1. Concepts: Human Environmental Interaction
SS7G2b Explain the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Concepts:
Human Environmental Interaction

2. Deforestation in Africa

10. CAUSE and EFFECT Deforestation
slash-and-burn clearing of land for subsistence or commercial cash crop farming
trees used as firewood for heating / cooking and building materials for homes
trees / plants are exported as timber and ingredients in medicines
poor soil develops overtime due to soil erosion and depletion of nutrients (less fertility)
this leads to less agricultural production (fewer crops grown)
which leads to more starvation and death (famine)
Deforestation

11. Concepts: Human Environmental Interaction
SS7G2c Explain the impact of desertification on the environment of Africa from the Sahel to the rainforest.
Concepts:
Human Environmental Interaction

12. Environmental Issues Facing African Nations
Such issues include climate change and air quality.
Human activities such as deforestation and poor management of land and water resources negatively affect the environment. For example, clearing of tropical forests in Central and Western Africa alters local climate and rainfall patterns and increases the risk of drought. Clearing of vegetation increases run-off and soil erosion which contributes to desertification.

16. CAUSE and EFFECT Desertification Drought over long periods of time
People cutting down trees and shrubs for firewood or building materials
herds of animals overgrazing the grasses and shrubs
poor farming methods and misuse of the land
once arable land is turning into deserts
more difficult to produce crops and raise animals
less food and materials for people to survive
starvation and death (famine)
people forced to rely on international aid and relief
people are forced to move to another region
Desertification