Chapter 22: West Africa

Section 1 - Physical Geography of West Africa Landforms West Africa has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with the northern part of the subregion extending into the Transition Zone. Rainforests that once covered much of the coast have been greatly reduced by agriculture and deforestation. Low plains, sandy soil, and grasslands cover much of inland West Africa, while the mountains behind the coastal plains give way to highlands covered with savannah and rainforest.

Physical Geography of West Africa

Section 1 - Physical Geography of West Africa Water Systems Lagoons and mangrove swamps provide food and shelter for fish and fowl and provide an important source of food and timber for coastal people. The Atlantic Ocean offers a bounty of fish used both for food and as commercial products. Significant lakes and rivers, like Lake Volta and the Volta River, supply the subregion with freshwater and hydroelectric power, while also benefiting agriculture and tourism.

mangrove swamp in West Africa

Volta River Lake Volta

Section 1 - Physical Geography of West Africa Climates, Biomes, & Resources With its latitudinal climate pattern, the environment changes dramatically from north to south, with desert in the north giving way to savannah, then tropical forest, in the south. The grassy savannah is home to many mammals, while the tropical wet forests are full of trees and produce spices, nuts, and legumes. Many minerals are extracted in the subregion, including conflict diamonds, (or, blood diamonds), or diamonds that are mined in war-torn areas and used to finance war.

savannah

diamond mine in West Africa

Section 2 - Human Geography of West Africa History & Government Many empires, such as the Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Benin, flourished in West Africa. As more Europeans arrived, they began to exploit West Africa s resources and colonize the continent. Europeans set African peoples against one another, adding to internal tensions and strengthening European rule. Even after achieving independence, these emerging countries faced daunting challenges, as many of them still do today.

Section 2 - Human Geography of West Africa Population Patterns West Africa is a very populous subregion, with Nigeria having the continent s largest population. Many are moving to urban areas to find better opportunities, healthcare, and education. With the world s fastest rate of urbanization, the subregion s rapid growth has placed tremendous strain on existing infrastructure, or the set of systems that affect how well a place operates. Governments are attempting to improve living conditions.

Nigeria Today

Section 2 - Human Geography of West Africa Society & Culture Today The subregion is home to numerous ethnic groups which speak many different languages. Poverty limits access to healthcare, leading to high death rates from poor sanitation and nutrition. The role of women is changing, with some beginning to open their own businesses and enter professions. The arts reinforce cultural heritage, such as performances by griots, oral historians and storytellers.

Language Diversity in West Africa

Poverty and hunger continue to be serious problems in West Africa

Water wells are crucial in West Africa

Section 2 - Human Geography of West Africa Economic Activities The major focus is agriculture, but some small businesses sell locally made products via e- commerce, or buying and selling via the Internet. A small percentage practices commercial farming, with cacao being the most important cash crop. Mining of natural resources plays an important economic role, as do Nigeria s oil reserves. Trade within the region is expanding.

Section 3 - People and Their Environment: West Africa Managing Resources Poverty is the primary factor behind the failure to manage national resources, as daily struggle is the first priority. Sanitation problems lead to illness, premature death, and loss of productivity. Corruption is an obstacle to positive change and economic efficiency, and is the second biggest issue in the subregion. There is grave concern that continued mismanagement of resources will lead to more widespread food insecurity and conflict.

Section 3 - People and Their Environment: West Africa Human Impact The rate of population increase puts pressure on the carrying capacity of the land, which is the maximum population that an environment can sustain. The breakdown of traditional farming has led to severe erosion, the wearing away of the soil, and desertification. Political corruption and the deterioration of land and water contribute to widespread poverty and famine, which contribute to political instability and war.

Section 3 - People and Their Environment: West Africa Addressing the Issues Many countries are working to combat the problems in this subregion. Some farmers have revived better land management practices to reverse desertification. The Global Water Initiative is improving access to clean water and sanitation, with some areas reporting an increase of 50 to 80 percent. The United Nations (UN) is also promoting the coordinated management of resources to maximize their social and economic benefits.