Ch. 6 – Sub-Saharan Africa

Ch. 6 – Ch. 6 – Sub-Saharan Sub-Saharan AfricaAfrica

Rowntree et. al.Rowntree et. al.

Modified by Joe Modified by Joe Naumann, Naumann,

UMSLUMSL

2Globalization & Diversity: Rowntree, Lewis, Price, Wyckoff

Chapter 6: Chapter 6: SSub-Saharan Africa ub-Saharan Africa (Fig. 6.1)(Fig. 6.1)


AFRICA’SAFRICA’SPHYSIOGRAPHYPHYSIOGRAPHY

RIFT VALLEYS


Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives• Become familiar with the physical, demographic, Become familiar with the physical, demographic,

cultural, political and economic aspects of Africacultural, political and economic aspects of Africa• Understand the roles of slavery, disease, and Understand the roles of slavery, disease, and

colonization in shaping Africacolonization in shaping Africa• You should understand the following concepts and You should understand the following concepts and

models:models:

-Apartheid-Berlin Conference-Biofuels-Horn of Africa-Sahel

-Pastoralists-Refugees-Swidden-Transhumance-Kleptocracy


Continental Drift and AfricaContinental Drift and Africa• PangaeaPangaea began breaking up more than 200 began breaking up more than 200

million years agomillion years ago • The southern tip of Africa was near the The southern tip of Africa was near the

South PoleSouth Pole • Has drifted northwardHas drifted northward

• Direction of movement and short distance Direction of movement and short distance account for lack of major mountainous “spine”account for lack of major mountainous “spine”

• Africa was affected more by divergent forces Africa was affected more by divergent forces than convergent forcesthan convergent forces

• Great Escarpment is remnant of gigantic faultGreat Escarpment is remnant of gigantic fault


CONTINENT OF PLATEAUSCONTINENT OF PLATEAUS• Least Least

movement since movement since break up of break up of PangaeaPangaea

• Plateau is the Plateau is the one term which one term which best describes best describes the whole the whole continent.continent.

• Rift Valleys in Rift Valleys in East Africa East Africa separatingseparating


Drakensberg

Atlas Mts

Mt Kenya

Mt Kilimanjaro

Cape Ranges

MOUNTAINS


DJOUF

CHAD

SUDAN

CONGO

KALAHARI

ESCARPMENT

BASINS


NIGERSHAVI NILE

CONGO

ZAMBEZI

RIVERS

MAJOR

BESET BY WATERFALLS


Unusual river systemsUnusual river systems• As part of Pangaea, there were several As part of Pangaea, there were several

interior drainage basins (like around the interior drainage basins (like around the Great Salt Lake, only bigger)Great Salt Lake, only bigger)

• After drifting began, the interior drainage After drifting began, the interior drainage systems were altered and eventually found systems were altered and eventually found their way to the seacoast their way to the seacoast • mid course deltas (where the streams emptied mid course deltas (where the streams emptied

into the former inland seas)into the former inland seas) • numerous cataracts or falls make the rivers less numerous cataracts or falls make the rivers less

usable for transportation purposesusable for transportation purposes • Rivers poor for transportation but good for Rivers poor for transportation but good for

hydroelectric power productionhydroelectric power production


Double-edged Sword: Double-edged Sword: Waterfalls and PowerWaterfalls and Power

Problem for transportation

Good for development


IntroductionIntroduction• Africa south of the Sahara DesertAfrica south of the Sahara Desert

• A culturally diverse regionA culturally diverse region

• World’s fastest-growing regionWorld’s fastest-growing region• > 670 million people; 48 states and one territory> 670 million people; 48 states and one territory• Most countries, nearly 50% of population < 15 Most countries, nearly 50% of population < 15

Relatively low economic outputRelatively low economic output• In 1999, Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic output In 1999, Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic output

was just 1% of global outputwas just 1% of global output• S. Africa’s GNP - 44% of GNP of whole regionS. Africa’s GNP - 44% of GNP of whole region• Foreign aid helped improve agriculture, but led to Foreign aid helped improve agriculture, but led to

large debt and corruptionlarge debt and corruption


Environmental Geography: The Plateau ContinentEnvironmental Geography: The Plateau Continent

• Largest landmass straddling the equatorLargest landmass straddling the equator• A plateau continent -- extensive uplifted areasA plateau continent -- extensive uplifted areas• Relatively poor soils and vulnerability to droughtRelatively poor soils and vulnerability to drought

• Africa’s Environmental IssuesAfrica’s Environmental Issues• DesertificationDesertification:: the expansion of desert-like conditions the expansion of desert-like conditions

as a result of human-induced degradationas a result of human-induced degradation

• The Sahel and DesertificationThe Sahel and Desertification• Sahel – Sahel – zone of ecological transitionzone of ecological transition between the between the

Sahara to the north and wetter savannas and forests to Sahara to the north and wetter savannas and forests to the souththe south

• Life is dependent on reliability of rainsLife is dependent on reliability of rains• TranshumanceTranshumance:: the movement of animals between the movement of animals between

wet-season and dry-season pasturewet-season and dry-season pasture


Environmental GeographyEnvironmental Geography• DeforestationDeforestation

• Extensive woodlands remain, but many forests have Extensive woodlands remain, but many forests have been replaced by grasslands or farmsbeen replaced by grasslands or farms

• Results in shortages of Results in shortages of biofuelsbiofuels:: wood and charcoal wood and charcoal used for household energy needs, especially cookingused for household energy needs, especially cooking

• In some countries, women are organizing to plant In some countries, women are organizing to plant treestrees

• Wildlife ConservationWildlife Conservation• Wildlife survives because of historically low Wildlife survives because of historically low

population densitypopulation density• Wildlife populations currently decliningWildlife populations currently declining

• Poaching a problemPoaching a problem• Sale of ivory (elephant tusks) has been prohibitedSale of ivory (elephant tusks) has been prohibited


Environmental Environmental ProblemsProblems

• DeforestationDeforestation• Endangered Endangered

speciesspecies


Environmental Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa Environmental Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa (Fig. 6.3)(Fig. 6.3)


Environmental Geography:Environmental Geography:• Plateaus and BasinsPlateaus and Basins

• Elevated basins dominate the interiorElevated basins dominate the interior• Great Escarpment:Great Escarpment: landform rimming much of landform rimming much of

southern Africa, impeding coastal settlementsouthern Africa, impeding coastal settlement• WatershedsWatersheds

• Major river systems: Congo, Nile, Niger, ZambeziMajor river systems: Congo, Nile, Niger, Zambezi

• SoilsSoils• Relatively infertile because they are oldRelatively infertile because they are old

• Most fertile soils located within Rift ValleyMost fertile soils located within Rift Valley• Highland Ethiopia, Lake Victoria lowlands, central Highland Ethiopia, Lake Victoria lowlands, central

highlands of Kenya also have productive agricultural highlands of Kenya also have productive agricultural basesbases


Physical Geography of Sub-Saharan AfricaPhysical Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa (Fig. 6.8) (Fig. 6.8)


Environmental Geography:Environmental Geography:• Climate and VegetationClimate and Vegetation

• Warm year-round, while rainfall varies regionally Warm year-round, while rainfall varies regionally

• Tropical ForestsTropical Forests• Congo Basin contains the second largest Congo Basin contains the second largest

expanse of tropical rainforest in the worldexpanse of tropical rainforest in the world

• SavannasSavannas• Wet and dry savannas surround central African Wet and dry savannas surround central African

rainforest beltrainforest belt

• DesertsDeserts• Sahara, Namib, KalahariSahara, Namib, Kalahari• Horn of Africa – northeastern corner that includes Horn of Africa – northeastern corner that includes

Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and EritreaSomalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea


Climate Map of Sub-Saharan Africa Climate Map of Sub-Saharan Africa (Fig. 6.11)(Fig. 6.11)


VEGETATION

MORE GRASSLAND THAN TROPICAL RAINFOREST

TROPICAL RAINFOREST (SELVA) IS DIFFERENT FROM JUNGLE – THERE IS VERY LITTLE JUNGLE


THREE-TIERED RAINFORESTTHREE-TIERED RAINFOREST

• LITTLE OR NO UNDERBRUSHLITTLE OR NO UNDERBRUSH• EASY TO TRAVEL THROUGHEASY TO TRAVEL THROUGH

JUNGLE OCCURS WHEREVER SUNLIGHT CAN PIERCE THE TREE CANOPY AND REACH THE GROUND CAUSING UNDERBRUSH


Dif

fere

nt

Bio

mes

Dif

fere

nt

Bio

mes


Climate-Related ConditionsClimate-Related Conditions• High temperature and high humidity create High temperature and high humidity create

breeding ground for organismsbreeding ground for organisms • Tropical diseae vectorsTropical diseae vectors• Extremely Extremely rapid decompositionrapid decomposition of humus in soil of humus in soil

• Conditions also contribute to poor soil (low Conditions also contribute to poor soil (low in humus)in humus) • LeachingLeaching of water soluble materials from upper of water soluble materials from upper

soil zonesoil zone• When farmed, soil is quickly depleted When farmed, soil is quickly depleted • Where precipitation is marginal Where precipitation is marginal (Sahel)(Sahel)

conditions exist for desertification and soil conditions exist for desertification and soil erosionerosion


Population and Settlement: Young and Population and Settlement: Young and RestlessRestless

• Population projected increase by 130% by 2050Population projected increase by 130% by 2050• Population density is similar to that of the U.S.Population density is similar to that of the U.S.• Life expectancy short (<50 years), TFR high (5+)Life expectancy short (<50 years), TFR high (5+)

• Population Trends & Demographic DebatesPopulation Trends & Demographic Debates• How many people can Sub-Saharan Africa How many people can Sub-Saharan Africa

support?support?• Family sizeFamily size

• Preference for large familiesPreference for large families• Guarantee lineage and statusGuarantee lineage and status• Rural life makes children an assetRural life makes children an asset


• Population Trends (cont.)Population Trends (cont.)

• The Impact of AIDS on AfricaThe Impact of AIDS on Africa• Southern Africa is ground zero for the AIDS Southern Africa is ground zero for the AIDS

epidemic epidemic • 2/3 of world’s AIDS cases are found in 2/3 of world’s AIDS cases are found in

Sub-Saharan Africa – many cases go Sub-Saharan Africa – many cases go undiagnosed undiagnosed

• AIDS may reduce growth rate in the AIDS may reduce growth rate in the regionregion

• Drugs too expensive, education is best Drugs too expensive, education is best way to stem epidemicway to stem epidemic


AIDS IN AFRICA

1999

SOURCE:UNAIDS, 2000

NOT A HOMOSEXUAL DISEASE IN AFRICA!


Population and Settlement: Young and Population and Settlement: Young and Restless (cont.)Restless (cont.)

• Patterns of Settlement and Land Patterns of Settlement and Land UseUse• Widely scattered population Widely scattered population

• Concentrations in West Africa, highland Concentrations in West Africa, highland East Africa, eastern half of South AfricaEast Africa, eastern half of South Africa

• Rural-urban migration; Lagos (Nigeria) has Rural-urban migration; Lagos (Nigeria) has 10+ million people10+ million people


Population DistributionPopulation Distribution (Fig. 6.16) (Fig. 6.16)


• Patterns of Settlement and Land Use (cont.)Patterns of Settlement and Land Use (cont.)• Agricultural SubsistenceAgricultural Subsistence

• Staple crops of millet, sorghum, cornStaple crops of millet, sorghum, corn• Swidden agriculture practiced in areas with Swidden agriculture practiced in areas with

poorer tropical soilspoorer tropical soils• Shifting cultivation:Shifting cultivation: burning natural burning natural

vegetation to release fertility, then plant vegetation to release fertility, then plant indigenous crops; allow fallow periodsindigenous crops; allow fallow periods

• Often fine-tuned to local conditions, but unable Often fine-tuned to local conditions, but unable to support high population densitiesto support high population densities

• Plantation AgriculturePlantation Agriculture• Crops for export are critical to the economies of Crops for export are critical to the economies of

many African statesmany African states• Coffee, peanuts, cotton, cocoa, rubberCoffee, peanuts, cotton, cocoa, rubber


• Patterns of Settlement and Land Use (cont.)Patterns of Settlement and Land Use (cont.)• Herding and LivestockHerding and Livestock

• Most engaged in this activity are pastoralistsMost engaged in this activity are pastoralists• PastoralistsPastoralists specialize in grazing animalsspecialize in grazing animals

• Tsetse fly impact – insects that spread sleeping Tsetse fly impact – insects that spread sleeping sickness to cattle, humans, and some wildlifesickness to cattle, humans, and some wildlife

• Urban LifeUrban Life• Least urbanized region in the developing worldLeast urbanized region in the developing world

• But most cities growing at twice the national ratesBut most cities growing at twice the national rates• At 12 million people, Lagos is largest cityAt 12 million people, Lagos is largest city

• West African Urban TraditionsWest African Urban Traditions• West African coast has many cities, most with indigenous West African coast has many cities, most with indigenous

originsorigins


• Urban Industrial South AfricaUrban Industrial South Africa

• Most major cities in southern Africa have Most major cities in southern Africa have colonial originscolonial origins

• South Africa is the most urbanized country South Africa is the most urbanized country in the regionin the region

• ApartheidApartheid – – official policy of racial official policy of racial segregation that shaped cities and social segregation that shaped cities and social relations in South Africa for nearly half relations in South Africa for nearly half centurycentury

• ColouredColoured – – South African term South African term describing people of mixed African describing people of mixed African and European ancestryand European ancestry


Racial Segregation in Cape TownRacial Segregation in Cape Town (Fig. 6.20) (Fig. 6.20)


Historical Culture HearthsHistorical Culture HearthsKnowledge of Iron-working


Great ZimbabweGreat Zimbabwe• ZimbabweZimbabwe building building

required required sophisticated sophisticated geometry in its geometry in its construction (ellipse)construction (ellipse)

• At first, European At first, European explorers refused to explorers refused to believe that Africans believe that Africans built these structures built these structures – credited the Greeks– credited the Greeks


Cultural Coherence and Diversity: Cultural Coherence and Diversity: • Language PatternsLanguage Patterns

• Complex pattern includes local, African trade, and Complex pattern includes local, African trade, and European and Asian languagesEuropean and Asian languages

• African Language GroupsAfrican Language Groups• Three groups unique to the region: Niger-Congo, Nilo-Three groups unique to the region: Niger-Congo, Nilo-

Saharan, KhoisanSaharan, Khoisan

• Language and IdentityLanguage and Identity• Ethnic identity in the region has been fluidEthnic identity in the region has been fluid• Tribes:Tribes: consist of a group of families or clans with a consist of a group of families or clans with a

common kinship, language, and definable territorycommon kinship, language, and definable territory

• European LanguagesEuropean Languages• Francophone, AnglophoneFrancophone, Anglophone• Also Afrikaans (Dutch-based) and ArabicAlso Afrikaans (Dutch-based) and Arabic


African Language Groups and Official LanguagesAfrican Language Groups and Official Languages (Fig. 6.22)(Fig. 6.22)


• ReligionReligion• Indigenous religions tend to be animisticIndigenous religions tend to be animistic

• The Introduction and Spread of ChristianityThe Introduction and Spread of Christianity• Entered northeast Africa around 300 A.D.Entered northeast Africa around 300 A.D.

• Coptic Christians - Ethiopia & Eritrea; other Coptic Christians - Ethiopia & Eritrea; other Christians in SudanChristians in Sudan

• Dutch brought Calvinism to South Africa in 1600sDutch brought Calvinism to South Africa in 1600s

• The Introduction and Spread of IslamThe Introduction and Spread of Islam• Introduced about 1,000 years agoIntroduced about 1,000 years ago• Today, orthodox Islam prevails in most of the SahelToday, orthodox Islam prevails in most of the Sahel

• Interaction Between Religious TraditionsInteraction Between Religious Traditions• Religious conflict most acute in northeastern AfricaReligious conflict most acute in northeastern Africa• Sudan: conflict between Muslims in north and Non-Sudan: conflict between Muslims in north and Non-

Muslims in the southMuslims in the south


Extent of IslamExtent of Islam (Fig. 6.25) (Fig. 6.25)


Cultural Coherence and Diversity:Cultural Coherence and Diversity:

• Globalization and African CultureGlobalization and African Culture

• Role of slaveryRole of slavery

• Estimated 12 million were taken from Estimated 12 million were taken from Africa and sent to the Western Africa and sent to the Western Hemisphere from 1500-1870Hemisphere from 1500-1870

• Enslaved Africans sent to Europe, Enslaved Africans sent to Europe, North Africa, Southwest AsiaNorth Africa, Southwest Asia

• African rhythms found in music around African rhythms found in music around the worldthe world


African Slave TradeAfrican Slave Trade (Fig. 6.27) (Fig. 6.27)


Legacies of Colonialism and ConflictLegacies of Colonialism and Conflict• Before the arrival of Europeans, Sub-Saharan Before the arrival of Europeans, Sub-Saharan

Africa had a complex pattern of kingdoms, states, Africa had a complex pattern of kingdoms, states, and tribal societiesand tribal societies

• European ColonizationEuropean Colonization• It took Europeans centuries to control this regionIt took Europeans centuries to control this region• The Disease FactorThe Disease Factor

• Malaria and other tropical diseases made it difficult for Malaria and other tropical diseases made it difficult for Europeans to establish coloniesEuropeans to establish colonies

• Quinine made colonization possibleQuinine made colonization possible• The wealth of the region made colonization desirableThe wealth of the region made colonization desirable

• The Scramble for AfricaThe Scramble for Africa• Ethiopia remained unconqueredEthiopia remained unconquered


• EUROPEAN COLONIAL OBJECTIVESEUROPEAN COLONIAL OBJECTIVES• A port along the West African coastA port along the West African coast

• A water route to South Asia and A water route to South Asia and Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia

• 1500’s- looking for resources; Slaves1500’s- looking for resources; Slaves

• Europe 1850- industrial revolution occursEurope 1850- industrial revolution occurs

• Increased demand for Increased demand for mineral resourcesmineral resources

• Need to expand Need to expand cash cropcash crop production production

• Need for Need for marketsmarkets for industrial products for industrial products

COLONIALISMCOLONIALISM


• 13 States divided up Africa without 13 States divided up Africa without consideration of culturesconsideration of cultures

• Results of Results of superimposed boundariessuperimposed boundaries-- African peoples were divided.-- African peoples were divided.-- Unified regions were ripped apart.-- Unified regions were ripped apart.-- Hostile societies were thrown together.-- Hostile societies were thrown together.-- Hinterlands were disrupted.-- Hinterlands were disrupted.-- Migration routes were closed off.-- Migration routes were closed off.

• When independence returned after 1950, the When independence returned after 1950, the realm had already acquired a legacy of political realm had already acquired a legacy of political fragmentation – boundary change unrealistic.fragmentation – boundary change unrealistic.

BERLIN CONFERENCE BERLIN CONFERENCE 18841884


European Colonization in 1913European Colonization in 1913 (Fig. 6.28)(Fig. 6.28)


• Great BritainGreat Britain: “: “Indirect RuleIndirect Rule” (Ghana, ” (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe)Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe)• Indigenous power structures were left Indigenous power structures were left

intact to some degree and local rulers intact to some degree and local rulers were made representatives of the crown.were made representatives of the crown.

• FranceFrance: “: “AssimilationistAssimilationist” (Senegal, Mali, ” (Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, etc.)Ivory Coast, etc.)• Enforced a direct rule which propagated Enforced a direct rule which propagated

the French culture through language, laws, the French culture through language, laws, education and dress (acculturation)education and dress (acculturation)

COLONIAL COLONIAL POLICIESPOLICIES


• PortugalPortugal: “: “ExploitationExploitation” (Guinea-Bissau, ” (Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Mozambique)Angola, Mozambique)• First to enslave and colonize and one of the last First to enslave and colonize and one of the last

to grant independenceto grant independence• Maintained rigid control; raw resource orientedMaintained rigid control; raw resource oriented

• BelgiumBelgium: “: “PaternalisticPaternalistic” (Rwanda, Zaire, ” (Rwanda, Zaire, Burundi)Burundi)• Treated Africans as though they where children Treated Africans as though they where children

who needed to be tutored in western ways; did who needed to be tutored in western ways; did not try to make them Belgiumnot try to make them Belgium

• Raw resource oriented; ignored development of Raw resource oriented; ignored development of nativesnatives

COLONIAL COLONIAL POLICIESPOLICIES


• Several hundred languages are spoken.Several hundred languages are spoken.

• European language usually continues as the European language usually continues as the “official” language – language of government, “official” language – language of government, business, & education.business, & education.

• MultilingualismMultilingualism • Powerful centrifugal forcePowerful centrifugal force – reinforces tribalism– reinforces tribalism• East Africa, Swahili serves as theEast Africa, Swahili serves as the lingua francalingua franca

• Antagonism between tribes (e.g., Rwanda) Antagonism between tribes (e.g., Rwanda)

• Politics often equates with Politics often equates with TRIBALISMTRIBALISM

THE COLONIAL LEGACYTHE COLONIAL LEGACY


• Low level of development is linked toLow level of development is linked to

colonizationcolonization• Transportation facilities Transportation facilities -- Movement of goods is Movement of goods is

from the interior to coastal outlets. No network from the interior to coastal outlets. No network was developed.was developed.

• CommunicationCommunication within Africa is impeded by within Africa is impeded by desert, dense forest, and lack of navigable rivers desert, dense forest, and lack of navigable rivers in certain regions.in certain regions.

• Dual economyDual economy remains intact; most states rely remains intact; most states rely on a single crop or mineral and are vulnerable to on a single crop or mineral and are vulnerable to world markets. They often produce cash crops at world markets. They often produce cash crops at expense of food crops.expense of food crops.

THE COLONIAL THE COLONIAL LEGACYLEGACY


Geopolitical Framework: Legacies Geopolitical Framework: Legacies of Colonialism and Conflict (cont.)of Colonialism and Conflict (cont.)

• Establishment of South Africa (cont.)Establishment of South Africa (cont.)• Dutch (Boers) and British settlers conflictedDutch (Boers) and British settlers conflicted• 1948 Afrikaner’s (Dutch) National Party 1948 Afrikaner’s (Dutch) National Party

gained control of govt.gained control of govt.• Instituted Apartheid: formalized racial Instituted Apartheid: formalized racial

segregationsegregation• Petite, meso-, and grand apartheidPetite, meso-, and grand apartheid• Homelands – nominally independent states for Homelands – nominally independent states for

blacksblacks



• Decolonization and IndependenceDecolonization and Independence• Decolonization began in 1957Decolonization began in 1957• Organization of African Unity (OAU) – a Organization of African Unity (OAU) – a

continent-wide organization whose goal continent-wide organization whose goal includes mediating disputes between includes mediating disputes between neighboring statesneighboring states


INDEPENDENT STATES IN INDEPENDENT STATES IN AFRICAAFRICA

1950 1960

1970

INDEPENDENT


Past, Present, & Past, Present, & FutureFuture

• Click on the map to see the videoClick on the map to see the video


Legacies of Colonialism and Conflict Legacies of Colonialism and Conflict (cont.)(cont.)• Decolonization and Independence (cont.)Decolonization and Independence (cont.)

• Southern Africa’s Independence BattlesSouthern Africa’s Independence Battles• Southern Rhodesia – ZimbabweSouthern Rhodesia – Zimbabwe• Portuguese colonies of Angola and MozambiquePortuguese colonies of Angola and Mozambique

• Apartheid’s Demise in South AfricaApartheid’s Demise in South Africa• Townships – segregated neighborhoods for Townships – segregated neighborhoods for

nonwhites, located on outskirts of citiesnonwhites, located on outskirts of cities• Opposition began in the 1960sOpposition began in the 1960s

• Blacks and coloureds led oppositionBlacks and coloureds led opposition• Pressure for change from outside sourcesPressure for change from outside sources

• Free elections held in 1994Free elections held in 1994


Legacies of Colonialism and Conflict (cont.)Legacies of Colonialism and Conflict (cont.)

• Continuing Political ConflictContinuing Political Conflict• The Tyranny of the MapThe Tyranny of the Map

• Difficult to establish cohesive states in Africa Difficult to establish cohesive states in Africa because of legacy of Berlin Conferencebecause of legacy of Berlin Conference

• Tribalism:Tribalism: loyalty to ethnic group not to a state loyalty to ethnic group not to a state• Has led to many internal conflictsHas led to many internal conflicts

• Refugees:Refugees: people who flee their country from a people who flee their country from a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, well-founded fear of persecution based on race, ethnicity, religion, or political orientationethnicity, religion, or political orientation

• Internally displaced persons:Internally displaced persons: people who have people who have fled from conflict but remain in their country of fled from conflict but remain in their country of originorigin


Tribalism Tribalism problemproblem

• Tribalism is Tribalism is often a often a stronger force stronger force than than nationalism.nationalism.• Political Political

parties based parties based on tribeson tribes

• Problem of Problem of creating creating nationalism nationalism artificially.artificially.


Postcolonial ConflictsPostcolonial Conflicts (Fig. 6.31) (Fig. 6.31)



• Continuing Political Conflict (cont.)Continuing Political Conflict (cont.)

• Ethnic Conflict in RwandaEthnic Conflict in Rwanda• 1994 genocide between Hutus and Tutsis1994 genocide between Hutus and Tutsis• Belgian colonists privileged one groupBelgian colonists privileged one group• Millions of refugees, half a million deathsMillions of refugees, half a million deaths

• Secessionist MovementsSecessionist Movements• Shaba Province in ZaireShaba Province in Zaire• EritreaEritrea


Tribalism & GenocideTribalism & Genocide• Click the picture to see the videoClick the picture to see the video


The Struggle to RebuildThe Struggle to Rebuild• Economic SituationEconomic Situation

• Poorest, least-developed region in the worldPoorest, least-developed region in the world• Low economic base and high population growthLow economic base and high population growth• Structural adjustment programs:Structural adjustment programs: reduce govt. reduce govt.

spending, cut food subsidies, encourage private sector spending, cut food subsidies, encourage private sector

• Roots of African PovertyRoots of African Poverty• Environmental limitations and slaveryEnvironmental limitations and slavery

• Failed Development PoliciesFailed Development Policies• Economic nationalism: inefficient, often corrupt Economic nationalism: inefficient, often corrupt

governments took over large segments of economygovernments took over large segments of economy

• CorruptionCorruption• Kleptocracy:Kleptocracy: state where corruption is so institutionalized state where corruption is so institutionalized

politicians & govt. bureaucrats take huge % of country’s politicians & govt. bureaucrats take huge % of country’s wealthwealth


1. Poverty2. Disease3. Internal ethnic problems4. Illiteracy5. Government instability –

dictatorships, military rule

6. Lack of infrastructure7. Environmental problems8. Single-product

economies9. “Brain drain”10. Peripheral relative

location

10 PROBLEMS 10 PROBLEMS AFFECTING AFFECTING

DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT


Central Location

PeripheryPeriphery

Peripheral Relative Location on the Peripheral Relative Location on the Land HemisphereLand Hemisphere


15

15 L

an

dlo

cked

Lan

dlo

cked

cou

ntr

ies

cou

ntr

ies


Economic and Social Development:Economic and Social Development:• Links to the World EconomyLinks to the World Economy

• Most African exports to European Union or U.S.Most African exports to European Union or U.S.• Low connectivity: few phones and TVsLow connectivity: few phones and TVs

• Multinational providers now competing for mobile-Multinational providers now competing for mobile-phone customersphone customers

• Aid Versus InvestmentAid Versus Investment• More aid than investmentMore aid than investment• Poverty & political instability discourage Poverty & political instability discourage

investmentinvestment• Debt ReliefDebt Relief

• World Bank/IMF will reduce debt for countries World Bank/IMF will reduce debt for countries with “unsustainable” debt burdenswith “unsustainable” debt burdens

• Savings can be used for basic servicesSavings can be used for basic services


Global Linkages: Aid DependencyGlobal Linkages: Aid Dependency (Fig. 6.34) (Fig. 6.34)


• Economic Differentiation Within AfricaEconomic Differentiation Within Africa• Trade blocks: Southern African Development Trade blocks: Southern African Development

Community (SADC), Economic Community of Community (SADC), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Economic West African States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC)Community of Central African States (CEEAC)

• South AfricaSouth Africa• Well-developed & -balanced industrial economyWell-developed & -balanced industrial economy

• Oil and Mineral ProducersOil and Mineral Producers• Substantial oil and mineral reserves, small Substantial oil and mineral reserves, small

populationspopulations• The Leaders of ECOWASThe Leaders of ECOWAS

• Economic Community of West African StatesEconomic Community of West African States• Nigeria has largest oil reservesNigeria has largest oil reserves


Supranational Supranational OrganizationsOrganizationsofofSub-SaharanSub-Saharan

Africa Africa (Fig. 6.35)(Fig. 6.35)


• Economic Differentiation Within Africa Economic Differentiation Within Africa (cont.)(cont.)

• The Poorest StatesThe Poorest States• Located in the Sahel, the Horn, and the Located in the Sahel, the Horn, and the

southeastsoutheast

• Measuring Social DevelopmentMeasuring Social Development• Overall low levels of social development, but Overall low levels of social development, but

rates of child survival have increased since 1980rates of child survival have increased since 1980

• Life ExpectancyLife Expectancy• World’s lowest rates: regional average of 51 yrs.World’s lowest rates: regional average of 51 yrs.• Caused by extreme poverty Caused by extreme poverty

• Health IssuesHealth Issues• Scarcity of doctors and persistence of diseasesScarcity of doctors and persistence of diseases


Economic and Social Development: The Economic and Social Development: The Struggle to Rebuild (cont.)Struggle to Rebuild (cont.)

• Women and DevelopmentWomen and Development• Account for 75% of the labor that produces Account for 75% of the labor that produces

more than 50% of the food consumedmore than 50% of the food consumed

• Status of WomenStatus of Women• Considerable political and economic powerConsiderable political and economic power• Polygamy prevalent, female circumcision, Polygamy prevalent, female circumcision,

denial of property inheritancedenial of property inheritance

• Building from WithinBuilding from Within• Women’s market associationsWomen’s market associations


REGIONS OF SUBSAHARAN AFRICA

On

e o

f th

e b

est

exam

ple

s o

f a

tran

siti

on

zo

ne

in t

he

wo

rld

.


NIGERIA: WEST AFRICA’S CORNERSTONE

• Example of Example of boundaries boundaries putting together putting together different ethnic different ethnic groupsgroups • Three core Three core

areas based on areas based on large ethnic large ethnic groupsgroups

• More than 100 More than 100 total ethnic total ethnic groupsgroups


NIGERIA:NIGERIA:Cornerstone in Spite of ProblemsCornerstone in Spite of Problems• Largest populationLargest population • Good economic foundationGood economic foundation

• Oil depositsOil deposits

• One of the larger riversOne of the larger rivers

• Commercially usable forestsCommercially usable forests

• However, However, very active centrifugal forces very active centrifugal forces tearing apart society – 1960s civil wartearing apart society – 1960s civil war

• However, democracy has yet to work!However, democracy has yet to work!


• Dominated by Congo River and BasinDominated by Congo River and Basin• Equatorial rainforest Equatorial rainforest • Impeded in transportation and Impeded in transportation and

communicationcommunication• French is predominant in most states French is predominant in most states

except Sao Tome and Principeexcept Sao Tome and Principe• The most underdeveloped region in this The most underdeveloped region in this

realmrealm• ResourcesResources

• Copper (Democratic Republic of Congo)Copper (Democratic Republic of Congo)• Timber, oil (Gabon, Cameroon)Timber, oil (Gabon, Cameroon)• Gold, manganese and uraniumGold, manganese and uranium

EQUATORIAL AFRICA - Regional Features


The Congo:The Congo:Largest area (U.S. east of Largest area (U.S. east of

Mississippi) and population (52 million)Mississippi) and population (52 million) • Tiny coastline – almost a landlocked Tiny coastline – almost a landlocked

countrycountry • Congo river is beset with waterfalls which Congo river is beset with waterfalls which

makes it less useful for transportationmakes it less useful for transportation • Became and independent country with Became and independent country with

practically no experience or preparation for practically no experience or preparation for democracy or self-governmentdemocracy or self-government • Civil War shortly after becoming independent Civil War shortly after becoming independent

early 1960s – Mineral rich Katanga tried to early 1960s – Mineral rich Katanga tried to secedesecede (site of copper mines) (site of copper mines)


Congo’s DifficultiesCongo’s Difficulties• Stability achieved after the civil war through Stability achieved after the civil war through

dictatorship under President Mobutu – economic dictatorship under President Mobutu – economic development laggeddevelopment lagged

• Civil wars of the 1990sCivil wars of the 1990s • Affected by Hutu/Tutsi ethnic war in Rwanda Affected by Hutu/Tutsi ethnic war in Rwanda

and Burundiand Burundi • Many refugees entered northeast Congo (Zaire)Many refugees entered northeast Congo (Zaire) • Tutsi supported Tutsi-related forces in eastern Tutsi supported Tutsi-related forces in eastern

Zaire under Laurent Kabila took control of the Zaire under Laurent Kabila took control of the government and renamed the country Congogovernment and renamed the country Congo

• 2001 – coup attempt resulted in Kabila being 2001 – coup attempt resulted in Kabila being killed and his son named rulerkilled and his son named ruler


Eastern HighlandsEastern Highlands• Highlands of the east produce cooler & Highlands of the east produce cooler &

drier climatedrier climate • Temperature seasons are more in Temperature seasons are more in

evidenceevidence in the highlands (lowland tropics in the highlands (lowland tropics have seasons based on precipitation)have seasons based on precipitation)

• Savanna and steppeSavanna and steppe • Savanna – tall grasslands – big game countrySavanna – tall grasslands – big game country• Steppe – short grasslands transitioning into Steppe – short grasslands transitioning into

desert climate and vegetationdesert climate and vegetation


• Dominant state in regionDominant state in region• CapitalistCapitalist approach to developmentapproach to development

• White citizens were promised fair treatment as White citizens were promised fair treatment as citizens if they stayed and chose citizenshipcitizens if they stayed and chose citizenship

• Nairobi (2.6 million)Nairobi (2.6 million)• Coffee, tea, tourism revenuesCoffee, tea, tourism revenues• Swahili is theSwahili is the lingua francalingua franca• 1980s - world’s fastest growing 1980s - world’s fastest growing

populationspopulations• AIDS epidemicAIDS epidemic

EAST AFRICA - Kenya


•10 countries: Northern and Southern Tiers

•6 landlocked states

•Northern zone marks limit of Congo basin

•Plateau country

•Rich in natural resources

•Agricultural diversity

SOUTHERN AFRICA


General InformationGeneral Information• Physiography & ClimatePhysiography & Climate

• Plateaus and “mountains”Plateaus and “mountains”

• The Great EscarpmentThe Great Escarpment

• Does not have the volcanic activity that is Does not have the volcanic activity that is present in East Africapresent in East Africa

• Cooler climate due to altitude and latitudeCooler climate due to altitude and latitude – four-season climates found in the – four-season climates found in the southern partsouthern part

• Most severe racial problems developed Most severe racial problems developed herehere


SOUTH AFRICA: Perforated State


ConclusionsConclusions•Problems lead to pessimism

–Civil wars–Health problems–Poverty

•Reasons for optimism–Large areas of land available for farming–Signs of declining birth rates–Some wars have ended–Improving infrastructure–To date, successful change in South Africa

End of Chapter 6: Sub-Saharan Africa

Ch. 6 – Sub-Saharan Africa

Documents

Transcript of Ch. 6 – Sub-Saharan Africa