Question

in sub-saharan africa, which of the following best describes the relationship between poor soil and deforestation? (1 point)
poor soil quality is a result of deforestation, as the removal of trees leads to increased erosion and nutrient loss, negatively impacting agricultural productivity.
deforestation is primarily driven by the need for land to expand agriculture in response to poor soil quality, as it necessitates the constant clearing of new areas for farming.
poor soil quality and deforestation are unrelated.
none of the above.

Explanation:

To determine the correct option, we analyze the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub - Saharan Africa:

1. Analyze Option 1: This option says poor soil is a result of deforestation. While deforestation can lead to poor soil (due to erosion and nutrient loss), in Sub - Saharan Africa, the more common driver is that poor soil (low fertility, quickly depleted) makes farmers clear more forested areas to get new land for farming (since the old farmland becomes unproductive). So this option has the cause - effect reversed.
2. Analyze Option 2: In Sub - Saharan Africa, the soil is often of poor quality (low in nutrients, easily exhausted). To grow enough crops, farmers need to clear more land (deforestation) as the existing farmland becomes unproductive. This option correctly describes that deforestation is driven by the need for new land due to poor soil quality (needing to expand agriculture by clearing new areas).
3. Analyze Option 3: Poor soil and deforestation are related, so this is incorrect.
4. Analyze Option 4: Since Option 2 is correct, this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Deforestation is primarily driven by the need for land to expand agriculture in response to poor soil quality, as it necessitates the constant clearing of new areas for farming.