Shroutrageous Africa Environment

What's the BEST statement to describe the relationship between agriculture and water pollution in Africa ?

• Polluted water can cause crops to become contaminated, but agricultural run-off can also pollute rivers.

• Polluted water is a problem for those with farms near coasts.

• Water scarcity is a problem, but water pollution is more of a problem in urban areas, mainly in the savannas.

• Agricultural run-off can pollute rivers, and farms use all the clean water for themselves to irrigate their fields.

A small village located on a river has trouble with water pollution. What is one way its economy could be affected?

• It could have increased flooding in monsoon season.

• Its fishing industry could lose income because fish might die.

• It might have increased desertification.

• Slash and burn agriculture would be reduced, causing farmers a loss in income.

What is one way poor access to water limits growth of industry in Africa?

• Water is something workers demand, making labor expensive

• Flooding due to poor water access disrupts industry

• Water pollution makes desertification more likely.

• Without water, factories can't operate

What is NOT true of slash and burn agriculture?

• It is a reasonable way for people without much money to take care of their crops

• The ash from burning provides crops with some low-cost fertilizer

• It causes erosion, loss of nutrients in the soil, and loss of oxygen

• It is hard to convince people to stop doing it

Why do farmers in the Sahel (and other places) practice subsistence farming?

• Slash and burn techniques don't work any more

• They haven't been taught other farming methods

• It's the only way they are able to feed their families and survive

• It's the traditional way of farming for the region

Which of the following is a direct consequence of water pollution on agriculture in Africa?

• Farmers benefit from polluted water as it reduces pests

• Water pollution only affects urban areas, not farms

• Contaminated irrigation water can harm crops and reduce harvests

• Increased crop yields due to nutrient-rich water

How does water scarcity most impact daily life in rural African communities?

• It forces people to become nomads in search of water

• It causes rivers to flood more often

• It leads to an increase in industrial jobs

• It makes it difficult to grow enough food and maintain livestock

What is a likely environmental effect of continued slash and burn agriculture in Africa?

• Increased biodiversity in forested areas

• Improved soil fertility over time

• Reduction in air pollution

• Greater risk of desertification and loss of forest cover

Growing only enough crops to provide for one’s family (and not to sell for profit) is called:

• Crop rotation
• Organic gardening
• Subsistence farming
• Commercial farming

To supply water through ditches, pipes, or canals to areas without water for growing crops

• Desertification

• Irrigation

• Poor sanitation

• Economic development