"Through music and the arts, Sub-Saharan Africa has exerted a significant influence on global culture. The African economy, however, is marginal when compared with the rest of the world ... Small political and social movements within the region offer valuable lessons on the importance of meeting Africa's basic needs first." (Rowntree, et al., Chapter 6)
- This chapter introduces Africa south of the Sahara Desert. This is a region that was in the center of Gondwanaland (the southern part of Pangaea that began breaking apart more than 200 million years ago) and its environmental diversity still reflects its geologic history. Unique animals and diseases characterize the region and the tectonically active East African Rift Valley was the birthplace of humankind.
- The trade of enslaved Africans is an important and tragic aspect of this region's history. One should also be aware of the key role that Europeans played in drawing the boundaries of states in this region, as well as other consequences of colonization of the region.
- At the conclusion of this chapter, the student should be familiar with the physical, demographic, cultural, political, and economic characteristics of Sub-Saharan Africa and should understand the following concepts and models:
- Environmental geography
- The Sahel and desertification; Deforestation; Wildlife conservation; Physical features and environments; Soils; Climate and vegetation.
- Population and settlement
- Population and demographic trends; Changing sexual behavior; Patterns of settlement and land use; Subsistence and plantation agriculture; Urban life.
- Cultural coherence and diversity
- Language patterns; Religion, including Christianity, Islam and Hinduism; Globalization and African culture.
- Geopolitical framework
- Indigenous kingdoms and European encounters; Disease factors; European colonization, including the Berlin Conference and the establishment of South Africa; Decolonization and independence; Apartheid's demise; Enduring political conflict; Ethnic conflicts; Secessionist movements; Big Man politics.
- Economic and social development
- Roots of African poverty; Failed development and food policies; Corruption; Links to world economy; Aid vs. investment; Economic differentiation within Africa; Measuring social development; Women and development.
