Physical Features of Africa
Africa is the second largest continent in the world and has almost every type of geographical feature imaginable. It is these geographic differences and physical features of the continent that influence where people live and how they trade with one another across the vast landscape.
The Sahara
The Sahara is the largest desert in the world. The expansive desert land takes up the majority of Northern Africa. It has always been a valuable trade route. Many nomadic travelers have made the journey through the desert on camels to trade valuable goods with other nations. Despite its brutal terrain and inhospitable temperatures, the location of the desert is perfect for trade with Mediterranean European traders and people who reside in central African countries. However, there are areas in the desert where people have settled. One of the most populated areas in the Sahara region is the city of Cairo which is located in Egypt. Cairo has always been an important trade center, although this attribute has dramatically increased since the creation of the Suez Canal which allows for easy transport for both Asians and European traders. However, the majority of settlers in the Saharan region must live near valuable water sources. One such source is the NileRiver, which runs through Northern Africa. It is not only a precious water source, but a valuable tool for travel, trade, and irrigation. The coastal areas of the Saharan region also provide an opportunity for people to settle. Some countries such as Morocco have areas on the coast that receive a substantial amount of rainfall that provides nourishment to grow crops.
The Sahel
The Sahel is located south of the SaharaDesert and is a semi-arid region, which means that it has more vegetation and receives more rainfall than its northern counterpart. Some parts of the Sahel contain a wealth of natural resources. These factors can enhance opportunities for trading in the region. Some countries, such as Chad, exports oil, uranium, and gold. However, problematic conditions such as civil war and poverty have made it hard for the population to reap the rewards of this trade. Many people who have settled in the Sahel are farmers. However, drought has made this occupation very difficult to maintain. Those who choose to migrate to the city face overpopulated conditions that bring a new subset of problems to the forefront such as famine, disease, and lack of clean-water/sanitation. Like the Sahara, many who live in the Sahel depend on the NileRiver to provide a water source and nutrients for farming.
The Savannah
Savannahs are tropical grasslands of Africa. Much of Africa’s animal species are found in the Savannah region. The majority of people who live in this region depend on farming and livestock. In countries such as Kenya for example, depend on exporting products such as tea and coffee for trade.
Tropical Rainforest
The tropical rainforest of Africais a thick evergreen forest region located mostly in Western portion of the continent. Despite an abundance of rainfall, much of the tropical rainforest is in danger, not from drought, but deforestation. People who have settled in this region depend on farming and mining various natural resources for their livelihood. Some countries such as Ghana have a rich history in exporting gold and diamonds. However, dense forest and bad roads can slow down the trade process. While some mine for valuable natural resources, other maintained an agricultural lifestyle exporting crops such as cocoa.
Answer the following in complete sentences:
1) How can people use the Sahara desert as a trade route? Who has benefited from this trade?
2) Where have people settled in the Sahara region? Provide some examples and explain why they have chosen these locations.
3) What occupations (jobs) are available for those who live in the Sahel region? What troubles come with these occupations?
4) How is the tropical rainforest in danger? Think: How could this problem be resolved?
5) What products are traded in the tropical rainforest? What factors make trade difficult in this region?
6) What type of jobs would be available in the savanna regions of Africa?
7) How might people travel in these 4 areas? Would it be easy or difficult to travel through these areas? Why or why not?