West Africa extends from the Atlantic coast south of the Sahara, eastward to the continent’s interior, or area away from the coast. Semiarid steppes, or grasslands, cover West Africa. The grasslands between the Sahara Desert and savannas, or rolling grasslands with few trees, is the Sahel. The Sahel runs through the middle of West Africa. The area has a short rainy season and is very dry.

Question

The growing population in West Africa has increased the need for more crops and West Africans have had to cut down forests to create more crop land. This practice has caused soil to erode, or wash away, because of overuse. These conditions, along with climate change, add to desertification, an ongoing problem in sub-Saharan Africa.
Highlands, or high mountainous lands, are also found in the region. These areas include sandstone plateaus and rocky canyons.

Imagine that you have just moved into the region of West Africa and are in need of a place to settle and work. Fishing is what you do best.

What would you do? (HIGHLIGHT ONE)
(a) Settle in the highlands of West Africa
(b) Settle in the Sahel
(c) Settle near or on the Atlantic coast.

Why? Explain your thinking in 2-3 sentences.

Answer 1

(c) Settle near or on the Atlantic coast.

I would choose to settle near or on the Atlantic coast because the coastal areas provide access to abundant fishing resources, which aligns perfectly with my skills. Additionally, the coast offers a more favorable climate for fishing compared to the arid conditions of the Sahel and the highlands, making it a viable location for sustaining my livelihood.