Influence of Deforestation and Environmental Degradation on Agriculture in Mexico
Abstract
Deforestation and environmental degradation activities have negatively influenced the agriculture sector in many ways. To a great extent, deforestation is high accelerated by human activities and it has affected the natural ecosystems, biodiversity and the climate. Thus, the study sought to examine the influence of deforestation and environmental degradation on agriculture in Mexico. The research was a literature-based evaluation. The results of the study indicated that that deforestation has affected agriculture negatively. The loss of trees and other vegetation causes climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and a host of problems for indigenous people. The study noted that deforestation causes an increase in temperatures and changes in the amount and distribution of rainfall, generally creating a drier climate. These impacts affect soil moisture, reducing yields in some areas and increasing flooding in others. The study concluded that because deforestation and ecological degradation influenced the agriculture sector, and also immediate measures need to be implemented to suppress these activities which are affecting agriculture. The study noted that trees are being cut without any government regulation in Mexico, which consequently is creating huge hectares of land to be cleared leaving open land which cannot attract the rains like the trees. This clearing up of trees by loggers is bringing about loss of biodiversity, aridity and also loss of environment for the wild animals. Additionally, the research study concluded that the building and construction of infrastructure such as roads or dams, mining activities as well as urbanization are likewise contributing to deforestation and also ecological destruction because forests are being cleared to pave means for these projects to take place. Deforestation is contributing to the loss of the amount of water in the soil and also groundwater in addition to atmospheric moisture as well as global warming which is the major root cause of the pollution which consequently creates future impediments in the agricultural sector. The study recommended that the government ought to regulate the cutting of trees and also issue permits to loggers to make sure that forests are not damaged thus putting at risk the lives of several whom dependent on forests for many things which include rains and also residences to the wild animals. The forests in the water catchment areas should be shielded and also ensure trees are not cleared given that in those forests is where the majority of the rivers come from and also the water which moves down the stream is advantageous in doing agriculture through irrigation. The industries which are releasing toxic chemicals to the water resource ought to be closed or they treat the chemicals to become atmosphere friendly before allowing those chemicals to the environment. The study further recommended that urbanization ought to be controlled as quickly as possible because overcrowding in the cities is progressively creating pollution of the environment and also unhygienic living problems. Additionally, the study recommended that there is a need to embrace reforestation in the places which have been destroyed by the loggers as well as protect those recently grown trees. Individuals in Mexico ought to be sensitized concerning the importance of conserving as well as promoting environmental activities which are of value to present and also future generations.
Keywords: Deforestation, Environmental, Agriculture, Mexico
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