Materials

• Pictures, slides, and/or videos that illustrate various aspects of the economy of Sub-Saharan Africa

Instructional Activities

1. Review the content from the previous session.
   
   
2. Review with students the factors that contribute to a region’s or nation’s economy. Guide discussion by reminding them of natural resources and land use.
   
   
3. Provide pictures, slides, and/or videos of the economic characteristics of Sub-Saharan Africa listed below, and explain and discuss the significance/impact of each on the economy of the region. Allow time for students to research the questions listed and to report on their findings to the class.
   • Large percentage of population engaged in agriculture (primary activity). What crops are grown?
   • Subsistence agriculture. What products do subsistence farmers grow?
   • Nomadic herding. What animals are indigenous?
   • Slash and burn agriculture
   • Plantation agriculture. What products are grown on these plantations?
   • Cash crops and food crops. What crops are grown for sale?
   • Poorly developed infrastructure
   • Large number of landlocked states
   • Substantial mineral wealth (diamonds, gold, alloys)
   • Major exporters of raw materials. What materials are exported from what countries?
   • Wide range of per capita income
   • Productivity lags behind population growth
   • Desertification
   • Democracy slow to evolve
   • Impact of AIDS
   
   
4. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.