Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of drought in many parts of Africa?
Deforestation and desertification
How does water pollution in Africa negatively impact the economy?
It reduces the productivity of workers who become sick from contaminated water
What is a leading cause of death for thousands of children in Africa?
Unclean drinking water
Which of the following is a major contributor to water pollution in Africa?
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What is a consequence of water pollution in Africa?
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What is a major health issue caused by lack of access to clean water in Africa?
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How does water pollution in Africa impact the economy?
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What is a major cause of water pollution in Africa?
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Which of the following is a consequence of water-borne diseases in Africa?
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What is a major environmental issue caused by drought in Africa?
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Study Notes
Desertification in Africa
- Majority of desertification in Africa is caused by human actions, not climate.
- Causes of desertification include:
- Poor farming practices
- Cutting down trees that hold soil in place
- Overgrazing, leading to removal of vegetation from soil
- Draining surface and underground water for industrial and home use
Effects of Desertification
- People living in affected areas face starvation and poverty
- Limited land available for farming and grazing
- Many move to urban areas seeking better living conditions
Solution to Desertification
- Some Africans work to replant trees, build windbreaks, and push back desertification
- United Nations and World Food Bank have provided aid to those living in affected areas
Africa's Environmental Issues
- Water pollution and unequal distribution
- Deforestation
- Desertification
Water Pollution and Unequal Distribution
- Water is vital to Africa, but many countries lack access to clean water
- Limited supply of clean water for drinking and washing
- Rural areas often lack running water and plumbing, requiring women and children to walk miles to gather water
Poverty and Education
- Fetching water is time-consuming, preventing women from working and children from attending school
- Lack of education and employment leads to low GDP and slow economic growth
- Many Africans are trapped in poverty
Drought and Famine
- Droughts lead to crop withering and livestock death
- People in affected areas face famine and starvation
- Droughts often lead to death from starvation
Pollution and Health
- Pollution from factories, animals, and human waste contaminates water sources
- Industries dump toxic chemicals and industrial wastes into waters
- Clean water is essential for basic health and sanitation
- Lack of clean water increases risk of skin and eye infections, water-borne diseases, and death
Economic Impact
- Water pollution devastates local industries that depend on water sources
- Sick people are unable to work, negatively impacting economy
- Unclean drinking water is a leading cause of death for thousands of children in Africa
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