Africa Past to Present

 The Sahara is the worlds largest hot desert.  Sahel- a transitional zone south of the Sahara, this region is experiencing desertification.  Savanna-rolling grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs, there are 4.5 million square miles of savanna. Most of the animals we remember from childhood are found here Savanna Sahel

 Widespread desertification is occurring in the Sahel.  As the population grows, overgrazing becomes more of a problem. Large herds of animals add to this problem,  Many farmers use “slash and burn” techniques to create more farm land- destroying parts of the rain forest.  To feed large numbers of people, the soil needs crop rotation and fertilizers that are not available=less food.

 The rain forest is located in central Africa, Most in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many animals and diverse plant life  The Rain Forest is under attack through deforestation. Slash and burn clearing to develop roads and farmland.

 The Nile River is the longest in the world at 4,100 miles long.  The Congo river flows through central Africa-2 nd largest river in Africa  Niger River is the main river in West Africa.

 The Atlas Mountains are located in Northern Africa.  Lake Tanganyika is the longest and 2 nd deepest in the world.  Lake Victoria is a freshwater lake-2 nd largest freshwater lake. Victoria Falls

 Africa has 4 main climates: desert, rainforest, Sahel and savanna.  Most people live near water-that is where the populations are the densest.  The climates of the Sahel, savannas and rainforests have more to offer so they have larger populations.

 Many of the people in Africa farm for a living.  Subsistence farming is frequently practiced-this is where you grow just enough to feed your family.  There are a few cash crops.  There is some manufacturing.

Poor families need the children to help with the land. Conflict interferes with the ability to go to school. Many nations have a lack of schools, teachers and books. Many students cannot get to schools, since there is little infrastructure in some parts of the continent.

 Subsistence Farming-grow just enough to feed your family.  Slash and Burn- technique where woods and trees are cut down and burned to make farm land.  Desertification-the spreading of the desert due to drought, poor soil planning, over- grazing and poor land use.  Sahel-area experiencing desertification.