Economies & Cultures Chapter 18, Lesson 2 P

Economies of Central & Western Africa Most African countries had traditional economies Colonialism introduced market economies Today, most African countries have market economies

Agriculture in Western & Central Africa Most people in this region are subsistence farmers Cash crops - grown only for to sell Sugar cane, coffee, cacao Ivory Coast - world’s largest producer of cacao

Ivory Coast – Chocolate Capital of the World

African Artisans Some people craft items Examples: iron hoes, leather shoes, art Entertainers & Musicians Musicians act as historians

African Minerals Almost every type of mineral in the world can be found in Africa Many Africans mine for a living Diamonds, gold, petroleum, manganese, uranium “Conflict Diamonds” - used to fund wars

Conflict Diamonds Some diamonds are also known as Blood Diamonds... Watch the YouTube video constructed for a class at USC (University of Southern California).

Blood Diamonds – Africa Kimberley Process

Ways of Life in Western &Central Africa More than 1,000 languages More Africans are moving to cities Strains traditional African family life and cultures Extended families are typical - very large

Social Status Older people have higher status and influence Some age groups have specific responsibilities Men - settle legal disputes, police the village Women - punish behavior that harms women