,GGH2604 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
1 2025 - DUE 2 APRIL 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete,
trusted solutions and explanations
ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
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)
[24MARKS]
Part One: Critical Examination of the Anticipated Effects on
the Environment Due to Human Exploitation of Africa’s
Natural Resources
Introduction:
Africa, a continent abundant in natural resources, is often
regarded as a region with immense potential for economic
development. From fertile land and vast water bodies to rich
deposits of minerals, oil, and gas, Africa has long been a key
player in the global resource economy. However, this
exploitation comes at a significant environmental cost. The
, increasing demand for these resources, combined with
unsustainable practices, has led to numerous environmental
challenges that threaten the continent’s ecological integrity. This
essay critically examines two prominent environmental concerns
arising from the human exploitation of Africa's natural
resources: land degradation in Southern Africa and threats to
the Fynbos biome in South Africa.
1. Land Degradation in Southern Africa
Land degradation refers to the decline in the quality of land
due to human activities, resulting in a loss of its biological
productivity. Southern Africa, particularly countries like South
Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana, faces severe
challenges related to land degradation. The factors contributing
to land degradation are complex and multifaceted, but they are
largely driven by unsustainable agricultural practices,
urbanization, and mining activities.
Factors Contributing to Land Degradation:
1. Agricultural Practices: Agriculture is a major contributor
to land degradation in Southern Africa. The continent’s
reliance on traditional, intensive, and often poorly managed
farming methods exacerbates soil erosion and
desertification. Practices such as overgrazing,
deforestation, and the over-cultivation of arid lands
leave the soil vulnerable to erosion by wind and water.
Additionally, the widespread use of unsustainable
1 2025 - DUE 2 APRIL 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete,
trusted solutions and explanations
ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
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)
[24MARKS]
Part One: Critical Examination of the Anticipated Effects on
the Environment Due to Human Exploitation of Africa’s
Natural Resources
Introduction:
Africa, a continent abundant in natural resources, is often
regarded as a region with immense potential for economic
development. From fertile land and vast water bodies to rich
deposits of minerals, oil, and gas, Africa has long been a key
player in the global resource economy. However, this
exploitation comes at a significant environmental cost. The
, increasing demand for these resources, combined with
unsustainable practices, has led to numerous environmental
challenges that threaten the continent’s ecological integrity. This
essay critically examines two prominent environmental concerns
arising from the human exploitation of Africa's natural
resources: land degradation in Southern Africa and threats to
the Fynbos biome in South Africa.
1. Land Degradation in Southern Africa
Land degradation refers to the decline in the quality of land
due to human activities, resulting in a loss of its biological
productivity. Southern Africa, particularly countries like South
Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana, faces severe
challenges related to land degradation. The factors contributing
to land degradation are complex and multifaceted, but they are
largely driven by unsustainable agricultural practices,
urbanization, and mining activities.
Factors Contributing to Land Degradation:
1. Agricultural Practices: Agriculture is a major contributor
to land degradation in Southern Africa. The continent’s
reliance on traditional, intensive, and often poorly managed
farming methods exacerbates soil erosion and
desertification. Practices such as overgrazing,
deforestation, and the over-cultivation of arid lands
leave the soil vulnerable to erosion by wind and water.
Additionally, the widespread use of unsustainable
