,GGH2604 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 (824111) - DUE 2 APRIL 2025; 100%
correct solutions and explanations.
PART ONE:
According to UNEP (2024), “Africa is rich in natural resources
ranging from arable land, water, oil, natural gas, minerals,
forests and wildlife. The continent holds a huge proportion of
the world’s natural resources, both renewable and non-
renewable.” Write an essay in which you provide a critical
examination of the anticipated effects on the environment due
to human use/exploitation of these resources in Africa as they
relate to the following:
• Land degradation in southern Africa (Lesson 3 of the study
material),
• Threats to the Fynbos biome (Lesson 5 of the study material)
The length of the essay must be between 1 000 and 1 500
words. You need to ensure that you have referenced at least
seven (7) academic sources.
Critical Examination of the Environmental Effects of
Resource Exploitation in Africa
Introduction Africa is endowed with an abundance of natural
resources, including arable land, water, oil, natural gas,
, minerals, forests, and wildlife (UNEP, 2024). However, the
exploitation of these resources has had significant environmental
consequences. This essay critically examines two key
environmental issues related to human use of natural resources
in Africa: land degradation in southern Africa and threats to the
Fynbos biome. By analyzing these concerns, we can better
understand the balance between resource utilization and
environmental sustainability.
Land Degradation in Southern Africa Land degradation refers
to the decline in land quality caused by natural and human-
induced factors, affecting its productivity and ecological
functions (FAO, 2023). In southern Africa, land degradation is a
growing concern due to deforestation, overgrazing,
unsustainable agricultural practices, and mining activities.
One of the primary causes of land degradation in southern
Africa is unsustainable agricultural practices. Slash-and-burn
farming, monocropping, and excessive use of chemical
fertilizers have led to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and
desertification (UNCCD, 2022). Countries such as Namibia,
Botswana, and South Africa have experienced significant losses
in arable land due to these practices.
Another major contributor to land degradation is deforestation.
The demand for timber, fuelwood, and land for agriculture has
resulted in the clearing of large tracts of forests. This
deforestation reduces biodiversity, disrupts water cycles, and
increases soil erosion (WWF, 2023). In Zambia and Zimbabwe,
the rapid expansion of charcoal production has further
exacerbated deforestation and land degradation.
Semester 1 2025 (824111) - DUE 2 APRIL 2025; 100%
correct solutions and explanations.
PART ONE:
According to UNEP (2024), “Africa is rich in natural resources
ranging from arable land, water, oil, natural gas, minerals,
forests and wildlife. The continent holds a huge proportion of
the world’s natural resources, both renewable and non-
renewable.” Write an essay in which you provide a critical
examination of the anticipated effects on the environment due
to human use/exploitation of these resources in Africa as they
relate to the following:
• Land degradation in southern Africa (Lesson 3 of the study
material),
• Threats to the Fynbos biome (Lesson 5 of the study material)
The length of the essay must be between 1 000 and 1 500
words. You need to ensure that you have referenced at least
seven (7) academic sources.
Critical Examination of the Environmental Effects of
Resource Exploitation in Africa
Introduction Africa is endowed with an abundance of natural
resources, including arable land, water, oil, natural gas,
, minerals, forests, and wildlife (UNEP, 2024). However, the
exploitation of these resources has had significant environmental
consequences. This essay critically examines two key
environmental issues related to human use of natural resources
in Africa: land degradation in southern Africa and threats to the
Fynbos biome. By analyzing these concerns, we can better
understand the balance between resource utilization and
environmental sustainability.
Land Degradation in Southern Africa Land degradation refers
to the decline in land quality caused by natural and human-
induced factors, affecting its productivity and ecological
functions (FAO, 2023). In southern Africa, land degradation is a
growing concern due to deforestation, overgrazing,
unsustainable agricultural practices, and mining activities.
One of the primary causes of land degradation in southern
Africa is unsustainable agricultural practices. Slash-and-burn
farming, monocropping, and excessive use of chemical
fertilizers have led to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and
desertification (UNCCD, 2022). Countries such as Namibia,
Botswana, and South Africa have experienced significant losses
in arable land due to these practices.
Another major contributor to land degradation is deforestation.
The demand for timber, fuelwood, and land for agriculture has
resulted in the clearing of large tracts of forests. This
deforestation reduces biodiversity, disrupts water cycles, and
increases soil erosion (WWF, 2023). In Zambia and Zimbabwe,
the rapid expansion of charcoal production has further
exacerbated deforestation and land degradation.
