SS7G2b

Explain the relationship between poor soil and

deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Concepts:Human Environmental Interaction

Deforestation in Africa

CAUSE and EFFECT

Deforestation

• slash-and-burn clearing of land for subsistence or commercial cash crop farming

• trees used as firewood for heating / cooking and building materials for homes

• trees / plants are exported as timber and ingredients in medicines

• poor soil develops overtime due to soil erosion and depletion of nutrients (less fertility)

• this leads to less agricultural production (fewer crops grown)

• which leads to more starvation and death (famine)

SS7G2c

Explain the impact of desertification on the

environment of Africa from the Sahel to the rainforest.

Concepts:Human Environmental Interaction

Environmental Issues Facing African Nations

• Such issues include climate change and air quality.

• Human activities such as deforestation and poor management of land and water resources negatively affect the environment. For example, clearing of tropical forests in Central and Western Africa alters local climate and rainfall patterns and increases the risk of drought. Clearing of vegetation increases run-off and soil erosion which contributes to desertification.

CAUSE and EFFECT

Desertification

• Drought over long periods of time

• People cutting down trees and shrubs for firewood or building materials

• herds of animals overgrazing the grasses and shrubs

• poor farming methods and misuse of the land

• once arable land is turning into deserts

• more difficult to produce crops and raise animals

• less food and materials for people to survive

• starvation and death (famine)

• people forced to rely on international aid and relief

• people are forced to move to another region