Madinah is 25, and an agricultural extension worker. She believes that slash and burn, forest clearance and over-grazing were carried out in the past because of people’s ignorance of the consequences. Now, she says, they are forced into selling wood and charcoal through poverty.
She has listened closely to her older relatives’ stories of rich pastures and an abundance of animal products. She believes that the future lies in tree nurseries and improved agriculture. With the right technology and financial support, the land could once again become productive.
Women suffer particularly from the effects of desertification, she says, taking on extra responsibilities as the men in the family migrate for work. However, women today have more choice over their marriage partner or the right to continue their education. At the same time, reduced income has generally meant that people marry later. When asked if this is why she remains unmarried at 25, she laughs and says “no - it’s just me!”
