Explain the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa. 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 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.