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

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

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

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

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

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