Chapter 2, Section 5 Economic Issues -Colonial powers took raw materials from Africa to their own countries’ factories to produce goods. - few factories in Africa today -mostly farming and mining Farming - 60% are farmers subsistence commercial farming – large scale production of cash crops (coffee, cacao, and bananas)

Mining export mineral resources (gold, diamonds, oil, copper) About 75% of African nations have specialized economies. countries are diversifying Economic Challenges problems feeding the growing population hybrid plants - goal is to develop a plant that has the best qualities Farming Improvements

Social Issues goal - better health care and education Education Many children work, leaving little time for school. Communities support schools, but overcrowding means some take turns going. not everyone has a seat, and they have to keep it clean Reading and Writing Literacy Since independence, more people have become literate.

Health Life expectancy - varies across Africa childhood diseases, malaria, bad water, AIDS Preventing Disease Southern Africa has been hardest hit by AIDS. –The poor don’t have access to drugs. –not educated on how to avoid getting AIDS WHO – World Health Organization, making some progress

The Environment quality farmland is scarce, rainfall varies Soil Problems Land is not always good for farming. Cutting trees can lead to erosion. Many Africans face starvation. Solutions From Science Irrigation, hybrids and plants that hold water in the ground have all helped. Plant trees between rows of crops to prevent erosion. improve education