Chapter 2.5 Issues for Africa Today

I. Economic Issues Colonial Powers saw Africa as a source for raw materials, but did little factory building inside the country, thus taking all resources out of the Country. So when all the good things are taken out of the country it starts to Look like this Look like this

A. Farming 60% of Africa’s workers are farmers so it is the most important economic activity There are 2 main types of farming, subsistence farming and commercial farming where the main crops are the cacao, coffee, and bananas.

B. Mining Africa’s rich minerals were what the Europeans were after Nigeria is rich in oil and coal The Conga and Zambia have copper While South Africa is rich in gold and Diamonds

C. Economic Challenges 75% of African Countries have specialized economies which means they depend on exporting 1-2 main products Gambia-peanuts, Zambia-copper Because of this they are sensitive to the rise and fall of world prices

D. Farming Improvements Another big issue is Africa’s problem of feeding its growing nation Many farmers have increased the amount of crops they grow and even developed hybrid crops to maximize the production

II. Social Issues Another main issue in Africa is working on its social issues like trying to provide services to its growing population Education and health (starvation) are some of the big issues

A. Education Most children work on family farms so if they go to school the family income and food supply is sacrificed Many, however do believe education is important Most countries come together to build their own schools

Most schools are standing room only since so many would do anything to get their education The kids do everything they are asked and stay as late as the teacher will so they can hear every word. The alternative is a life of manual labor in the fields so they don’t take school for granted

B. Reading and Writing The number of literate students varies by country Countries like Mozambiqu are only 7% literate while Tanzania is 78%

C. Health Life expectancy is a major issue Some areas are around years while others are as low as 50 or even 32 in Botswana The main reason for this is childhood disease Things like Insects, malaria, unclean drinking water, and living conditions as well as HIV AIDS

D. Preventing Disease AIDS is everywhere but is the worst in South Africa. Many are poor and cant afford health care Many are unable to get or provide an education for themselves But Organizations like the World Health Organization have set up programs to help

III. The Environment The environment is also a challenge, Africa is 2/3 desert so more than half if very dry land, and adding to this drought and flooding hurt the main industry of farming So many turn to timber or lumber as a way to make money but this depletes their jungles and rain forests and with most tress gone erosion becomes a huge issue