How did geography both help and hinder the peoples of Africa?

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_the_physical_geography_of_Africa_affect_the_people_that_live_there

There are books on this.

Think about the Desert.
Think about the Cape of Good Hope
Think about the Congo River
Think about Horn of Africa
Think about the effect of the Nile river

What did these to civilizations?

Geography played a significant role in shaping the opportunities and challenges for the people of Africa. Let's explore how geography both helped and hindered them:

1. Natural Resources: When it comes to assistance, Africa is known for its abundance of natural resources. These resources, such as oil, diamonds, gold, and fertile lands, have provided economic opportunities for many African nations. Rich mineral deposits have allowed some countries to prosper and develop their economies.

2. Biodiversity: Africa is home to diverse and unique wildlife, including the iconic African elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos. This biodiversity has the potential to attract tourism, fostering economic growth and providing employment opportunities for local communities.

3. Agricultural Potential: Africa's varied climate and fertile soils offer excellent agricultural potential. Regions like the Nile Valley, the Great Rift Valley, and the Sahel have been conducive to farming. These areas have supported the development of ancient civilizations and sustained farming communities throughout history.

On the other hand, geography has also presented challenges for the people of Africa:

1. Disease and Climate: Certain geographical features, such as tropical rainforests and wetlands, provide ideal conditions for the spread of diseases like malaria, Ebola, and yellow fever. Additionally, arid and semi-arid regions like the Sahel are prone to droughts, leading to challenges for agriculture and food security.

2. Inaccessible Terrain: Africa's vast size and diverse terrain, including dense forests, mountain ranges, and deserts, have sometimes hindered communication and transportation. This has made it challenging for people to travel, trade, and access markets, limiting economic growth and development.

3. Colonization and Borders: European colonization in Africa led to the drawing of arbitrary borders, often disregarding the cultural and ethnic landscapes. This has resulted in conflicts and political instability, as people from different tribes and ethnic groups were forced to live within the same borders, leading to tensions and sometimes violence.

To understand how geography specifically impacted different African regions or countries, it would be necessary to explore the unique geographical characteristics of each area and their historical context.