organic carbon and total nitrogen were also related to the smaller vegetation cover. The canonic correlation analysis in Floresta region showed a straight relationship between the density of woody plants (>0.5m of height) and the amounts of total-N and organic carbon. This is probably a result of the greater amount of plant residues incorporated by the dense vegetation. Greater amounts of clay in the B horizon also positively influenced the density of woodyplants, due to increase in water holding capacity. The smaller soil density values in the surface horizon of the preserved sites are, probably, a result of the soil protection given by the plants and also influenced by the greater organic matter contents in this horizon. / A degradação das terras na região semi-árida resulta de processos naturais,que podem ser induzidos ou catalisados pelo homem através do uso inadequado dos recursos, produzindo a deterioração da cobertura vegetal, do solo e dos recursos hídricos. Visando relacionar os processos de degradação da vegetação e dos solos nas zonas do agreste e sertão de Pernambuco, foram caracterizados os solos e o recobrimento vegetal em doze parcelas representativas de ambientes preservados, moderadamente degradados e degradados, nos municípios de Jataúba e Floresta. Para caracterização da vegetação, os indivíduos foram classificados em três estratos verticais ou classes de altura: 3- indivíduos com altura superior a 3,0 m (lenhosas altas), amostrados em toda a área da parcela (200 m²); 2- indivíduos com altura variando de 0,51 a 3,0m, amostrados em subárea de 100 m² (lenhosas baixas); 1- indivíduos com altura igual ou inferior a 0,5m, amostrados em 18 miniparcelas de 25 x 50 cm (estrato da regeneração). Os solos foram caracterizados morfologicamente e as amostras coletadas por horizonte para realização dasanálises físicas, químicas e mineralógicas.Em Jataúba, a vegetação no 2º estrato vertical apresentou significativa diminuição da densidade absoluta em função da intensidade de degradação dos solos. As espécies com maiores densidades relativas foram: Neoglaziovia variegata (caroá) e Cordia leucocephala (moleque-duro), no ambiente conservado; Bromelia laciniosa (macambira), Aspidosperma pyryfolium (pereiro) e Caesalpinia pyramidalis (catingueira), no ambiente moderadamente degradado; e C. pyramidalis e Sida galheirensis (malva branca), no ambiente degradado. As características dos Planossolos melhor relacionadas com a vegetação preservada foram a maior espessura dos horizontes A + E e os teores mais elevados de carbono orgânico. A ocorrência de encrostamento superficial e erosão, bem como os elevados teores de sódio trocável, foram observados mais intensamente nos ambientes degradados,sendo mais severos onde a vegetação se encontrava mais esparsa. As associações entre os grupos de variáveis de vegetação e solo em Jataúba, obtidas com a análise de correlação canônica, indicaram que a presença de plantas mais altas e a maior densidade de lenhosas baixas protegem a superfície do solo da ação das gotas de chuva, reduzindo a formação e o endurecimento de crostas. Por outro lado, esta cobertura vegetal parece exigir do solo um maior fornecimento de nitrogênio para suprir as suas necessidades nutricionais e para decompor resíduos orgânicos incorporados, promovendo uma redução nos teores de N-total. Em Floresta, a vegetação apresentou significativa redução na densidade em função da intensidade de degradação dos solos, para todos os estratos verticais avaliados. C. pyramidalis foi a espécie dominante no 3º estrato vertical em todos osambientes. As espécies com maiores densidades relativas foram: C. leucocephala e Croton mucronifolius, no ambiente conservado; Malvastrum coromandelianum, A.pyryfolium e Melochia tomentosa (capa-bode), no ambiente moderadamente degradado; e M. coromandelianum e C. pyramidalis, no ambiente degradado. As características dos Luvissolos melhor relacionadas com as áreas degradadas foram: a diminuição da profundidade dos perfis, a redução da espessura do horizonte superficial ou sua eliminação total, a intensificação dos processos erosivos, bem como os elevados teores de sódio trocável. A redução dos teores de carbono orgânico e nitrogênio total também foram destacados para as áreas com menor recobrimento vegetal. As associações entre os grupos de variáveis de vegetação e solo em Floresta, obtidas através de correlações canônicas, mostraram uma relação direta entre a densidade de plantas lenhosas (>0,5m de altura) e os teores de N-total e carbono orgânico, devido provavelmente a um maior aporte desses elementos pela deposição e acúmulo de folhedo na superfície do solo nas áreas mais densamente vegetadas. Maiores conteúdos de argila no horizonte B influenciaram positivamente o aumento da densidade de lenhosas, devido à maior quantidade de águaarmazenada em profundidade. Os menores valores de densidade do solo no horizonte superficial dos ambientes mais preservados pode ser conseqüência da proteção oferecida pelo dossel contra a exposição do solo à chuva e ao sol, como,também, pela maior concentração de matéria orgânica nesse horizonte.

Global deserts occupy one-third of the Earth's surface and contribute significantly to organic carbon storage, a process at risk in dryland ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to climate-driven ecosystem degradation. The forces controlling desert ecosystem degradation rates are poorly understood, particularly with respect to the relevance of the arid-soil microbiome. Here we document correlations between increasing aridity and soil bacterial and archaeal microbiome composition along arid to hyperarid transects traversing the Atacama Desert, Chile. A meta-analysis reveals that Atacama soil microbiomes exhibit a gradient in composition, are distinct from a broad cross-section of nondesert soils, and yet are similar to three deserts from different continents. Community richness and diversity were significantly positively correlated with soil relative humidity (SoilRH). Phylogenetic composition was strongly correlated with SoilRH, temperature, and electrical conductivity. The strongest and most significant correlations between SoilRH and phylum relative abundance were observed for Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Euryarchaeota (Spearman's rank correlation [r(s)] = >0.81; false-discovery rate [q] = <= 0.005), characterized by 10- to 300-fold decreases in the relative abundance of each taxon. In addition, network analysis revealed a deterioration in the density of significant associations between taxa along the arid to hyperarid gradient, a pattern that may compromise the resilience of hyperarid communities because they lack properties associated with communities that are more integrated. In summary, results suggest that arid-soil microbiome stability is sensitive to aridity as demonstrated by decreased community connectivity associated with the transition from the arid class to the hyperarid class and the significant correlations observed between soilRH and both diversity and the relative abundances of key microbial phyla typically dominant in global soils. IMPORTANCE We identify key environmental and geochemical factors that shape the arid soil microbiome along aridity and vegetation gradients spanning over 300 km of the Atacama Desert, Chile. Decreasing average soil relative humidity and increasing temperature explain significant reductions in the diversity and connectivity of these desert soil microbial communities and lead to significant reductions in the abundance of key taxa typically associated with fertile soils. This finding is important because it suggests that predicted climate change-driven increases in aridity may compromise the capacity of the arid-soil microbiome to sustain necessary nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration functions as well as vegetative cover in desert ecosystems, which comprise one-third of the terrestrial biomes on Earth.

<p>In this paper discourse analysis on the Ethiopian National Action Program (NAP) to combat desertification is made. The aim is to describe how the overall image/picture of desertification, its causes, and effects and of possible solutions are presented in the NAP. </p><p>The result of this analysis shows that the main cause of desertification is human activities mainly due to the poorly developed socio-economic situation in the dryland areas. It is indicated that an excessive dependency of the rural population on the natural resources, particularly land, is the major cause of land degradation and this deterioration of land is said to have been caused by the rapid population growth, overgrazing, forest clearing as well as past government and institutional failures. In addition it is indicated that the effect of desertification usually involves ecological changes that sap land of its ability to sustain agriculture and human habitation, therefore the most serious threat to human welfare. Desertification diminishes the ability of affected countries to produce food and consequently entail the reduction of regional and global food- producing potential with impacts on world food reserves and food trade. The solution given to mitigate desertification in Ethiopia is that the present strategies are intended to combat desertification, through different action programmes such as improving knowledge on drought and desertification, basic infrastructure, institutional organisations and capacity, awareness and participation as well as empowerment of women. </p><p>The analysis also shows that priority was given to socio-economical aspect of the country not directly to combat desertification. It is suggested that in order to mitigate the land degradation, promotion of alternative livelihood is necessarily and this is reported to be achieved through industrialisation, rural credit programmes, intensification and diversification of agriculture, building awareness and access to information, enhancement of institutional organisations, participatory natural resource management, encouraging the private sector in involvement in forest development etc. Finally the analysis identifies different discourses, such as the survivalism, anthropocentrism, ecological modernisation, administrative- rationalism, economic rationalism and democratic pragmatism. Likewise the conflict that prevails between the discourses is discussed.</p>