Explain how colonialism had a negative impact on the natural and cultural heritage of Africa?

Question

also provide steps that can be taken to protect africas natural and cultural heritage against extiction

Answer 1

Are you writing your thesis?

Sub-Saharan Africa never had a chance to develop organically due to Colonialism.  As a result, everything from technology, religion, language, adminstration, and economics changed.  Because Africa was colonized for its resources (slaves and raw materials), there was a disincentive to raise anything but cash crops and to hunt wild animals nearly to extinction to satisfy Europe's apetite for pelts and horns.  

On the other hand, tribal warfare effectively balkanized Africa, making it easy pickings for the Europeans, in a very similar manner to the colonization of the Americas.  We can't say that the infighting among Africans wouldn't have continued even without Colonialism.  Without a unifying religious or cultural ideal, Africa may be destined to remain balkanized.  

It is sad to say, but frankly, without its wildlife, the antiquities of Egypt, a small amount of oil in West Africa, and the diamonds of South Africa, Africa has little to offer the rest of the world.  It is not a market for finished goods, is not a reliable source of labor, and has no remaining unexploited resources.  I fear that it will remain a backward, disease-ridden, genocidal continent.