SS7G2b
Explain the relationship
between poor soil and
deforestation in
Sub-Saharan Africa.
Concepts:
Human Environmental Interaction
Deforestation in Africa
CAUSE and EFFECT
• 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)
Deforestation
• this leads to less
agricultural
production (fewer
crops grown)
• which leads to
more starvation and
death (famine)
SS7G2c
Explain the impact of
desertification on the
environment of Africa from the
Sahel to the rainforest.
Concepts:
Human Environmental Interaction
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.
CAUSE and EFFECT
• Drought over long
periods of time
• once arable land is
turning into deserts
• more difficult to
• People cutting down
produce crops and raise
trees and shrubs for
animals
firewood or building
• less food and materials
materials
Desertification for people to survive
• herds of animals
• starvation and death
overgrazing the
(famine)
grasses and shrubs
• poor farming
methods and misuse
of the land
• people forced to rely on
international aid and
relief
• people are forced to
move to another region