1. Environmental Geography of Africa
SSWG5 Analyze human interactions with the world’s environments.

2. Desertification of the Sahel
Sahel – narrow band of dry grassland running along the southern border of the Sahara
Desertification – expansion of dry conditions into moist areas next to deserts
Human causes
Overgrazing of vegetation by livestock exposes soil
Animals trample soil – exposed to erosion
Farming exposes soil – erosion
Drilling & irrigation

3. Oil in Nigeria Drilling for oil = harmful to environment
4,000 of spills in 40 years
Fires = acid rain = soot = respiratory diseases

4. Controlling the Nile Efforts to control flooding of Nile
Cycles of floods & droughts
Aswan High Dam – gives farmers supply of water
Holds water & releases as needed for irrigation
Issues = decreased soil fertility of Nile = fewer deposits of silt

5. Water insecurity Prevents development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Women walk miles/day for water
Increasing population, not enough water
Desertification decreases amount of water

6. Plantation farming & Deforestation
Plantation farming – clear native vegetation & plant commercial plants (coffee & cocoa)
More demand for these products = more deforestation
Demand for timber in international trade = deforestation in Central Africa