The period 1950-1965 had higher rainfall,
followed by dryer conditions culminating in
severe droughts in the early 1980's.
The drought led to decline in vegetation cover
and subsequent land degradation.
Over the last 20 years there has been a
recovery in rainfall and vegetation.
The map shows vegetation in 1984,
the driest year in the last 70 years.
The small figure shows the rainfall situation
(N-S shift in 300 mm isohyet) over the
last 25 years, indicating 1984 as the driest year.
