Federal Agency of Railway Transport

Siberian State Transport University

Department: “Customs Affairs”

Discipline: “Economic geography and regional studies of the world”

Topic: “Land resources of Africa”

Performed:

Rakhman Tatyana

Group: TD-111

Checked:

Associate Professor of the Department of Customs Affairs, Ph.D.

Kalmykov S. P.

Novosibirsk 2012

Introduction……………………………………………………………………….....3

1. Characteristics of African land resources……………………..……….4

2. Properties of land resources……………………………………….……...5

3. Distribution of African land resources……………………..……..…….5

4. Distribution of African land resources between countries of the world......6

Conclusion…………………………………………………………….……11

List of used literature and sources………….……………..…12

Introduction

Centuries-old practice testifies that the main sources of viability and prosperity of any state are those belonging to it land resources and the population living on them. At the same time, land resources should be understood not only as the territory (space) of the state, but also everything that is “above” and “below” this space. The country's provision of land resources is the most important economic and political factor in the development of social production. The availability of land resources provides wide scope for the economic development of regions of the world.
Land resources - the earth's surface suitable for human habitation and for any species economic activity. Land resources are characterized by the size of the territory and its quality: relief, soil cover and a complex of other natural conditions.

Characteristics of African land resources

Africa has the largest land fund - 30 million sq. km.

The composition of land in Africa is dominated by pastures. With a relatively high share of pasture land (approximately 20% of land is used), the area under cultivation is very low (about 10%). Indicators of specific provision of arable land are at an average level and amount to 0.3 hectares. Field agricultural landscapes are common on the northern and southern edges of Africa and in Ethiopia. Due to the presence of the tsetse fly in equatorial Africa, watersheds were primarily developed, and the valleys, the refuge of the tsetse fly, are almost deserted and occupied by gallery forests. Huge areas in Africa are classified as other lands (44%), which are deserts.

Africa has quite large land resources, but soil erosion has become catastrophic due to improper cultivation.

Inappropriate and uncontrolled land use is the main cause of land degradation and depletion in Africa. Current land use practices often do not take into account the actual potential, productivity and constraints on the use of land resources, as well as their spatial diversity. In many regions, poverty and malnutrition have already become a chronic problem. One of the main dangers is the destruction and degradation of agricultural and environmental resources. Although methods for increasing production and preserving land and water resources already developed, they are not widely or systematically used. A systematic approach is needed to identify such land uses and production systems, which would be sustainable for each specific soil type and climate zone, including the creation of economic, social and organizational mechanisms for their implementation.

Properties of land resources

In Africa, with a relatively high share of pasture land (approximately 20% of land is used), the area under cultivation is very low (about 10%). Indicators of specific provision of arable land are at an average level and amount to 0.3 hectares. In Africa, the northern and southern outskirts mainland.

Due to the arid climate in Africa, grasslands predominate, which are less suitable for cultivation.

Africa's land resources make it possible to provide food for the population of foreign countries, since many different crops (corn, cotton, wheat, etc.) grown in African countries are exported.

Africa's land productivity varies widely. For example, almost all soils in Nigeria are acidic. In a number of areas in the east of the country, intensive leaching of soils formed on sandstones has led to the formation of so-called “acid sands,” which are easy to cultivate but quickly depleted. The soils of the far north were formed from desert sands and are easily destroyed. They differ sharply from the fertile soils that formed on the heavy loams of many river floodplains, in the cocoa belt and in the Niger Delta. In some densely populated areas, intensive farming and grazing have caused soil erosion. And if we turn to the Republic of South Africa, it will be noticeable that, although it does not have such large areas of land suitable for agriculture, it uses them as productively as possible, and this is done in such a way that the soil is not subject to erosion.

The area of ​​agricultural land in individual countries is determined by the level of development of the country's population, the level of technologies available to them for the development and use of land resources. Therefore, some undeveloped African states, without using the available lands, sell them to China and European countries for insignificant sums.

Distribution of African land resources

Natural resources are distributed unevenly in Africa. Across African countries, the ratio of arable land to pastures in agricultural land is different. On the continent as a whole, the land fund makes up 21% of all land resources, arable land accounts for 15%, meadows and pastures are located on 24% of the territory, 18% are forests and 22% are other lands (deserts).

Let's look at the percentage distribution of land resources in some African countries. In South Africa, 12.1% is occupied by arable land, 0.79% is occupied by perennial plantings, other lands account for 87.11% (2011), in Ethiopia, respectively, 10.01%; 0.65%; 89.34%. In Namibia, arable land makes up 0.99% of the territory, perennial plantings 0.01%, other lands 99%, in Libya 98.78% of other lands and only 1.22% perennial plantings and arable land. The situation is similar in the Central African Republic, the situation is excellent in Uganda, where almost 30.5% of the state’s territory is occupied by arable land and perennial crops.

Thus, we see that arable lands and pastures are located mainly in countries located on the outskirts of the continent, its northern part is mainly occupied by desert, and forests are located in the central part.

Distribution of African land resources between countries of the world

The crisis engulfing Europe has given rise to concerns that such a negative impact on the economy could lead to food shortages. And, basically, this threat is real for states that depend on imports of agricultural products. As it turned out, the solution to the problem is very simple: starting in 2009, some states in the Asian region began to buy land outside their borders. Something similar could be observed before, but now such actions have become truly widespread.

Africa is considered the most attractive in terms of low-cost transactions for the sale of land. And the reason for this is low prices, the lack of land legislation that protects the rights and interests of the local population, as well as low production costs, which so attract potential buyers. For example, back in 2009, one of the Ethiopian companies bought large areas of land in Africa at a price of less than 1.5 US dollars. However, soon the cost of land increased to approximately 7 US dollars. And this is at a time when in Brazil 1 hectare of land costs about 5-6 thousand US dollars.

Moreover, according to local land agents, you can even negotiate with some representatives of a particular tribe for a bottle of “fire water.”

Since 2009, research by the Auckland Institute estimates that the total area of ​​land bought or leased in Africa by foreign companies is more than 60 million hectares - far larger than the area of ​​individual countries. And if we take into account that the area of ​​land sold previously did not exceed 4 million hectares, then it becomes obvious that the rumors about a new stage in the “scramble for Africa” are reliable. But, if until the end of the twentieth century only European states, and later the United States, took part in this struggle, then at this stage this list looks much more impressive, and the states of the Asian region set the tone for the entire struggle.

Among the Middle East countries taking part in the division of the African land market, we can highlight Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Due to their specific geographical location, their agricultural areas are quite small. However, greater financial opportunities contribute to solving this problem beyond their borders. So, for example, the government of Saudi Arabia even made the purchase of foreign land part of the state program. Moreover, companies involved in the purchase of land are provided with all possible support, provided, of course, that a significant part of the harvest from them will be transported to Saudi Arabia.

A striking example of the benefits of buying cheap land is the activity of Sheikh Mohammed al-Amoudi, whose company has already bought or leased for a long period several thousand hectares of land on which rice, wheat, flowers and vegetables are grown. Over time, the company plans to increase the number of purchased lands.

And the results were not long in coming: already in the early spring of 2009, a magnificent celebration was organized in Riyadh to mark the harvest of the first wheat and rice harvest collected on Ethiopian plantations. The cost of this agricultural project is estimated at US$100 million.

Representatives of other countries in the Asian region are no less active in purchasing land. The most active is China, which continues to strengthen its position in Africa in all areas. Such a program also found support from the official authorities, and this is understandable. The fact is that about 20 percent of the total population of our planet lives in China, while there are only 7 percent of agricultural land suitable for growing agricultural products. Moreover, a significant part of them are in extremely poor condition due to excessive anthropogenic influence, and, as a result, they cannot produce enough crops for the country. That is why the policy of purchasing large quantities abroad land areas has become habitual. In the Congo alone, the PRC owns about 3 million hectares of land that were acquired for the production of palm oil. For a similar purpose, 2 million hectares were purchased in Zambia. And almost 1 million hectares were acquired for rice cultivation in Mozambique and Tanzania.

More than 100 agricultural companies in India are engaged in buying land, which over the past few years have bought several hundred thousand hectares in Kenya, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Senegal and other countries of the African continent. In these areas, rice, corn, sugar cane, lentils are mainly grown, as well as the fastest growing crop - flowers. The leading Indian company operating in Africa is Karaturi Global, which is also the world's largest rose growing company. This company owns about 1 million hectares of land in Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania.

Western companies are also not lagging behind. Their main activity is related to investment funds. Among them, companies from Sweden and Great Britain are most active. Swedish companies own 100 thousand hectares of land in Mozambique. They grow products intended for the production of biofuels. British companies own plantations in Tanzania for similar purposes.

The unprecedented activity in the purchase of African lands, which has been observed in the last three years, has already been called a new stage in the colonization of the Dark Continent. But representatives of companies involved in the purchase of African territories fundamentally disagree with such statements. They claim that with their multibillion-dollar financial investments they contribute to the development of Agriculture poorest continent. They create new enterprises and purchase the latest equipment, thus creating a large number of work places. Foreign investors are fully supported by the leaders of African states, noting that only those lands that are not used and are not owned by farmers are available for sale.

But in reality the situation looks a little different. So, for example, in Ethiopia alone, where representatives of Indian companies are active, about 300 thousand local people were resettled, and only 20 thousand of them were able to get work in new farms. And they are considered to be very lucky, since even the small money they receive as wages exceeds the average income in the country.

It is not surprising that residents of some states are trying to resist such large-scale purchases of land by foreigners, but no results have yet been observed.

In total, foreigners have already occupied about 50 million hectares of land in Africa, and by 2030 this figure will grow to 100 million hectares.

Considering the fact that the most common problem in local conflicts is the struggle for access to a source of water and a small plot of land that can feed oneself, it is scary to even imagine what a new redistribution of land in Africa could turn out to be. Analysts predict that the result could be food insecurity so severe that it would be worse than terrorism.

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….....3
1. Characteristics of African land resources……………………..……….4
2. Properties of land resources……………………………………….……...5
3. Distribution of African land resources……………………..……..…….5
4. Distribution of African land resources between countries of the world......6
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….……11
List of used literature and sources………….……………..…12

Lesson: Natural resource potential And general characteristics African economies

1. Minerals of Africa

Africa is exceptionally rich in mineral resources, although they are still poorly studied. Among other continents it ranks first in reserves of the following natural resources:

1. Manganese ore.

2. Khromitov.

3. Bauxite.

4. Gold.

5. Platinum.

6. Cobalt.

7. Almazov.

8. Phosphorites.

There are also great resources of oil, natural gas, graphite, and asbestos. Africa's share of the world mining industry– 1/4. Almost all extracted raw materials and fuel are exported from Africa to economically developed countries.

Rice. 1. Diamond mining in Africa (Source)

2. Land, agroclimatic, water, forest resources of Africa

Central Africa has large reserves of forest and water resources.

Rice. 2. Forests of Liberia (Source)

In addition, Africa's land resources are significant. There is more cultivated land per inhabitant than in South-East Asia or Latin America. In total, 20% of the land suitable for agriculture is cultivated. However, extensive farming and fast growth population has led to catastrophic soil erosion, which reduces crop yields. This, in turn, aggravates the problem of hunger, which is very relevant in Africa.

Rice. 3. Africa Desertification Map (Source)

Agroclimatic resources Africa is determined by the fact that it is the hottest continent and lies entirely within the average annual isotherm of +20 °C. But at the same time, the main factor determining the differences in climatic conditions, are precipitation. 30% of the territory – arid regions occupied by deserts, 30% - receive 200-600 mm of precipitation, but are subject to droughts; equatorial regions suffer from excess moisture. Therefore, on 2/3 of Africa, sustainable agriculture is possible only through reclamation work.

3. a brief description of African economies

After gaining independence, African countries began to make efforts to overcome centuries of backwardness. The restructuring of the sectoral and territorial structure of the economy began. The greatest successes along this path have been achieved in the mining industry, which now accounts for 1/4 of the world's production volume.

4. Colonial type of economy

Despite certain successes, most regions of Africa are still characterized by a colonial type of economy.

The main features of the colonial type of economy:

1. The predominance of small-scale agriculture.

2. Poor development of the manufacturing industry.

3. Significant backlog of transport.

4. Limitation of the non-productive sphere to trade and services only.

5. Monocultural specialization.

Africa exports bananas, coffee, tea, dates, citrus fruits and other agricultural products.

5. Mining industry. Mining areas

In total, there are seven main mining regions in Africa. Three of them are in North Africa and four are in sub-Saharan Africa.

Rice. 4. Map of Africa's mining regions (Source)

Mining areas in Africa:

1. The Atlas Mountains region is distinguished by reserves of iron, manganese, polymetallic ores, and phosphorites (the world's largest phosphorite belt).

2. The Egyptian mining region is rich in oil, natural gas, iron and titanium ores, phosphorites, etc.

3. The region of the Algerian and Libyan parts of the Sahara is distinguished by its largest oil and gas fields.

4. The Western Guinea region is characterized by a combination of gold, diamonds, iron ores, and graphites.

5. The East Guinea region is rich in oil, gas, and metal ores.

6. Zaire-Zambian region. On its territory there is a unique “Copper Belt” with deposits of high-quality copper ores, as well as cobalt, zinc, lead, cadmium, germanium, gold, and silver. Congo (formerly Zaire) is the world's main producer and exporter of cobalt.

7. The largest mining region in Africa is located within Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. Almost all types of fuel, ore and non-metallic minerals are mined here, with the exception of oil, gas and bauxite.

6. Regions of Africa

Africa is divided into 5 regions or 2 large regions (North Africa and Tropical Africa).

Rice. 5. Map of African regions (Source)

Each region differs in the composition and distribution of the population, natural and climatic conditions, resources, and economic specialization. Tropical Africa (Sub-Saharan Africa) is the least industrialized, least urbanized region of the world, and the most backward region of the world.

Rice. 6. Map of Tropical Africa (Source)

7. Monoculture

Monocultural specialization– narrow specialization of the country’s economy in the production of one, usually a raw material or food product, intended mainly for export.

Rice. 7. Monocultures of African countries (Source)

8. South Africa

Republic of South Africa. This country is in many ways economic development ranks first in Africa. South Africa accounts for the lion's share of Africa's GDP, manufacturing output and vehicle fleet. South Africa is distinguished by the development of the mining industry, the extraction of gold, diamonds, iron ores, etc.

9. Trans-African highways

Trans-African highways: Maghreb, which connects all the countries of North Africa from Morocco to Egypt (Rabat - Cairo) and runs along the Mediterranean coast; Trans-Saharan Railway Algiers (Algeria) – Lagos (Nigeria); Trans-African highway Lagos - Mombasa (Kenya), or the West - East highway, etc.

Homework

Topic 8, P. 1, 2

1. What resources is Africa richest in?

2. What is monoculture?

The African continent is richest different types natural resources. Some people believe that you can have a good rest here by going on a safari, while others believe that they make money from mineral and forest resources. Development of the mainland is carried out comprehensively, so all types of natural benefits are valued here.

Water resources

Despite the fact that a significant part of Africa is covered by deserts, many rivers flow here, the largest of which are the Nile and Orange River, Niger and Congo, Zambezi and Limpopo. Some of them flow in deserts and are fed only by rainwater. The most famous lakes of the continent are Victoria, Chad, Tanganyika and Nyasa. In general, the continent has small reserves of water resources and is poorly supplied with water, so it is in this part of the world that people die not only from numerous diseases, hunger, but also from dehydration. If a person finds himself in the desert without water supplies, he will most likely die. The exception would be if he was lucky enough to find an oasis.

Soil and forest resources

Land resources on the hottest continent are quite large. Of the total amount of soil available here, only a fifth is cultivated. This is due to the fact that a huge part is subject to desertification and erosion, so the land here is infertile. Many areas are occupied by tropical forests, so farming here is impossible.

In its turn, forested areas are of great value in Africa. The eastern and southern parts are covered with dry tropical forests, while wet ones cover the center and west of the mainland. What is worth noting is that the forest here is not valued and is cut down irrationally. In turn, this leads not only to forest and soil degradation, but also to the destruction of ecosystems and the emergence of environmental refugees, both among animals and people.

Minerals

A significant part of Africa's natural resources are minerals:

fuel - oil, natural gas, coal;

metals - gold, lead, cobalt, zinc, silver, iron and manganese ores;

non-metallic – talc, gypsum, limestone;

precious stones - diamonds, emeralds, alexandrites, pyropes, amethysts.

Thus, Africa is home to the world's vast wealth of natural resources. These include not only fossils, but also timber, as well as world-famous landscapes, rivers, waterfalls and lakes. The only thing that threatens the depletion of these benefits is anthropogenic influence.

Great economic opportunities, which are characterized by a variety of natural conditions, rich mineral reserves, and the presence of significant land, water, plant and other resources. Africa is characterized by a slight dissection of the relief, which facilitates economic activity - the development of agriculture, industry, and transport. Location of most of the continent in equatorial belt largely determined the presence of huge tracts of moist equatorial forests. Africa accounts for 10% of the world's forest area, which accounts for 17% of the world's wood supply, one of Africa's main exports. The largest desert in the world - the Sahara - contains huge reserves in its depths. fresh water, and large river systems are characterized by gigantic volumes of flow and energy resources. Africa is rich in minerals, which are resources for the development of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical industry. Thanks to new discoveries, Africa's share in the world's proven reserves of energy raw materials is increasing. Reserves of phosphorites, chromites, titanium, tantalum are greater than in any other country. Global significance have reserves of bauxite, copper, manganese, cobalt, uranium ores, diamonds, metals, gold, etc. The main areas of concentration of mineral resources potential are: the “copper belt” of Africa, which stretches from the Katanga region to the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Zambia to East Africa (deposits of copper, uranium, cobalt, platinum, gold, manganese); Guinean part West Africa(stores of bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, oil); zone of the Atlas Mountains and the coast of North-West Africa (cobalt, molybdenum, lead, zinc, iron ore, mercury, phosphorites); North Africa (oil, gas of the coast and shelf of the Mediterranean Sea).

The regions of Africa differ greatly in their natural characteristics: moisture supply, soil types, and vegetation cover. There is one element in common - a large amount of warmth. Significant areas of deserts and equatorial forests are unfavorable for agriculture. In deserts, agriculture is possible only if there are sources of water, around which oases are formed. In the equatorial forests, the farmer fights against lush vegetation, and when it is reduced, against erosion and excessive solar radiation, which negatively affects the condition of soils. Best conditions for farming in the highlands and savannas with favorable wet seasons. Most soils have low natural fertility. 3/4 of the continent's territory is covered with red and red-brown soils, the thin layer of which is poor in organic matter, is quite easily depleted and destroyed. Red soils and yellow soils in the subtropics and alluvial soils in other zones are relatively fertile.