Which of the following is listed as a cause of soil erosion in Swaziland?

• A. Overgrazing
• B. Deforestation
• C. Excessive irrigation
• D. Urban development

Answer: (A)

Overgrazing makes soil erosion more likely because when too many animals feed on a piece of land, they remove protective vegetation and compact the soil with their hooves. With less plant cover to shield the soil, the impact of raindrops breaks up the soil particles, and water runs off more quickly instead of soaking in. On Swaziland’s slopes and hills, this combination of bare ground and heavy trampling leaves the soil exposed to both sheet erosion and the digging action of running water, which can create gullies over time. So, when the land is grazed intensively, the soil is left vulnerable to being washed or blown away, making erosion more likely. While deforestation or other factors can also contribute to erosion in some contexts, the source in this question specifically lists overgrazing as the cause. Maintaining appropriate grazing levels and protecting vegetation helps reduce this risk.