group1 africa

8/13/2019 Group1 Africa

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To the north liesSahara, the largestdesertin the

world. Equatorial area is covered bytropicalrainforests.

Farther south there are areas of grassyflathighlandsgiving way to coastal plains.

Major mountain ranges include Atlas in the

north and Ruwenzri on the Uganda-Zaireborder.Kilimanjaro, Africas highest mountain, is

adormant volcanoin Tanzania. To the east is

the Great Rift Valley containing several huge

lakes.

Some of the worlds longest rivers drain the

continent, including the Nile, Niger, Zaire, and

Zambezi.

GEOGRAPHY
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North Africa reflects the influence of many invaders,both European and Arab, giving theregion Islamicflavor and a common

Arabic language.

Morocco and Tunisia exploit their culture andlandscape for tourism, while Libya and Algeria aidtheir development through the use of oil and gas,despite political unrest. Egypt, with its Nile-watered

agricultural land and industrial base, is the mostpopulous nation.

The Atlas Mountains run from Morocco to Tunisiamore than 1,200 miles (1,931 km).

NORTHMorocco, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria,

Egypt Western Sahara
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The European influence began with slave trade and

quickened later in 19th century, when the discoveryof a huge mineral wealth secured South Africas

economic dominance.

The struggle against the white minority led to conflict

in Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the former Portuguese

territories of Angola and Mozambique.

South Africas apartheid laws, which denied basic

human rights to more than 75% of the people, led tointernational exclusionuntil 1994, when the

democratic elections began a new era of racial

justice.

SOUTHAngola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa,

Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe


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At Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River hascut out a spectacular gorge. A wide rangeof crops, such as tea, cotton, sisal,tobacco, grapes, citrus fruits, corn,

cassava, legumes, and potatoes, aregrown here, some with the help ofirrigation systems, such as the OrangeRiver Project, which supplements theirregular rainfall.


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The great rain forest basin of the Congo River

embraces most of the Central Africa. Late in the

19th century, Europeans colonized the region.The tribal kingdoms were split between France,

Belgium, Portugal and Spain. Many who belong

to a small growing urban population speak

French, along with hundreds ofdialects.

Crops for export include cocoa, coffee, andrubber. Cattle farming is limited to areas free of

the tsetse fly, and fish from the rivers are protein

sources. Timber provides export revenues for

several countries, although concern about the

uncontrolledlogging is growing.

CENTRAL

Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Congo (DemocraticRepublic of), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome & Principe.


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East Africa falls into two distinct cultural regions.Sudan and the Hornnations have been influenced

by the Middle East. Ethiopia was the home of one of

the earliest Christian civilizations.

Sudan reflects both Muslim and Christian influences.

The southern countries share a cultural affinity withsub-Saharan nations. Some Africas most densely

populated countries lie in this region, which puts

pressure on fragile environments. Kenya developed

an industrial base, while other East African

economies rely on agriculture.

EAST

Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia,Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda.


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The magnificent National Parks of Kenya and Tanzania provide

essential refuges for many rare animals. Tourism flows in thecash needed to sustain these conservation efforts. The Lake

Victoria is the worlds second largest lake in the terms of

surface 26,828 sq miles (69,484 sq km). Around it, the rich

volcanic soils support coffee, tea, cotton, sugar cane and

vegetables. Lake Tanganyika is 16,400 ft (5,000 m) in depthand lies 8,202 ft (2,500 m) above the sea level. An extinctvolcano, Kilimanjaro, is Africas highest mountain 19,340 ft

(5,895 m). In the dry regions, camels are common, elsewhere

herds of cattle, sheep, and goats. Tsetse Flylimits human

settlement and agriculture in much of this region.


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West Africa is a very diverse region. It has

desert landscapes and also the tropical rain

forests of the more humid south. The mainly

Muslim populations of the Saharan countrieshave a variety of local languages and

cultures. The rich natural resources of this

area were exploited by Europeans.

Most of the slaves came from this region,

causing serious depopulation. Formerleading colonial powers, Britain and France,

have influenced the languages and

institutions of the countries they once

governed.

WESTBenin, Burkina, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,

Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, SierraLeone, Togo


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Virgin rain forest, which once covered much of the

West African coast, has been drastically reducedbylogging and agriculture. The southern regions

tropical rain forest grows some of the worlds most

prized hardwood trees, such as mahogany and iroko.

The Niger River flows 2,600 miles (4,181 km) andsupports rich fish stocks.


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Africa's natural habitats are suffering from human

interference. One of the most serious problemsoccurs in areas such as the Sahel where scrub and

forest clearance, often for cooking, combined with

overgrazing, is causing deforestation and

desertification. Game reserves help to preserve many

endangered animals, although the needs of growing

populations lead to land overuse and poaching.

Conservationists look at Africas wildlife as a last

remnant of past biological wealth. In most of the

world, large mammals like elephants died around

10,000 years ago. In Africa, where animals and people

lived together for more then 2 million years, largemammals roaming forests and savannas survived.

Sparse human population enabled large animals and

many rain forest species including rare plants to

survive.

ENVIRONMENTS


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During the last hundred years, the people in sub-Saharan Africa increased

in numbers six fold. Industrial countries have made it profitable for

Africans to kill elephants for ivory, cut down trees for timber, and plantforests and fertile lands in cash crops like cacao.

Wildlife and wildlands have been lost. The continents human population

is projected to double in 24 years. Two thirds of people are rural, and

survive on raising crops and livestock on any available land. Competitionfor land is intense around Lake Victoria and along the coast of West

Africa.

Hungry people seldom rally around the cause of the wildlife preservation.

Therefore, many programs promoteconservation by giving rural people an

economic stake in the survival of ecosystems and habitat.


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Freshwater bioregions, defined by groups

of rivers and lakes, are among the most

diverse and vulnerable areas. To the east

is the Great Rift Valley which contains

several lakes.

Major rivers like Congo and Niger support

fish, birds, otters, and hippos. The NigerRiver is the Africas third longest river. It

flows across western Africa to its delta inNigeria. The Nigers water is used for

irrigation and hydroelectric power andlimited transportation because of many

waterfalls and rapids.

WATER


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Lakes have been evolving for more then 20 million years. Over-fishing, the

introduction of exotic species, and pollution have wiped out half of the LakeVictorias 500 clichild species, a large part of diet of local people.

The Lake Victoria, lying on the Equator, is the second largest freshwater lake inthe world.

Water is one of the world's most valuable resources. Although countries may

enjoy significant amounts of rain, the water may be polluted or unsafe to drink.

In many parts of Africa, less than 50% of the population has access to safe

water. Lack of infrastructure and government regulation of the water supplykeeps many Africans from getting clean water. As a result, millions of peopledie each year from waterrelated diseases such as cholera.

Water for crops and livestock is also scarce in many parts of the continent.Africa has three large deserts. The Sahara is the worlds largest desert and

dominates the northern part of the continent. Thousands of years ago theSahara had a moist climate. The Namib and Kalahari deserts cover huge areas

of south western Africa. The Namib Desert is very barren and extremely dry.


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In West and Central Africa, along the Guinea Coast, in Gabon, Cameroon,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, north eastern Republic of the Congo, and in

East Africa south of the equator in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar the

climate is humid.

The regions nearest the equator receive year-round rainfall, while those north and

south of it experience short dry winters and a lower average annual amount of

rainfall.

Where the dry seasons are long enough, equatorial regions give way to dryregions. In the north the Sahel desert stretches from east to west through Mali,

Niger, Chad, and Sudan and borders the Sahara.

In the deserts themselves, rainfall is extremely scarce and temperatures are very

extreme. Although the daytime temperatures in the desert are high, due to the

lack of plants and moisture, nights can be extremely cold. The coastal regions ofNorth Africa and southern tip of Africa experience temperate or "Mediterranean"

weather, including dry summers and wet winters, due to their proximity to the

oceans.


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Scientists divide the earth into number of different

vegetation zones.

The plant and animal life depend on a regionsclimate, landscape, and latitude. Plants and

animals have adapted to life in these climates,

often developing features to help them to survive.

ECOSYSTEMS


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Mediterranean: hot, dry

summers and cold, wet

winters (plants and trees

have adapted to lack of

water).

TropicalGrassland: hot

climate divided into wet

and dry season;

between tropical rain

forests and hot dessert,

called African savannawith tall grasses and

low trees and shrubs.

Hot Desert:hottest, driest

places on Earth; heat

during a day to often belowthe freezing temperatures

at night. In some deserts,

years pass with no rain.

Deserts have sandy soil

that supports.

Mountains Regions: the

higher, the colder, with

peaks often in snow.

Trees and plants grow on

lower slopes only. Abovethe tree line, it is too

windy and clod for plants

to survive.

Dry Grassland: hot,

dry summers and very

cold winters (often used

for wheat or cattle).

Tropical Rain Forest:

hot and wet all year

round, ideal for lush,

green forests aroundequator. Rain forests

may contain 50,000

different types of trees,

and millions of plants

and animals.


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African rain forests shelter probably morethen half of the earths plant and animal

species. With tropical forests being cut at a

rate of 55,000 square miles a year, however,

many species perish before they can beidentified or studied.

About 9000 years ago, lakes and crocodiles

could be found in the Sahara, but for the past

thousand years the continent has been dry.

Much of Africa is easily damaged by

overgrazing and destructive agriculture.Scientists fear that deserticification will bring

drought to the Sahel south of the Sahara.

Downpours have washed essential nutrients

from the ground in rain forest areas. Even the

practice of slashing and burning does not

allow the soil to sustain abundant crops.

ECOLOGY

Africans once allowed the soil to rejuvenate itself and used less-fertile land for herding,

but population increases have forced farmers to misuse the soil by planting too often

on the same land. Animals overgraze. The African forest is rapidly turning to grassland

which becomes desert in turn.


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When people think of Africa, they often picture lions

and elephants roaming freely over huge

grasslands. Although the continent is indeed hometo many species of exotic animals, decades of

logging, sport hunting, poaching, civil wars,

pollution, and other human interference have taken

their toll on the wildlife. African and foreign

countries looking for oil, diamonds, and other

resources have destroyed both animals and theirhabitats.

Africa had 70,000 black rhinos in the1970s, and

ended up with about 3,000 in the 1980s. Their near

extinction illustrates the danger to African fauna

that exists. Many African governments have madean attempt to conserve the natural flora and fauna,

or plants and animals, of their grasslands and

forests. Some countries, concerned for tourism, the

environment, and the extinction of animals, have

set aside large pieces of land as protected wildlife

parks.

WILDLIFE


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The extinction of the remaining species of plants and

animals that exist in Africa would have a tragic impact on

humankind. Fortunately, some attempts at slowing themassive destruction of natural creatures and their habit are

occurring.

In Niger, for example, the Tnre National Nature Reserve

is home to cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, gazelles, and other

animals. The Ndoki National Park is located between

Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic ofthe Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees live in this vast

forest. Logging and poachers threaten the ancient trees

and endangered species in this forest.

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania extends to theMasai Mara reserve in Kenya. The Serengeti is a vast

grassland which is home to zebras, antelopes, buffalo,

lions, elephants, and many other animals. In the early

1900s, European sport hunters almost hunted these

animals to extinction. Even today, visitors on safari to

photograph these animals cause them anxiety.

PARKS


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Nature relies on delicate balances of plant and animal life to remain healthy. When one part

of that equation is altered, our flora and fauna can be put in danger. Although change is a

natural part of our evolving world, changes that occur at a pace that is too rapid has adisastrous effect on individual species of plants and animals.

Habitat loss at an unprecedented pace is the primary cause of the endangerment of species

in Africa. As the rainforests are logged for wood and exploited for other natural resources,

hundreds of species are put in danger of existing no more. Many animals also suffer due to

overexploitation or poaching.

ENDANGERED SPECIES

Other factors include disease and pollution. If a species has not developed a natural

protection against certain diseases, it can have an effect on that specie. For example, rabies

and canine distemper viruses are destroying carnivore populations in East Africa.

As more and more people realize that the loss of any of our plants or animals impacts our

own quality of life on this planet, efforts to conserve endangered species grow stronger. Visit

our resources section to learn how you can help conserve Africas wildlife.
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1. The giraffeis common in botheastern and southern Africa.

ENDANGERED SPECIES

2. The umbrel la thorn is

one of the most widespread

trees in seasonally dry areas of

Africa.

3. The Dama gazelle

inhabits all of the Saharafrom east to west and the

Sudan.


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4. The sch imitar-ho rned oryx

is confined to a narrow strip

between Mauritania and the Red

Sea.

5. Thecheetah was once found all

over Africa, but it is now endangered in

most of its former ranges.

6. The spo tted hyena washistorically found throughout

Africa, south of the Sahara

Desert.


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7. The l ionnow survives in greatest number where

humans are sparse.

8. The demoisel lecraneis found in north east

Africa. The future for these birds is more secure

than for many cranes, since they are so

numerous and adaptable.

9. The mandr i l l lives in parts of west Africa.Its

habitat, tropical forests, are being destroyed at

such a high rate.


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10.The pot tois found in central and west Africa. The

primary threat to the survival of the potto is habitat

destruction.

11.The chimpanzeeis found in west and central Africa.

The populations have been reduced and fragmentedby human encroachment into their habitats.

12.The bongolives in parts of west Africa, Zaire,

southern Sudan, Kenya, and the Congo. Habitat

destruction, poaching and illegal trapping are leading

to its endangerment.


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13.The gray parrot is one of the few parrots found inAfrica.

14.The gori l la lives in the mountain ranges between

Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of the Congo,

and Uganda where it is hunted by poachers for its

meat and menaced by intense logging.

15.The umbrel la thorn is the dominant tree in many

savanna communities and provides an importantsource of shade for both wild and domesticated

animals.


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20.Thesouthern ground ho rnbi l l can be found from

South Africa to Kenya.

21.The leopardshabitat ranges across most of the African

continent, with the exception of the Sahara Desert

region.

22.The sable antelope can be found in south eastern

Kenya, Angola, and South Africa. Urgent action is

needed to keep this animal off the extinction list.


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23.The king protea is the national flower of

South Africa

24.The sou thern doub le-co l lared sunb ird

lives in South Africa.

25.The Erica junon iais blooming African plant.


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26.Thebontebok is classified as

vulnerable. It lives in the grasslands

and coastal plains in the southwestern

tip of South Africa.

27.The cape scarab beetle can be

found in South Africa.


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28.The cape mole rat is asubterranean rodent who is

found in southern Africa.

29. The geometr ic torto ises

habitat is in Western Cape of

South Africa.

CONSERVATION


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Although the African continent is home to many species of

exotic animals and plants, decades oflogging, sport hunting,

poaching, civil wars, pollution, and other human interferences

have taken their toll on the wildlife. African and foreign

countries looking for oil, diamonds, and other resources have

destroyed both animals and their habitats.

The destruction of the rain forest will not only kill thousands

of different species, it will also disrupt the earth'satmospherea disaster for both these life forms and

humankind. The plants the rainforest contains are used forboth food and medicine; the plants also absorb a great deal

of solar energy. If they are destroyed, the earth may

experience global warming which will alter fragile

ecosystems.

One of the main causes of the rapid destruction of the

rainforest is that people clear land to make room for housing

and farming. Nations also also allow the logging of the

forests, since the sale of timber can provide revenue that can

help finance schools and hospitals. Scientists and activists

around the globe are working to conserve the African

rainforest. To learn about how you can help, please visit the

resourcespage.

CONSERVATION


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The continent of Africa is almost as old as the earth itself.

At one time, it was the foundation of a huge super

continent called Pangaea. Over millions of years, other

continents have shifted and drifted apart due toearthquakes, violent volcanic eruptionsand the

movement of the oceans. Africa's location has not

changed drastically throughout the centuries.

In Africa today, you can find plants that have existed

since the age of the dinosaurs. Our human predecessors

roamed the grasslands and rain forests of ancient Africa.

The ability to stand, walk, and adapt to changing

circumstances was learned by the these first human

beings.

Originating in Africa, people spread throughout the world

and populated all its continents. Initially, people movedacross the land from Africa to Asia.Generation by

generation, people slowly changed and adapted to each

new land that they encountered. This migrant wandering

led to the settlement of Asia, Europe, and eventually the

Americas.

HISTORY


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Of all the continents Africa was probably the first to be home to humankind. In his book TheDescent Of Man (1871), the famous naturalist, Charles Darwin, called Africa the cradle of

humankind.Darwin made this comment to support his theory ofevolutionin Origin of theSpecies, which he published in 1859. Since then research in eastern and southern Africa

shows our ancientancestorslived as far back as 5 to 10 million years ago.

FIRST HUMANS

Around Africas Chad, Victoria and Turkana lakes, ape-like creatures developed into two different

groups. One group continued to live in the tropical forests. The other group moved out into the

grasslands. In the grasslands they needed to stand up on two legs so they could spot lions orleopards that might attack them, which left their hands free to pick up sticks. Learning to use their

hands to carry things took many centuries.

The Stone Age existed 2 million to 10,000 years ago. Some of these creatures could not survive, but

the ones that did got stronger and smarter. Their families evolved over millions of years. In the last

half million years things began to happen. They began sharpening their rocks and shaping them into

more useful tools such as axes.
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Dating from 4500 years ago, ancient Egypt is the oldest and most dynamic of all early

kingdoms known to have flourished on the continent of Africa. Egypts early strength was

the Nile River, the longest river in the whole world. It runs from two little riverstheWhite Nile, which runs from Lake Victoria, and the Blue Nile in the Nubian Mountains.

These two rivers flowed all the way to the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.

EGYPT

The Nile, like many rivers, has seasons of flooding. During the floods the water overflows its

riverbanks and soaks the surrounding land with rich fertile nutrients. The result is a fabulous

region for growing food. This ability to grow food allowed the early pharaohs of Egypt to trade all

over the world. Egypt created a civilization that stood from 2700 BC, for 30 dynasties, until they

were overtaken by the Greeks and Romans around 300 BC.

They built huge cities and great structures that would be hard to create with all our modern cranes

and motors today. The Egyptians built pyramids in which to bury their Pharaohs. They studied the

stars and seasons to predict weather, dug great canals, and built big ships to trade with other

civilizations on the Mediterranean Sea.


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Trade routes developed across Africa in several places. Early African people lived

in small family groups. Parents, children and grandparents formed clans withother families. Larger clans became tribes.

TRADE KINGDOMS


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Each tribe had its wise elders and priests. Many were women but most were

men. They would lead the tribe, and if they grew very powerful they were

considered kings or queens. People considered them related to the gods.

They often organized the building of religious temples and dams and

assembled armies to defend their families. Their subjects often paid taxes to

pay for these things.

Although some of these kingdoms did not last long and were replaced byothers, a few lasted thousands of years. The rule of one kings family for

several generations is called a dynasty. There have been a few African

kingdoms that have extended for several dynasties. As other cultures began

to grow strong all over theMediterranean other kingdoms began to push

their way into Africa. Small tribes grouped together to fight off the invaders,such as the Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans.


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For thousands of years, armies at war have taken prisoners. A prisoner mighthave been a soldier, farmer or artisan who lived in the conqueredkingdoms.

They were usually made to work for the winning army asslaves. Slaves were

used in many kingdoms, such as Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, for labor.

Sometimes the kings and other wealthy people in the community had slaves

work for them in their homes.

SLAVES
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Between 800 and 1500 AD, countries of Europe began to do a

great deal of trading with the nations of Africa. Portuguese,

Spanish, English, and Dutch traders were using their boats to sailall around Africa and trading what they bought to people in

Europe and Asia.

At first the Europeans went to Africa to trade for gold, other

metals, feathers, and ivory tusks. Soon it was discovered that

many of the African Rulers would also sell their slaves who were

taken to distant places and traded for other supplies. When

colonies were settled in the Americas across the Atlantic Ocean

they established trade routes with them as well. In 1532 AD, thefirst slave was taken directly from Africa to the Americas.


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The Europeans brought the kings rifles, ammunition, and other

goods. Then the African slaves were packed into big sailing ships.

The ships took them to the Colonies of America and to the island

nations of the Caribbean. They were traded for tobacco, cotton,

sugar, and molasses. Then these items were taken to Europe and

traded for the guns.

Through this system, called the Triangle Trade Route, perhaps 10

12 million people were sold into slavery. It lasted for three

hundred years until many countries made it illegal to sell people.

In the United States the country had to fight the Civil War (1860

1865 AD) for the slave trade to finally stop.To this day, because of

the slave trade, you find millions of men and women of African

decent all over North and South America.


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Wars are part of every civilization. Both small tribes and

mighty nations in Africa have been involved in war since

people first carved knives out of stone. The development

of metals, such as copper, bronze and iron, meant the

weapons of war became much more powerful.

The continent itself was rich with natural resources. Heavy

farming in North Africa, however, caused the land to

become dry and barren. Soon the desert land of theSahara

became the dominant feature. Food became hard to grow

which meant some tribes had to fight to get access to

food.

Sometimes people fought to protect a river shore for safe

fishing. At other times they had to defend against

kingdomsfrom across the sea. Traders came from Europe

and Asia to bargain and sometimes to steal supplies and

resources.

WARS

People also came to force their culture or religion on the inhabitants of Africa in

religious crusades. Over the centuries, wars have been fought nearly everywhere on

the continent. Even today, African countries are embroiled in brutal conflicts over

borders, religion, tribal disputes, or resources.


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More than four million years ago, humankind originated in Africa. Our appearance and the way

our bodies function are evolutionary adaptations to the African environments. Since the

beginning, Africans have struggled to survive against the difficult living conditions of the continent.

While civilizations rose and fell around the world, most African communities remained rather

small.

PEOPLE


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European powers began conquering and dividing the continent

centuries ago, and the influence of the foreign nation exists to

this day. The colonial period was brutal for Africa, and the

legacy of its devastating past continues to trouble its people. It

influenced all aspects of African society and culture.

Modern Africans are arguably the most diverse people in the

world. More than 3,000 unique ethnic groups are recognized in

Africa. The customs, languages, and cultural mores of people on

the continent are quite different from country to country and

from region to region.


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Languages:

More than 1,000 different languagesare spoken inAfrica. Although most countries in Eastern and

Southern Africa have adopted colonial European

languages for official government business, most

people speakindigenous or local languages.

In Namibia, people may speak English, Afrikaans,

German, Oshivambo, Herero, or Nama. InTanzania, people can speak English or Swahili.

Due to their colonial pasts, the majority of the

countries in West Africa have adopted French,

English, Spanish, or Portuguese as national

languages. The majority of each countries'

inhabitants, however, also speak one or moreindigenous languages. Cameroonians may speak

one or more of 24 different languages, in addition

to French or English.

LANGUAGES & RELIGION


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Yoruba, Hause, and Igbo are some of the nearly 400 native

languages of Nigeria.

Most people in the North African countries speak Arabic and

follow Islam. In some parts of North Africa, however, people are

multilingual and speak several languages. For example, the

official languages of Chad and Djibouti are Arabic and French.

In Ethiopia, people may speak one or more of 70 unique

languages or 200 different dialects. A dialect is a form or variety

of a spoken language.


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Religion:Most people in the fourteen independent countries in North Africa are

Muslim. The religion they believe in is called Islam. Muslims pray to their

god Allah and his prophet Muhammad five times a day facing the city of

Mecca. A prophet is someone who is believed to speak for a god. The

Koran is the Muslim holy book.

In African countries south of the Sahara Desert, people follow many

different religions. Some are Muslim, although the majority of the

people are Christian. Missionaries from other parts of the world brought

Christianity to many countries in Africa. Some people, however, choose

to follow ancient religions and believe that natural spirits and ancestorsaffect everyday life.


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The music, art, literature, and cultural practices of Africa have

provoked interest and respect throughout the world. The oldbelief that Africa is somehow childlike in its cultural

development has been denounced as people become more

familiar with the rich traditions of the continent.

The material and inherent value of African art steadily increases

in the world market. The music and literature of these peoples

have found their way into houses and classrooms around the

globe. We are beginning to learn through the works of scholars,

film makers, and writers that Africans can teach us much morethan we can show them.

CULTURE


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In general, Africans live in rural areas, particularly those people who live in western, eastern, and

southern Africa. Many villagers are subsistent farmers, which means that they live almost entirelyoff of the food that they grow themselves. Fast food restaurants and supermarkets, as we know

them, do not exist in most of Africa. People sell clothing, food, In Egypt, many people enjoy a

popular bean dish called ful. Couscous is common in countries like Morocco and Algeria. This

steamed grain is served with a stew of meat and vegetables.

In Western Africa, people grow cassava, maize, millet, and plantains for food. Cameroonians may

eat beans and plantains accompanied by baton de manioc, or manioc sticks. In Gabon, fish is

prepared in a spicy sauce and served with rice. Most cultures in Africa remain very traditional

women and girls do most of the cooking.

Visitors to Kenya may be surprised to discover how the Indian culture has influenced the menu.

Chicken curry may be enjoyed with a glass of chai tea. Mandalas, a type of donut, may finish off

the meal. Kenya's colonial past has also influenced the menu. The British brought the practice ofdrinking tea which continues to this day.

In Botswana, millet and sorghum porridge are primary sources of nourishment. Millet and

sorghum are both types of grains that must be pounded into flour and cooked.

FOOD


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Bells, drums, guitars, likembes (thumb pianos), strung bows, trumpets, and

xylophones are just some of the many instruments played by people in Africa.The music of Africa is a part of all aspects of life. All forms of instruments, such

as string, wind, and percussion, originated in Africa.

Drums are a common instrument, but some parts of Africa have few trees, so

you will find flutes and trumpets in treeless areas.Many African songs are work chants that are sung while the seeds are being

planted or the crops are being harvested. The smallest children are taught to

sing and dance. They may be taught to play music and even build their own

instruments.

The radio of Africa is known for both traditional roots as well as modern

instruments playing western classical, jazz, rock and reggae.

MUSIC


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Many cultures in Africa have traditions of oral story telling. Skilled storytellers would

memorize folktales and captivate audiences with their stories of adventure. Many

African folktales have morals, or lessons, for the young audiences. Kofi Opong-

Mensah retells the following tale from the West African country of Ghana.

Why the Praying Mantis Still Shakes

Anansi is often a character in Ghanaian folktales. He is a mischievous spider.

Long ago, Oyankopon (god) had a large farm full of yams. Everybody talked about it

in every corner of the world. It was the most beautiful and the largest of all the farms

in the world. Everyday people came from everywhere to admire it.

As harvest time was approaching, Nyankopon announced to the inhabitants of the

whole world the day the harvest would take place. Upon hearing this, men and

women, from north to south and east to west, were full of joy. Not a single day

passed without people talking about this great event.

However, there was one person who was jealous of Onyankopon and who wanted to

spoil his fortune. He was no other person than Anansi the Spider. He was so jealous

that he decided to steal all the yams.

FOLKTALES

Every evening Anansi the Spider went to uproot a large quantity of the yams


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y g p p g q y y

and send them to his own farm. Nobody detected the theft. His wife and

children did not know. Onyankopon himself did not know. Days passed. Night

turned into day. Weeks passed. The harvest day was fast approaching.

Preparations for the great event were underway.

One day, Onyankopon decided to go and visit the farm for the last time before

the great event. He saw that nearly all the yams have been uprooted.

Onyankopon ordered the search for the thief. Bring him dead or alive, he

said.

The search for the thief started immediately. A week passed, two weeks

passed. Weeks turned into months. The thief was not identified and the yams

continued to disappear from the farm. Finally, Onyankopon decided to lay traps

in the farm. Old Anansi the Spider knew nothing about the traps until one

evening he fell into one.

Anansi became sad. He knew that people were going to find him trapped in the

farm and identify him as the thief before daybreak. The sun began to rise and

Anansi lost all hope. His eyes were full of tears. What a misfortune!


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Then he saw the first person coming from far away. Who could

this be? He wiped off his tears to see properly. And what did

he see? A friend, the praying mantis! Anansi the Spider

signaled to him.

When the praying mantis was within earshot, Anansi shouted,

Oh, it's you who is coming to replace me?

To replace me? How? demanded the praying mantis in

astonishment.

So you are not the one? But when is my replacement coming?

My god. Why do they let me suffer like this? said Anansi.

What is this about? inquired the praying mantis.

What? Don't you know that were keeping watch forOnyankopon? Are you not aware that we are searching for the

thief who has been carrying away Onyankopon's yams? It has

been three days now since I have been keeping watch for this

dangerous thief, the sneaky Anansi replied.


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Oh, good, I don't know anything about this, said the praying mantis.

It doesn't matter, my dear friend. Come near here, please. Come and

give me a little help. I'm very hungry. Three days without foodah,said Anansi.

What could I do for you, Anansi? You must be suffering a lot. What do

you need? replied the praying mantis.

If it would be okay, come and replace me for a little while I go down

to the village to find something to eat, Anansi the Spider said in hisfriendly tone.

I will do that for you, but please don't keep long, replied the praying

mantis.

You can count on me, my friend. Come and put your leg here, said

the cunning Anansi.What, is that not a trap? the praying mantis questioned.

A trap? What an idea. You don't trust me? replied Anansi.


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But that looks like a trap, the praying mantis questioned.

You take me to be a fool then? Anansi replied.

The praying mantis allowed himself to be duped. He helped Anansi to remove his leg

from the trap putting his in its place. What an unexpected chance for Anansi the

Spider. As soon as Anansi was freed, he ran quickly towards the village shouting at the

top of his voice, I have see him, I have seen him. I've seen the thief, the thief who has

been stealing the yams of Onyankopon. I've seen him at last. He is there at

Onyankopon's farms, trapped by a trap.

A large crowd soon gathered. There were curses and threats everywhere. Everyone

wanted to vent his anger on the one who had caused much suspicion among them. In

no time at all, the villagers were in the farm. In front of them was Anansi the Spider

who led the way to the praying mantis.

There he is, the thief, he said, pointing to the praying mantis. The praying mantis had

wanted to escape but it was in vain. The villagers rushed on him beating him brutally

until he became unconscious. When they thought that he was dead, they left him in

the farm. But the praying mantis did not die. He regained consciousness. But when he

got up his whole body was shaking, and what was more, he could not see well.

He felt dizziness and to this day, the praying mantis still feels dizzy whenever he walks.


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One of the greatest contributions Africa has made to the cultural heritage of mankind

is sculpture. African sculpture is a highly developed art form with thousands of years

of history behind it. Traditional art has mostly social purposes.

Early humans created painting and engravings on rock walls. Some Saharan rock

engravings represent animals now extinct in the area, such as elephants, rhinoceroses,

hippopotamuses, and buffaloes. Pictures of domestic cattle and of animals still found

in the Sahara today, such as the camel, the horse, and the moufflon (a large-horn

sheep), have also been discovered.

The earliest sculptures outside of Egypt are found in Nigeria. A great variety of masks

from different materials was worn with elaborate costumes and mimicked the human

or activities of nature and forces in the different seasons. Some of the masks were

used in cults. On occasions where masks are worn in some communities, others paint

their bodies. Some wear no masks but their faces are hidden in their costumes, which

are designed to allow free movement in dances. Masks, though similar in

appearances, are used in different ways. Often masks are worn at the initiation rites to

symbolize cult heroes, royalty, the political structure and arts and crafts.

A relationship exists between ancient Egypt and its influence on the rest of Africa. In

the history of African art, there are strong influences of Islam and Christianity.

ART


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People who belong to a common ethnic group may share

customs, languages, or a common history. Tribal

affiliations are a source of unity and pride for many

Africans.

In Mauritania, the Moors are one distinct ethnic group.

Moors are people of mixed Arab and Berber heritage.

Citizens of Senegal may belong to one of the followingtribes: Wolof, Fulani, Serer, Toucouleur, Diola, or

Mandigo, among others.

Over 60 ethnic groups co-exist in Burkina Faso. One of

these groups, the Fulani, also live in Senegal and

Cameroon. Some of the 70 tribal groups that live in Kenyaare the Kikuyu, Luhya, and Kalenjin. The Masai people are

perhaps the best known to non-Europeans. On the island

of Madagascar, 18 different tribes speak Malagasy and

French. In Swaziland, Swazi, Zulu, Tsonga-Shangaan, and

Europeans live side by side.

TRIBES


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In addition to being known for its beautiful environments, exotic wildlife,and diverse cultures, Africa has the dubious distinction of having some of

the poorest nations, largest populations, and harshest living conditions in

the world.

Despite its trove of natural resources, the yearly incomes of Africans are

some of the lowest in the world. Nearly half of its people live on less than

a dollar a day. Conflicts, harsh environments, and corrupt governments

have devasted economies, forcing countries to borrow for goods and fuel.

Ironically, better health care in recent decades has caused further

problems in Africa. The population of the continent is approximately 800million, and these increasing numbers have endangered the environment

and strained already weakened governments.

STATISTICS


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In developed countries where people enjoy better

health care, education, family planning, and nutrition,women tend to have healthy babies. In Africa,

however, few people have access to medicine and

malnutrition is a constant problem. Lack of clean

water and other basic necessities, disease, and human

conflicts make survival difficult for most on this

continent.

Besides lack of appropriate health care and nutrition,

HIV/AIDS is a major health issue in Africa. Due to

sufficient educational programs and financial

resources, the number of HIV/AIDS cases has risen to

tragic heights in Africa. In some countries, such as

Zambia and Botswana, 20% or more of the adult

population is believed to be infected with HIV.

Tragically, the children of Africa suffer the most from

this epidemic. Millions of children have been left

orphaned because of the disease.

HEALTH


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Africa has a rapidly growing population of 500 million

people, yet 75% of the continent is sparsely inhabited. Most

people still live a traditional rural lifestyle, though manyAfricans move to cities in search of employment. Most

people live where water is available, in the Nile Valley, the

coasts of North and West Africa, along the Niger, in the

eastern highlands, and in South Africa.

With the highest birthrate of any continent, Africa is

projected to grow to two billion by 2050. Women in sub-Saharan Africa bear an average of 6 children each. Life

expectancy is low (Sierra Leone: 34 years, Zambia: 37 years,

other countries: 4049 years) compared to the developed

countries.

The fastest growing region on earth, Africa faces the mostserious shortages of food and water.

POPULATION

Political instability and the lack of infrastructure make distribution of supplies difficult.

Since the 1960s most countries have seen improvements in life expectancy, health

care, and education. However, the continent lies well behind the rest of the world in

many basic human needs.

WEALTH


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Africa is home to one eighth of the worlds

population. The most populated areas are

along the Nile, Niger, Congo and Senegal rivers.The population is growing quickly due to

increasingly better health care. Birthrates are

very high, and families are often large. Many

people have moved from countryside to cities,

because of the poverty and lack of work, or to

escape civil wars, droughts, and famines.

Most countries rely on the export of coffee,

cocoa, or oil. In recent years, the prices have

fallen. The amount that African countries earn

from exports is often less then what they haveto spend on imports. These factors, along with

the growing population and effects of wars and

droughts, mean economic difficulties for many

African countries.

WEALTH


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THANK YOU^_^

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