The Sahel and Western Africa

The Sahel What is the Sahel? –The area below the Sahara Desert and above the coastal region Why was the Sahel important to the development of Africa? –Trade rout linking North Africa, the Mediterranean and West Africa Traded ivory, gold, salt and slaves –Center of learning Cultural center that flourished with education, arts and religion

The Sahel What effect has the expansion of the Sahel had on the people in the region? –Most people are employed in agriculture, despite the dry climate Farmers grow crops during a short, rainy season, using shifting agriculture Some herd camels, cattle or sheep –Desertification and Deforestation has turned arable land into desert wastelands, creating an even greater shortage of land and grass –Many rural people flee as refugees, hoping to find a safe-haven somewhere else

The Sahel What are countries in the Sahel doing to improve their future? –Withstanding the harsh environment Planting trees to conserve soil Accepting aid from foreign countries –Developing natural resources Use rivers for transportation and irrigation Encouraging sale of resources like bauxite, iron,copper, and uranium –Making the most of their human resources and cultures Most of the area is democratic but it needs to stay stable Changing the economy into a more industrial economy

West Africa Location gives them two advantages 1.Wetter climate gives them adequate rainfall to grow crops 2.Being on the coast allows them to be able to trade easily In the past these countries would trade gold, ivory, palm oil and slaves Today they only export a few goods such as peanuts, cocoa beans, and iron ore