Overview

Desertification is a global problem that causes major social, environmental and economic impacts, as well as displacing thousands of people in search of land and food. In Brazil, this problem affects 11 states and approximately 1/4 of Brazilian municipalities are in areas susceptible to desertification, most of which are located in the semi-arid northeast. In addition to the vulnerability caused by the irregular rainy season in the northeastern semi-arid region, municipalities in Ceará have a considerable portion of their soil in a progressive state of degradation. Faced with a lack of water and economic resources, rural dwellers are forced to extract their livelihood from the local fauna and flora. Climate change and anthropogenic forcing together make up the Climate-Man binomial, which accelerates degradation processes and intensifies poverty levels, culminating in a vicious circle.