GEOG201-M08-Africa South of the Sahara-S09faculty.winthrop.edu/mcfaddenb/files/lectures/GEOG201-M08... · 2009-05-21 · – Desertification ... • Mixture of African, Indian, and

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GEOG201: Introduction to World Regions | Geography Program| Winthrop UniversityGEOG201: Introduction to World Regions | Geography Program| Winthrop University

Module 8: Africa South of the Sahara

GEOG 201:Introduction to World Regions

Insert Class Date Here

This Module will examine the following topics:• Introduction to the region

• Physical geography of the region

• Human geography of the region

Lecture Overview

GEOG201: Introduction to World Regions | Geography Program| Winthrop University

• Geographic Diversity – Subregions

• Contemporary Geographic Issues in the region

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GEOG201: Introduction to World Regions | Geography Program| Winthrop University3

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Introduction

• What Do We Know About Africa?– Very Little

– And most of what people know is only partially correct or based on stereotypes

– Unfortunately media focus on “Big


– Unfortunately media focus on Big Stories” leads to an uninformed public

– Most Americans view Africa as a country and not a continent or a region of the world.

– Lack of Geography and History courses on Africa in High School and College compounds the problem.

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Introduction

• Africa is a Continent of contrasts attributable to four factors:– Size

• Second largest continent after Asia

– Geographical position• Only continent divided by the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Thus Africa is Tropical with few exceptions (77% lies in the tropics)


Tropical with few exceptions (77% lies in the tropics)

– Long history of human occupation• Story of humanity begins in Africa. Remains of our oldest ancestor was discovered in East Africa (almost 200,000 years ago)

• The beginnings of technology (stone tools) have been discovered in Africa

– Diversity• Over 800 million people who speak over 2000 different languages

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Introduction

• Cradle of civilization

• Good natural resources– Minerals

– Water


– Wildlife

• World’s poorest region

• Many challenges– Political instability

– Disease

– Environmental degradation

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Physical Geography

• Plateaus and Valleys– Steep‐edged plateaus

– Rift valleys

– Rift lakes

Volcanic peaks


– Volcanic peaks

– Wealth of mineral resources• Oil and natural gas – Nigeria, Angola

• Coal – South Africa

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Physical Geography

• Major Rivers– Few good natural ports

• Lack deep ocean inlets

– Navigation interrupted by rapids and waterfalls


– 4 largest rivers:• Niger• Nile• Congo• Zambezi

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Climates

• Almost all of region lies within the tropics– Hot and rainy year‐round –Equator

H t id d t S h


– Hot, arid deserts – Sahara, Namibia

– Hot, seasonal summer rainy

– Plateau uplands – cooler, drier

– Temperate – southern margin

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Climates

• Wide range of crops possible:– Rubber– Cocoa– Coffee– Cotton


• Attractive for tourists• Provide environments

for many diseases– Malaria

• 90% of deaths occur is this region

– Sleeping sickness– River blindness

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Vegetation and Soils

• Tropical rain forest

• Savanna grasslandsD 4

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• Deserts– Margins move– The Sahel– Desertification– Shrinking Lake Chad

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3

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• Deserts– Margins move– The Sahel– Desertification– Shrinking Lake Chad


g

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Desertification


Human Geography

• Homo sapiens first emerged here

• Ethnic diversity

• Tribeb i i l / liti l


– basic social /political unit

• Animism

• Great Zimbabwe Kingdom– Center of trading

empire

– 1100’s

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Human Geography

• Muslim influence after 600s AD– Northern and Eastern Africa

• West African trade– Salt

– Gold

Ivory


– Ivory

– Slaves

• Timbuktu– Center for commerce

– Center of learning

– Declined when West African coastal areas were accessible by ship

• Arab trade in East Africa– Creole language

• Mixture of African, Indian, and Arabic languages16

Human Geography• Pre‐colonial Africa

– Subsistence economies (as in the Americas).

– Reliance on the extended family as the basic social unit:• It was the unit that effectively owned land.• Individuals did not technically own land but had access to land as part of


y pthe larger family unit.

– Land could not be sold.• Was passed down through generations• Under this system, no landed aristocracy developed.

– Women were the primary agriculturalists of Africa.– Men did the hunting and gathering.

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European Trade

• Arrived in 1400s

– Western and Southern Africa

• At first, limited to coastal trading– Triangular trade


Triangular trade

– Alcohol, guns, and sugar traded for slaves, gold, ivory

• Abolition movements– 1800’s

– Affected slave trade

– Creation of Liberia

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Colonialism

• European colonial objectives– A port along the West African coast

– A water route to South Asia and Southeast Asia

– 1500’s:• Looking for resources


Looking for resources

• Slaves

• About 12 million Africans were taken to work elsewhere

• Americas and the Middle East

– 1850:• Industrial revolution occurs in Europe

• Increased demand for mineral resources

• Need to expand agricultural production

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Colonialism

• Berlin Conference (1884)– 14 States divided up Africa without consideration of existing cultures

– Results of superimposed boundaries:• African peoples were divided


• African peoples were divided

• Unified regions were ripped apart

• Hostile societies were thrown together

• Hinterlands were disrupted

• Migration routes were closed off

• Legacy of political fragmentation– Impaired the cohesion of newly formed countries in the 1950s.

– A constant source of unrest and violence20

Colonialism

• Colonial policies– Great Britain:

• “Indirect Rule” (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe).• Indigenous power structures were left intact to some degree.• Local rulers were made representatives of the crown.

– France:• “Assimilationist” (Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, etc.),


( g , , y , ),• Enforced a direct rule which propagated the French culture through language, laws,

education and dress (acculturation).– Portugal:

• “Exploitation” (Guinea‐Bissau, Angola, Mozambique).• First to enslave and colonize and one of the last to grant independence.• Maintained rigid control; raw resource oriented.

– Belgium:• “Paternalistic” (Rwanda, Zaire, Burundi).• Treated Africans as though they where children who needed to be tutored in western

ways; did not try to make them Belgian.• Raw resource oriented; ignored the development of natives.

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Colonialism


Political Independence

• South Africa – 1910– 1948 – Apartheid passed into law– Remained until 1994

• Portuguese colonies last to go (1970s)– Angola

M bi


– Mozambique

• Conflicts– Chiefs vs. educated elites– Rural vs. urban centers

• Centralization of political power– Authoritarian rulers– Military dictatorships

• Internal conflict sapped local and international confidence in economic development

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Population

• Highest densities:– Coastal areas– Some inland areas –Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda


– Johannesburg region

• Lowest densities:– Deserts– Northern and southwest edges

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Population

• Two‐thirds population is rural– Urban populations rising drastically

• Traditional subsistence farming• Growth rates rose after independence

– Access to modern medicine

A i l l d i (2%) did k i h l i


• Agricultural production (2%) did not keep pace with population growth (3%)– Population grew from 380M (1980) to over 700M (2006)

• Expected to reach 1 billion by 2025

• Green Revolution didn’t affect this region• Cultural barriers to family planning• Impact of migration

– Region with largest % of people living outside country of birth• Reasons?

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Population

• Nigeria’s age‐sex Pyramid

• Typical of most African Countries


Political and Economic Pressures

• Impact of the Cold War– US and USSR vied for support / control of countries– Delayed economic development– Brought in large numbers of weapons– Corrupt governments were supported– Increased ethnic conflict


• Current problems– Most countries in the region are global outsiders– Can’t attract new investment

• Heavy debt loads• Internal conflicts

– Exports affected by global price swings• Most economies are primary economies• Little manufacturing or services

– Only South Africa has some economic diversity / more sophisticated manufacturing

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Wealth Indicators


Wealth Indicators


Subregions

• 42 total Countries– Central Africa

– Western Africa

– Eastern Africa


– Southern Africa

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Central Africa

• Fewest people• Lowest densities• Difficult natural environment

– Dense tropical rainforest– Transportation problems ‐


p pCongo R.

• Little intraregional cooperation

• Colonial development less extensive– Isolated

• Internal conflict

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Central AfricaDemocratic Republic of the Congo• Largest country in region

– Area– Population

• Enormous mineral wealth– Cobalt – Copper


• Hydroelectricity potential• Formerly known as Zaire• Mobutu Sese Seko

– 1965‐1997 – Kleptocratic government

• Kabila‐led rebellion• 1998‐2004 Civil War

– 4 million deaths– Millions more displaced

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Central AfricaRwanda

• Small, but very high population densities

• Landlocked

• Subsistence agriculture


Subsistence agriculture dominant

• Exports – coffee and tea

• Few natural resources

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Central AfricaRwanda• Belgian colonizers created ethnic resentment

– Deposed majority Hutus in favor of minority Tutsis– Issued ethnic identity cards

• At independence (1962), Hutus regained power– General election– Imposed quotas on Tutsis– Many Tutsis left Rwanda


Many Tutsis left Rwanda• 1990 – Exiled Tutsis attacked from Uganda

– Cease fire resulted in Rwandese Patriotic Front (RFP) Representation in Rwanda• Tutsi rebels accused of assassinating Rwandan President (Hutu)• Sparked Tutsi Genocide

– 1 million killed in 100 days (Hutu and Tutsi)– Millions more forced to flee to Zaire

• War ensued and RFP formed of exiled Tutsis won short war• RPF in control today

– Main objective is to preserve peace– Tight security, no press freedom, no freedom of association

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Western Africa

• More globally connected than Central Africa– Long coastline

– Rivers connecting interior

• Colonial influence

• Development based on mineral


Development based on mineral and forest resources– Lumber, cocoa, palm oil

– Gold, diamonds, bauxite

• Continued links with France

• ECOWAS– Peacekeeping

– Economic cooperation

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Western AfricaNigeria• 50% of sub region's population

• Tropical rainforest/savanna

• Series of bad governments– Military dictatorships

• Ethnic & religious conflictsN h M li


– North – Muslim

– South – Christian/Traditionalist

• Sharia law implemented in Northern region

• Oil‐producing delta region– Demands for revenue sharing

• 1999 Democratic elections– Attempts to unite the country

– Attempts to reduce corruption

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Western AfricaCote d’Ivoire• “Ivoirian Miracle”

– Cocoa, coffee, tropical fruits, timber, and palm oil exports

• 1960‐‐Wealthiest part of West Africa • Economic growth rate of 10% for 20 years• By 1990


y– Recession– Droughts– Overcutting

• 2002 Civil War– Poorer northern Muslims vs. wealthier south

• 2007 Agreement – Attempts to unite the country

• Integrate rebels• Hold elections

– Huge debts– Ethnic tensions

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Eastern Africa

• Plateaus and hills dominant

• Rift valleys

• A crossroads of trade

• Strong Arab influences

• Also European and South Asian


influences

• East African Community (EAC)– Kenya

– Tanzania

– Uganda• Discussions of political union

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Eastern AfricaEthiopia• Only large African country not

colonized

• Long line of strong emperors– Haile Selassie (1930‐1974)

• Murdered in Soviet‐backed military coup


coup

• Various coups

• Devastating droughts

• 1994 multi‐party government

• Wars with Eritrea– Made province of Ethiopia after WWII

• Conflict with Somalia– Boundary issues

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Eastern Africa ‐ Tanzania

• Low incomes• Low population density• Arab and Portuguese control of

coast• Later German and British control


• Julius Nyerere (1st President)– Concept of Ujamaa– Failed socialist policies

• More open economic policies today– Tourism industry (Serengeti)– Large mineral deposits

• Gold• Natural Gas

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Southern Africa

• Arid and temperate climates

• Plateaus dominant• Good farming areas• Large mineral deposits


– Diamonds– Gold

• SADC– Initial focus: anti apartheid

– All countries in the region plus DRC and Tanzania

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Southern Africa ‐Republic of South Africa

• Produces 43% of region’s wealth– 7% of the population

• Transition from apartheid to majority black government

• Diversified economy


• Diversified economy– Mining

– Manufacturing

– Services

• Emerging black middle class

• Problems– Unemployment

– HIV/AIDS

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• Johannesburg– 3rd largest city in Africa– Economic hub of this region

• Cape TownMost popular Tourist destination

Southern Africa ‐Republic of South Africa


– Most popular Tourist destination

Southern AfricaBotswana• 70% land is desert

– Kalahari

• Stable democracy

• Small population– Declining


• Economic growth– Diamond mining

– Uses revenues to build infrastructure

• High HIV/AIDS infection rates– Significant government

spending on programs

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Contemporary Geographic IssuesHIV/AIDS Pandemic• 10% of world’s population has 60% of HIV/AIDS cases• 2005

– 3 million new cases– 2.5 million deaths

• Southern Africa has highest infection rates


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Contemporary Geographic IssuesHIV/AIDS Pandemic• Causes of high rates in Africa

– Poverty– Breakdown of traditional families– Apartheid – migrant labor system– Bad government policies– Cultural attitudes and beliefsS i l i t


• Social impacts– Work force – 50% of S. African miners are

infected– AIDS orphans ‐millions

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Contemporary Geographic IssuesExploding Cities• Africa has highest rates of urban growth

– 2008 – 373 million urban– 2030 – 759 million projected

• Cities with over 1 million people– 1 in 1960

24 i 2003


– 24 in 2003– 43 in 2009

• Urban attractions• Urban realities

– Shantytowns– Unemployment

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Contemporary Geographic IssuesGlobal Intrusions; Local Responses• Global connections

– Provider of raw materials to wealthy countries– Debtors and aid recipients– World Bank and IMF influence– Increasing Chinese investment– Increasing use of cell phones


– Many countries still reliant on primary product exports• Little to no manufacturing or services

– Growing tourism industry• Largest part of economy for many countries in the region

• Local Trends– Most people rely on local economy– Low levels of consumer goods– Zimbabwe – reversal of global interaction

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Contemporary Geographic IssuesCulture Shock• Poor record on human rights

– Low wages– Violence– Injustice– Discrimination – gender, race, religion


• Women’s issues– Multiple family roles– Unequal access to education– Female genital mutilation

• Traditional religious beliefs often conflict with western ideas

• Access to education is improving but few jobs are available

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Contemporary Geographic IssuesThe Future?• Areas in need of improvement:

– Better governance; conflict resolution– Investment in human needs – health, education– Economic diversification– Reduced aid dependence; stronger intra‐regional partnerships


Reduced aid dependence; stronger intra regional partnerships

• Internal Efforts:– African Union (AU)– NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development)

• Eradicate poverty• Sustainable growth• Empowerment of women

– Regional trade groups50

Documents

GEOG201-M08-Africa South of the Sahara-S09faculty.winthrop.edu/mcfaddenb/files/lectures/GEOG201-M08... · 2009-05-21 · – Desertification ... • Mixture of African, Indian, and