Drought Follows the Plow Cultivating Marginal Areas

Michael Glantz draws attention to the relationship between society and climate change. He examines the notion that 'drought follows the plow.' With contributions from colleagues in the worst hit areas of the world, the author challenges what is a nineteenth-century belief, that human activity can bring an increase in rainfall.

People around the globe are becoming increasingly aware that our use of the land has an effect on the environment in which we live. Global warming is seen as a major threat to the well-being of the world's communities. Fear abounds, but does anyone really know what is going on? Will human activity make things worse? In this 1994 book, the author examines the relationship between society and climate change. With contributions from colleagues in the worst hit areas of the world, the author shows how some patterns of land use can make the problems worse; increasing the risk of droughts and associated food shortages. This book will help scientists and researchers assess our impact on the planet and consider our ability to respond to the consequences of future environmental change.

Preface; List of contributors; Introduction Michael H. Glantz; Part I. Drought, Desertification and Food Production: 1. Drought Michael H. Glantz; 2. Desertification Michael H. Glantz; 3. Food production: role of marginal lands Michael H. Glantz; 4. Cultivating the dry margins Michael H. Glantz; Part II. Case Studies and Conclusions: 5. The West African Sahel Michael H. Glantz; 6. Somalia Jörg Janzen; 7. The Brazilian Nordeste (Northeast) Antonio Magalhães and Pennie Magee; 8. The dry regions of Kenya David Campbell; 9. Australia R. Les Heathcote; 10. Ethiopia James McCann; 11. Northwest Africa Will Swearingen; 12. The Virgin Lands scheme in the former Soviet Union Igor Zonn, Michael H. Glantz and Alvin Rubinstein; 13. South Africa Coleen Vogel; 14. Is the stork outrunning the plow? Michael H. Glantz; Notes; Index.

The author examines the relationship between society and climate change. This 1994 book will help scientists and researchers assess our impact on the planet and consider our ability to respond to the consequences of future environmental change.