Africa: Society and Environment Chapter Notes | Social Studies for Grade 7 PDF Download

Introduction

Africa is a vast and diverse continent with many countries, cultures, and landscapes. This chapter explores the society and environment of Africa, focusing on how people live, their traditions, and the natural world around them. We will learn about the region of West and Central Africa, including its geography, climate, vegetation, and the ways people interact with their environment. This chapter helps us understand the unique features of African societies and how the environment shapes their lives.

Region Profile: West and Central Africa

• Geography of West and Central Africa:
  • West and Central Africa includes countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • The region has a mix of landscapes, including coastal plains, mountains, and large river systems.
  • The Niger River and Congo River are major rivers that support farming and transportation.
  • The region has savannas, which are grassy plains with some trees, and dense rainforests in Central Africa.
  • Coastal areas in West Africa have sandy beaches and ports for trade.
  • The region includes plateaus, which are flat, elevated lands, and some hilly areas.
• Climate of West and Central Africa:
  • The climate is mostly tropical, meaning it is warm or hot all year round.
  • West Africa has a wet season with heavy rains and a dry season with little rain.
  • Central Africa, especially near the equator, has a hot and humid climate with rain throughout the year.
  • The harmattan, a dry and dusty wind, blows across West Africa during the dry season.
  • Temperatures in the region usually stay between 70°F and 90°F, but can get hotter in some areas.
  • Climate affects what crops people grow and how they live their daily lives.
• Vegetation and Wildlife:
  • West Africa has savannas with tall grasses and scattered trees like acacias and baobabs.
  • Central Africa has thick rainforests with tall trees, vines, and plants like mahogany and ebony.
  • Rainforests are home to animals like gorillas, chimpanzees, and colorful birds like parrots.
  • Savannas have animals like elephants, lions, zebras, and antelopes.
  • Rivers and lakes support fish, crocodiles, and hippos.
  • Vegetation provides food, medicine, and materials for building homes and tools.
• Societies and Cultures:
  • West and Central Africa is home to many ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditions.
  • Some major ethnic groups include the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo in West Africa, and the Bantu in Central Africa.
  • People speak many languages, including Swahili, Yoruba, and French, which is used in some countries.
  • Families often live together in large groups, and elders are respected for their wisdom.
  • Storytelling, music, and dance are important ways to share history and culture.
  • Traditional clothing includes colorful fabrics like kente cloth in Ghana.
  • Markets are central to community life, where people trade goods like food, clothes, and crafts.
• Economy and Resources:
  • Many people in West and Central Africa are farmers, growing crops like yams, cassava, and cocoa.
  • Cocoa is a major crop in countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast, used to make chocolate.
  • Fishing is important along the coast and rivers, providing food and jobs.
  • The region has natural resources like oil, gold, and diamonds, which are important for trade.
  • Trade happens in local markets and through ports with other countries.
  • Some people work in cities in jobs like teaching, trading, or crafting goods.
• Interaction with the Environment:
  • People use the land for farming, which can sometimes lead to deforestation, or cutting down trees.
  • Rainforests are cleared for farming or logging, which affects animals and plants.
  • Rivers are used for fishing, transportation, and irrigation to water crops.
  • Some communities build homes using local materials like wood, mud, and grass.
  • People adapt to the climate, like building homes on stilts in flood-prone areas.
  • Efforts are being made to protect forests and wildlife through conservation programs.
• Challenges in the Region:
  • Deforestation reduces the number of trees, affecting the environment and wildlife.
  • Some areas face water shortages during the dry season, making farming difficult.
  • Pollution from mining and oil production can harm rivers and land.
  • Urban areas are growing, leading to crowded cities and challenges like waste management.
  • Access to education and healthcare can be limited in rural areas.
  • Climate change is causing more extreme weather, like droughts and floods.