Topic Overview

This topic introduces the concept of desertification and land degradation followed by analyzing their trends in Asia. You will further analyze the main drivers as well as its ramifications for conservation and society in Asia and globally. Key policies and practices to address desertification and its key social and environmental outcomes will be discussed with case studies particularly from China, Jordan, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

Learning objectives

• Define desertification and land degradation.
• Identify and analyze drivers of desertification and land degradation in Asia.
• Explain implications of desertification and land degradation in Asia and beyond.
• Discuss various policies and conservation practices through analyzing case studies from China, Jordan, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

Required & Optional Readings

Required Readings

• Montanarella, L., Scholes, R., & Brainich, A. (2018). Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration. IPBES, 30pp
• Li, W., & Li, Y. (2016). Rangeland degradation control in China: a policy review. In The End of Desertification? (pp. 491-511). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
• Li, P., Zang, Y., Chan, F. K. S., & Wang, J. (2020). Desertification and Its Prevention along the Route of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. In International Flows in the Belt and Road Initiative Context (pp. 271-294). Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore.

Fundamental Concepts

• Topic 2.2 Desertification in Asia.pdf Download Topic 2.2 Desertification in Asia.pdf

Self-test Quiz (For certificate learning only)

After viewing lecture PPT presentation for this topic, take 10 minutes to take this self-test quiz. It is intended to serve as a quick check points of your learning progress about the factual content for this topic. Immediate feedback or answer key will be provided after your attempt. Click Self-test Quiz 2.2 to start.

Online Discussions (For certificate learning only)

Each week you will participant in the topic discussions of the week. The purpose of these discussions is to enable you to critically discuss and apply the core concepts you learned each week. Each online weekly topic discussion will include two parts: 1) your initial response to topic discussion questions posted by the instructor; and 2) your peer comment on other peer posts. Instructor will post one or two discussion questions related to the assigned module and topic every week. Response to these online discussion question and subsequent peer comment on these responses is mandatory. By doing this, you will enhance your knowledge through multiple perspectives posted by your peers. These questions will be focused on the most important aspect of the assigned module and topic and reflection on how you can apply these concept and tools from the assigned module and topic in your own context. For detailed requirements and grading rubric go to Online Discussions page.

To join the online topic discussions for this week go to Online Topic Discussion 2.2.

Graded Assignment for the Week (For certificate learning only)

NA.