Factors contributing to environmental degradation in Africa

In Africa, there are poor education systems and health facilities which don’t provide relevant and sufficient awareness of the biodiversity. If present, the institutions are very scarce. Only found in Egypt and South Africa which become expensive for everyone to attend to. Lack proper knowledge on environmental conservation methods also increases chances of environmental degradation.

Nomadic culture of some societies in Africa, which involves moving with livestock from one place to another in search of greater pastures and water, can contribute to environmental degradation. This is because it leaves land bare devoid of green vegetation and water cultivation along river banks causes soil erosion which degrades soil. This leaves the previous land completely degraded and devoid of minerals and nutrients.

Another factor that contributes to environmental destruction is the political instability in Africa nations. Countries such as Sudan, Somalia experiences frequent conflicts which results to refugees whose main force is to flee to the neighboring peaceful countries. This creates stress and pressure on the little available resources on the host countries which might cause depletion of natural resources. The government of the host countries is also forced to spend funds that could have otherwise been used for conservation of environment. The funds would be used to supply food shelter and clothing to the refugees.

Since Africa is a poor nation, most African farmers lack enough credit facilities to invest in the development of Agriculture. They also lack funds to advocate their products on a large market scale and this in turn leads to a negative perception in the agricultural sector. Most people opt to urbanization which results to encroachment of agricultural land to urban centre hence land degradation.