Environmental Issues in Africa Water: pollution & distribution Soil and Deforestation Desertification

Final Statement The economic success of a country is directly related to the environment. Water affects all aspects of a country’s economy. It is needed for agriculture (Crops), trade success (Coastline), industry (Operate Machinery and create products), and the workforce (Clean drinking water). Write It

Water Issues Pollution- both man-made & natural –Man-made- pesticides, fertilizers, human waste, mining, and manufacturing. –Natural- snails, worms, insect larvae, & other parasites which cause waterborne diseases. This is due to unfiltered water. Less the 50% of the Sub-Saharan population has access to safe drinking water due to environmental pollution. This has led to a decrease in economic growth.

Water Issues Some African governments ignore industrial pollution of major rivers and waterways because they are making such a profit for the country. As population increases, clean drinking water decreases. Unequal distribution- Climate change, deforestation, and population growth have contributed to a water imbalance.

Water- A Shrinking Supply Few places in rural Africa have plumbing or water purification. Women and children walk daily to the nearest stream to collect water….. One bucket at a time.

Water Issues Since the bulk of trade in Africa is with countries outside of the continent, Landlocked countries are the poorest.

Overview- Water Issues Pollution due to both man-made & natural causes creates health issues for Africa’s people. Less than 50% of Africa’s people have access to clean drinking water. Overpopulation stresses clean drinking water resources. Unequal distribution- Few places in Africa have plumbing and water purification. Landlocked countries in Africa are the poorest because they do not have coastline to trade internationally. Write It

Expanding Desert (Desertification- the process of desert expanding into areas that once had been farm land.) Deforestation- destruction of trees and other vegetation. (cutting of rainforest) Drought- periods of little rainfall Poor farming practices- –Overuse of soil for crops depletes nutrients. –Over-grazing animals in areas with little vegetation and rainfall Write It

The Sahara- Getting Larger Between the Sahara Desert and the rainforests is the Sahel. This is a grassland area that has been affected due to poor farming practices, land clearing, overgrazing livestock, and drought. Sahel

Sahara and Sahel

Cause and Effect of Unequal Water Distribution IssueCauseEffect Not enough water for irrigation Problems with trade Problems with Industry Not enough clean drinking water

Cause and Effect of Unequal Water Distribution IssueCauseEffect Not enough water for irrigation Cities consume itFarming suffers; less food to trade or eat Problems with trade Countries with no coastline trade less Economy suffers; less growth Problems with Industry Industries need water Industries do not grow if they don’t have water Not enough clean drinking water People and animals get sick Hurts economy