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Aspects of the ecology and productivity of some of the more arid regions of Southern and Eastern Africa

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Summary

  1. 1-

    An explanation in terms of the growing threat of desiccation is given for including in a symposium ondeserts some of those regions in Southern and Eastern Africa that in reality aresub-desert, arid, sub-arid andmild-sub-arid.

  2. 2-

    For the regions selected brief notes are provided regarding natural setting, actual and potential productivity and threat of desiccation.

  3. 3-

    A concise account covers some of the principal ecological phenomena exhibited.

  4. 4-

    Productivity present and potential is discussed in relation to the exisiting and the future threat of desiccation.

  5. 5-

    In conclusion it is recommended that, despite frequent and recent representation to the various governments concerned of the seriousness of the advance of desiccation, continued stressing to the authorities that action — not promise of or verbal tribute to action — must be the responsibility of thosae conversant with the dangers facing those portions of the continent under review.

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  1. Department of Agriculture, University College of the Gold Coast, Achimota, Ghana

    John Phillips

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Received for publication June 1953.

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Phillips, J. Aspects of the ecology and productivity of some of the more arid regions of Southern and Eastern Africa. Plant Ecol 7, 38–68 (1956). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00578536

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