Where people live and trade in Africa

The Sahara, Sahel, savanna, and tropical rain forest regions of Africa have distinct physical characteristics that impact trade and affect where people choose to live.

The Sahara

The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, covering most of North Africa. Its harsh and arid conditions make it difficult for people to survive, let alone conduct trade. Those who do live there are mostly nomads who travel from place to place in search of water and grazing land for their animals.  The lack of water and vegetation makes it nearly impossible for agriculture to flourish, and transportation is limited to camels and other pack animals. As a result, the Sahara has historically been sparsely populated, with only a few nomadic tribes and some trade routes connecting North Africa to sub-Saharan Africa.

The Sahel

The Sahel is a region that lies to the south of the Sahara, stretching across the continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. It is a transitional zone between the Sahara and the savanna, and its climate is characterized by dry, hot summers and cooler winters. The Sahel is home to many nomadic herders who move their animals from place to place in search of water and grazing land. However, some people have settled in the Sahel, particularly in areas where there are oases or other sources of water. The Sahel is an important trade route between North Africa and West Africa, as it connects the Sahara to the savanna. 

The Savanna

The savanna is a grassy plain that covers much of central Africa. It has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, and is home to a diverse range of plants and animals. Many people live in the savanna, particularly in areas where there are rivers or other sources of water. The savanna is also an important region for agriculture, as it is suitable for growing crops such as maize, millet, and sorghum. Trade is also important in the savanna, particularly in areas where there are large towns or cities. 

The Tropical Rainforest

The tropical rainforest is a dense forest that covers the central and western parts of Africa. It has a hot and humid climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. The rainforest is home to many different species of plants and animals, and is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. However, few people live in the rainforest, as its dense vegetation and lack of infrastructure make it difficult to access. The rainforest is also not ideal for agriculture, as the soil is often poor and the climate is not conducive to growing crops. Trade is also limited in the rainforest, as there are few resources to trade and transportation is difficult.