African Climate and Economy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What might be a reason behind the naming of Africa related to its nature?

It was named after a famous river.

It is considered the origin of humanity. (correct)

It was influenced by local wildlife.

It was designated by European explorers.

Which factor is stated to disturb Africa's climactic symmetry?

Oceanic Factors (correct)

Deforestation

Urbanization

Population Growth

In which climatic region of Africa do temperatures remain above 65 degrees Fahrenheit?

Highlands

Tropical (correct)

Savanna

Desert

Which African climatic region is crucial for growing most of the continent's vital grains?

Savanna Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable economic impact of illegal logging on African nations?

$17 billion loss annually Signup and view all the answers

What economic contribution does fishing provide for Lake Victoria?

Approximately $24 billion annually Signup and view all the answers

Which major mineral resources does Africa predominantly possess?

Nickel and Cobalt Signup and view all the answers

Which climate region of Africa is known for having very low rainfall and extreme temperature fluctuations?

Desert Signup and view all the answers

What is the main meaning of the proverb 'Stretch your legs according to your bed'?

Only do what you are capable of. Signup and view all the answers

What types of beings are typically depicted in ritual masks?

Deities and spirits of various kinds. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Dogon mask symbolize?

An ancient ancestress named Yasigi. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Dogon chief's perception differ from that of the American businessman regarding Dogon doors?

The chief appreciates the cultural significance more than monetary value. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue highlighted by the phrase 'The secret of abundance is of a nonmaterial nature'?

Physical goods do not determine true wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What is bogolanfini, and where is it practiced?

Mud dyeing, a craft of Mali. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the second layer of mud applied during the process of making mud-dyed cloth?

It creates defining patterns on the cloth. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the appreciation for the artist's work mentioned in the article?

Despite high media appreciation, artists struggle to survive. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges faced by modern artists practicing mud dyeing?

Surviving solely on the income from their art. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme?

To ensure diamonds are mined from non-conflict zones Signup and view all the answers

Which percentage of the world's petroleum is produced by Africa?

8% Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of Johannesburg, South Africa?

It is the smallest city in South Africa Signup and view all the answers

What is the dominant habitat found in sub-Saharan Africa?

Savanna Signup and view all the answers

How is the term 'Ethiopians' etymologically derived?

From a Greek word meaning 'burnt-faced' Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact did slavery have on Africa?

Political and economic instability Signup and view all the answers

Which kingdom was known for its wealth in gold during the trans-Saharan trade?

Ghana Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main religions in Africa?

Islam and Christianity Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is NOT facing the continent of Africa today?

High literacy rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of the Bantu Migration?

It involved the spread of languages and agricultural techniques Signup and view all the answers

How large is the Sahara Desert?

3.6 million square miles Signup and view all the answers

Why is the term 'race' often seen as imprecise?

It oversimplifies human variation and categories Signup and view all the answers

What issue is prevalent in Lagos, Nigeria?

Environmental issues Signup and view all the answers

In what region is the historical area known as the Sudan located?

Central Africa and surrounding borders Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant advantage of camels for trans-Saharan trade?

They could carry about 500 pounds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT an effect of the trans-Saharan trade on West African society?

Decrease in urban centers. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant challenge faced by Nigeria after achieving independence?

Growing ethnic rivalries Signup and view all the answers

How did slavery in West Africa differ from slavery in Europe?

It included individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key consequence of the trans-Saharan trade in relation to religion?

Expansion of Islam. Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the enforcement of apartheid in South Africa?

The Native Land Act Signup and view all the answers

Why did the abolitionists' hopes for legitimate commerce fail?

There was still a high demand for slaves in the Americas. Signup and view all the answers

Which year did South Africa hold its first truly democratic elections?

1994 Signup and view all the answers

What role do ancestral spirits play in many African tribal beliefs?

They serve as intermediaries between the people and God. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Berbers play in trans-Saharan trade?

They controlled caravan trade with camel saddles. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary product promoted by the British as an alternative to the slave trade?

Palm oil. Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation did the Zulu make in response to Christianity?

They integrated aspects into their own beliefs using Isaiah Shambe. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the discovery of diamonds and gold have on southern Africa's economy?

It created a booming economy with European investments. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Sokoto Caliphate in Sudan?

It promoted education and Islamic revivalism. Signup and view all the answers

How did British and French colonial governance differ?

Britain used a varying degree of local leaders, whereas France maintained complete control. Signup and view all the answers

What does the twabozo refer to in Ngbaka culture?

A sacred family altar. Signup and view all the answers

In the Oron religion, what is the consequence of failing to perform rituals?

Wrath from the Ekpo society. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Berlin Conference known for?

Dividing African territories among European powers. Signup and view all the answers

What did imperialists consider 'good government' for their colonies?

Authoritarian governments focused on law, order, and suppression of rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

What hindered the development of African nationalist movements?

Western influence and varying political organization preferences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the proverb 'When fortune knocks at the door, you have to open the door yourself' imply?

Opportunities must be actively pursued. Signup and view all the answers

How did colonialism impact the Congo Free State after 1900?

It resulted in severe human rights abuses. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the growth of the Swahili Coast as a trade kingdom?

The concentration on coastal trade routes. Signup and view all the answers

What theme is conveyed by the proverb 'Aiming is not the same as hitting'?

Failure can occur despite good intentions. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor greatly accelerated African Nationalism during the Great Depression?

Rising unemployment among educated Africans. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the proverb 'He who cultivates millet does not harvest beans'?

Focus on what you’re skilled at. Signup and view all the answers

What role did World War Two play in African independence movements?

It inspired soldiers and created urgency for independence. Signup and view all the answers

Why was palm oil significant in the context of West African trade?

It replaced slave exports effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the expansion of Islam in the Western and Eastern Sudan?

Jihadist fighters encouraging conversion. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'grass with tears to shed' symbolize in the poem?

Mildew representing the ancestors’ presence. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of Ghana's path to independence?

Kwame Nkrumah's radical policies and political campaigns from jail. Signup and view all the answers

What stance might an African city dweller take towards traditional ancestor beliefs?

They might question their relevance. Signup and view all the answers

Why did French-speaking African nations experience slower independence processes?

Many Africans identified as French citizens and sided with France. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major impact of the introduction of strict Islamic laws in West African societies?

Establishment of a class system. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the bard’s insight into the role of chiefs?

Chiefs are temporary leaders who serve the people. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the disillusionment after the hopes of the 1960s in Africa?

Failure, corruption, and ongoing conflicts undermined progress. Signup and view all the answers

What is a core belief shared by many tribal groups in Africa?

Ancestral spirits influence daily life and decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What positive outcomes resulted from the imperialist legacy in Africa?

The establishment of functioning bureaucracies and infrastructure. Signup and view all the answers

What element of the imperialist legacy caused suffering in independent Africa?

Disrupted traditional life and ethnic tensions. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nigeria's history exemplify challenges in nation-building in Africa?

Its diverse ethnic origins complicated the independence movement. Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of Cecil Rhodes’ involvement in southern Africa?

He monopolized the mining industry and wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Origins of the Word "Africa"

Likely given by ancient empires/colonizers.
Possible origins linked to Africa's "Motherly Nature" as the origin of humanity.

Climatic Symmetry Disturbance

Africa's climatic symmetry is disrupted in the narrow southern region.
Erosion and oceanic factors contribute to this disruption.

African Climatic Regions

Tropical

Found in the Gulf of Guinea and Eastern Madagascar coast.
Temperatures consistently above 65°F.
Higher rainfall than other regions.

Savanna

Widespread across Africa.
Lower temperatures than tropical climates (variable).
Shorter rainy seasons with less rainfall.
Important for growing grains and crops.

Desert

Primarily located in Northern Africa (Sahara, Sahel).
Temperatures exceeding 100°F; nighttime temperatures below freezing.
Very low rainfall; survival limited to oases.

Mediterranean

Found along the edge of North Africa.
Mild climate with cold winters and hot summers.

Highlands

High-altitude regions, with cooler temperatures.
Important crop like wheat is cultivated here.

Forest Exports

Cameroon's timber exports contribute 4-6% to Africa's GDP.
Aiming to become the world's top timber producer.
Illegal logging costs African nations ~$17 billion annually.

Lake Victoria Fishery

Fishing contributes ~$24 billion annually to Africa's GDP (1.3%).
China's fishing and overfishing are significant concerns.
Damaging the environment and impacting future productivity.

African Mineral Resources

Dominates in nuclear materials (e.g., nuclear fuels) and jewelry resources (platinum, diamonds, and gold).
Gold production: ~650 metric tons annually.
Diamond production: ~65% of the global supply.
Blood diamonds remain a significant issue.

Kimberly Process Certification Scheme

UN verification process for conflict-free diamonds.
Aims to prevent use of diamonds in conflicts.
Critics argue it hasn't addressed root causes of conflict.

African Petroleum Production

Primarily from Nigeria, the continent accounts for ~8% of global petroleum production.
Exploitation by foreign companies and environmental factors are issues.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Major mining city.
Important manufacturing hub.
Significant financial center.
Largest city in South Africa.
Gold is a major resource.

Lagos, Nigeria

Low elevation.
Historical slum areas.
Major economic hub for Nigeria.
Former capital of Nigeria.
Environmental challenges.

Africa's Immense Size

Spans over 11.7 million square miles.
Second-largest continent globally.
Diverse geography (deserts, rainforests, savannas).

Sahara Desert Size

Approximately 3.6 million square miles.
Largest hot desert globally.
Historically a significant barrier.

Dominant African Habitat

Savanna grasslands are the dominant habitat, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Support agriculture, herding, and diverse wildlife.

Etymology of "Ethiopians"

Greek origin, "burnt-faced," a descriptor from ancient Greece (Aithiops).
Similar to Berber and Arab terms (e.g., Sudan) that emphasized skin color.
Reflects outsider perspectives.

Imprecision of the Term "Race"

Socially constructed concept, not a biological or genetic reality.
Human variation is gradual and complex, not easily categorized.
Leads to oversimplifications and stereotypes.

Bantu Migration

Gradual movement from West Africa to central, eastern, and southern Africa (starting ~2000 BCE).
Spread of languages, agriculture, ironworking, and culture.

Impact of Slavery on Africa

Devastating effects from trans-Saharan and transatlantic slave trades.
Loss of millions of people.
Societal disruption, depopulation, and lasting instability.
Fomented internal conflicts due to participation of some African leaders.

Great West African Kingdoms

Ghana (4th-13th centuries): Rich in gold and trans-Saharan trade.
Mali (13th-15th centuries): Known for leadership (Mansa Musa) and Timbuktu.
Songhai (15th-16th centuries): Powerful administration and military.

Major African Religions

Islam and Christianity predominate.
Islam spread through North Africa via conquest and trade.
Christianity is prevalent in regions like Ethiopia.

Challenges Facing Africa Today

Poverty and economic disparity.
Political instability and corruption.
Conflict and civil wars.
Climate change and environmental degradation.
Food insecurity and famine.
Limited access to education.
Health crises (HIV/AIDS, malaria).
Inadequate infrastructure.
Urbanization and overpopulation.
Global economic dependence and trade imbalances.

Effects of Settled Life in Africa

Increased labor (land clearing, agriculture, livestock).
Stronger family ties.
Growing populations.

Definition of "Bantu"

Linguistic classification describing Bantu-speaking peoples.
Primarily located south and east of the Congo River.
Languages include Zulu, Sotho, and Xhosa.

Sudan Region vs. Country

Sudan (region): Defined by geographical borders.
Sudan (country): Defined by political borders, different neighborly countries.

Camel's Impact on Trans-Saharan Trade

New transport method for large cargo.
Could travel long distances without water, and carrying about one-third of a ton of weight.

Trans-Saharan Trade Networks

Key empires/city-states involved in trade routes: Songhai, Mali, Ghana, Hausa States, Bornu, Kanem, Basra, Oman, Cairo, Swahili Coast, Sofala, Lisbon, Azores, various Islands, Akan states, Benin in Oyo, Kongo

Berber Significance

Developed saddle for camels, gained control over caravan trade.

Trans-Saharan Trade Effects on West Africa

Gold mining.
Slave trade demand.
Stimulation of urban centers.

West African Slavery (vs. European)

Not based solely on skin color, could be of any origin or ethnicity
Capture during war and sale were normal practices, including Europeans and others as slaves.

Most Influential Consequence of Trans-Saharan Trade

Spread of Islam through Berber traders.

Importance of Islam in West Africa

Strict laws and ideologies integration.
Creation of social class system.
Development of writing for economic and governmental record-keeping.
Architectural advancements.

West Africa before European Conquest

Decline in the Atlantic slave trade, rise of commodities (palm oil).

Palm Oil Significance

West African tropical product.
Used to create soap.
Encouraged as a replacement for the slave trade by the British.

Islam Expansion in the Sudan

Islam spread alongside migration patterns.
Proximity to Saudi Arabia influenced expansion.

Sokoto Caliphate Significance

Major revivalist group in Sudan, promoting Islamic values and education.

European Scramble for Africa

Occurred between 1880 and 1914 (approximately 3.5 decades).

Christian Missions and Colonial Justifications

Used the ending of slave raids as a moral justification for conquest.

Protectorate Definition

Autonomous state/territory partially controlled/protected by a stronger power.

Berlin Conference

Divided African land among European powers without African input/agreement.

Congo Free State Atrocities

Lack of reporting hindered outside intervention
Colonizers and colonized both suffered.

Colonialism's Impact (Post 1900)

Improved social services (healthcare, education) but on a limited scale.
Focus on economic gain prioritized over comprehensive development in colonies.

Diamond and Gold Discovery Effects

Boosted Southern Africa's economy and investment.
Created racial stratification, with whites dominating mining industries

British vs. French Colonial Rule

British: Indirect rule, modernization for eventual independence.
French: Direct rule, intent on French integration of colonies over time.

Imperialist "Good Government" Definition

Strong, authoritarian rule, maintaining order through suppression of rebellion and conflict.

Colonial Government Impact on Services & Development

Limited investment in social services due to colony self-reliance demands.
Low wages, forced dependence on European cash crops, and fear of rebellion.
Limited overall investment in infrastructure and social programs.

Factors Hindering African Nationalist Movements

Western intrusion, debate over ethnic vs. political bases for states, lack of common cause, and conflict among ethnic groups.

Cross-Fertilization of African Nationalism

Intellectual and cultural exchange between African, American, and West Indian leaders.
Increase in racial nationalism aided with the voices of intellectuals such as W.E.B Du Bois.

Great Depression's Impact on African Nationalism

Economic hardship, unemployment among educated Africans, and spurred protests.

WWII Impact on Independence

Inspired by movements and war time changes in India.
Growing demands for self-determination from colonized territories.

Ghana's Role in Independence

First sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence in 1957, led by Kwame Nkrumah.
Provided a model for other African nations seeking independence.

Decolonization in French-Speaking Africa

Slower than British decolonization.
Deep roots of French integration meant more resistance to complete independence.
Algeria was a primary example of the conflicts this presented.

Hopes of 1960s Vanishing

Post-independence challenges (corruption, disease, poverty, political instability, tribal conflicts).

Positive Outcomes of Imperialism

Well-functioning bureaucracies (at least for a while).
Some infrastructure development.
Expanded education and healthcare infrastructure.
Creation of army's for maintaining order.
Societal structure changes occurred also.

Negative Impacts of Imperial Legacy

Disruption of traditional ways of life.
Dependence on cash crops, leading to economic vulnerabilities.
Shortage of skills in various technical areas.
Creation of political boundaries that disregarded ethnic groupings.
Lack of unified national identities.

Nigeria's Nation-Building Difficulties

Independence movement unified diverse ethnic groups.
Federal system adopted but struggled with ethnic rivalries post-independence.
Frequent military coups, political instability, and difficulty in establishing common goals.

South African Struggle for Independence

1910: Union of South Africa created.
1913: Native Land Act limits black land ownership.
1948: Apartheid implemented, with strict racial segregation.
1960: Sharpeville Massacre of anti-apartheid protests.
1980s: International pressure mounts.
1989: De Klerk reforms and Mandela's release.
1994: First democratic elections establish majority rule.

African Tribal Beliefs

Belief in a supreme creator God.
Recognition of sorcery/evil spirits.
Importance of ancestral spirits as intermediaries.

Zulu Response to Christianity

Incorporated Christian elements while maintaining traditional beliefs, using local figures as the "mecca".

Twabozo Significance

Family altar of the Ngbaka people, emphasizing connection to ancestors through Seto and Nabo.

San Response to Farming

Some view farming as counter to natural order and divine will.

Oron Religion and Ritual Failure

Based on honoring village ancestors.
Failure of rituals results in the wrath of the Ekpo society.

American Businessman's Perspective on Dogon Doors

Primarily values them monetarily, not for their cultural value

Dogon Chief's Perspective

Values the doors as ancestral artifacts and heirlooms.

"Secret of Abundance" Meaning

Cultural significance and time invested in creating an artifact drive the perceived value above simple material resources.

Westerner's Turn of Everything into Money

Highlighting both some issues with that practice but also its practicality in driving economic growth.

Bogolanfini (Mud Dyeing)

Mali craft with centuries of tradition, and time consuming process.

Bogolanfini Process Description

Using specific mud, creating contrasts, and intricate motifs.
Soak white cotton with leaves, apply mud and bleach.
Takes weeks of labor per cloth, sells at high prices, but still underpayment to artists.

Irony in NYT Article's Ending

Despite high-valued art, artists lack sufficient economic compensation due to labor costs and limited sales volume.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the diverse climatic regions and economic factors affecting Africa. This quiz covers various aspects of Africa's climate, agricultural practices, and resource management. Discover how these elements shape the continent's environmental and economic landscape.