Investigation Choices

Below is a list of topics for research. You may choose any of these options as well as expand on the information we learned in class. If there is a topic that you are interested in that is not on the list, ask your teachers for permission.

If you pick a problem Africa is having try to research an organization trying to solve the problem to include in your research…answer the so what is being done?

Physical Geography: (Environment OR Travel)

  • Water Distribution/Access to Clean Water in Egypt, Ethiopia, Congo, Nigeria, Kenya
  • Deforestation of the rain forest in Africa
  • Desertification of the Sahel or Sahara
  • Rapid population growth in Africa (Nigeria, South Africa)
  • Focus on travelling to a particular country of interest or landmark
  • Preserving natural resources
  • Ghost mines of South Africa
  • Oil
  • Rhino population
  • Energy expansion in Africa
  • Acacia Project
  • Jane GoodallInstitue
  • Preservation groups

Human Geography: (People)

  • Religious Groups (Muslim, Christian, Traditional)
  • Ethnic Groups (Ashanti, Bantu, Swahili, Maasai)
  • South Sudan troops
  • African Diaspora
  • Folklore
  • Traditional clothes of Ethiopia
  • Traditional games
  • African cuisine
  • Slave trade West Africa
  • The San Bushmen
  • Film industry
  • Music
  • African art
  • Zulu
  • Ancient civilizations of Africa
  • Rugby in South Africa
  • Human rights issues

Economics: (Business)

  • Resources (Imports, Exports, Diamonds, Gold, Oil)
  • Job Opportunities
  • Economic boom in Africa (2nd largest growth in world)
  • China’s growth/interest in Africa
  • Africa’s economic big shots
  • Mining strike in South Africa
  • Child labor

Government: (Politics)

  • Government Type/structure of a specific country
  • Country Leaders of a specific country
  • Elections
  • Government stability
  • Access to education and schools
  • Combating AIDS and famine or other diseases causing harm

History: (This Day in History)

  • European Partitioning (scramble for Africa
  • Apartheid
  • Independence Movements in Nigeria, Sudan, Kenya, South Africa
  • Nelson Mandela
  • F.W. de Klerk
  • South Sudan
  • Pan Africanism
  • post colonialism

Considering finding a different topic? Consider internet surfing first to narrow down a topic in these categories:

  • Political situations. Africa has a rich history of political ups and downs, and addressing one of their contemporary political issues may be a smart way to go. Study up on some of the political happenings in contemporary Africa. Address what they might mean for the future, or what they might reflect of the current social climate.
  • Cultural changes. There are hundreds, if not thousands of different cultures within Africa, and every one of them has transferred into the current time. How do cultural norms and viewpoints affect Africa’s peoples, actions and attitudes towards the outside world (as well as each other)? How have cultures changes in light of outside influences?
  • Financial and business issues. Many raw goods consumed worldwide come from African soil, and this offers up many areas of study for a research paper. How do certain industries affect the people or countries of Africa? What is the financial status of Africa, and why?
  • Religion. A land diverse in culture, Africa is also a land diverse in religion. In fact, religious belief has fueled many political overturns, wars and other conflicts all over the African continent. Religion is a force of division and union in the African continent, so try examining it’s affect on social and political relations.
  • Race relations. While many people may consider race relations to be more specific to South Africa, race relations – whether they regard Europeans, Africans, or peoples of Asian or Middle-Eastern decent – are taut and explosive. Exploring race relations on the African continent is an intriguing, if volatile research paper topic.
  • Poverty and health. Many areas of Africa have long struggled with poverty issues, as well as healthcare concerns. Examining the healthcare status of contemporary Africa can lead students to write on the reasons for current healthcare and poverty issues, its effect on the population, and any possible solutions