UNIT SIX

HUMAN – NATURAL ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS

INTRODUCTION

 Humans rely on the natural environment for essential resources such as food, water,
and shelter.
 However, the growing global population, now exceeding 7 billion, is putting immense
pressure on these resources.
 Africa, with its rapid population growth and economic challenges, faces even greater
difficulties.
 To ensure sustainability, humans must use resources wisely while adapting and
modifying their environment for survival.
 Indigenous knowledge and traditional African practices play a crucial role in
conserving natural resources.
 Sustainable and fair solutions are necessary to balance human needs with
environmental protection for future generations.

Unit Outcomes After completing this unit, you will be able to:
• analyze why human beings depend on environment;
• explain how human beings modify the natural environment;
• identify humans’ adaptation strategies to environmental changes; and
• elaborate the significance of indigenous knowledge and practices of African people in
natural resources conservation

Human-Environment Relationship

The human-environment relationship refers to the interaction between humans and their
surroundings. Humans depend on, modify, and adapt to their environment to meet their needs.
This relationship is dynamic and varies over time due to technological advancements and
modernization.

Theories Explaining Human-Environment Interaction

1. Environmental Determinism
 Suggests that the physical environment shapes human culture and activities.
 Commonly accepted in the 19th century, especially by Europeans.
 Believes that economic growth and human activities are controlled by natural
conditions.
 Rejected in the 1950s as it overlooked human innovation and adaptation.

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2. Environmental Possibilism
 Opposes determinism, stating that humans can adapt to different environmental
conditions.
 Recognizes that people have choices and can overcome environmental limitations
through technology.
 The influence of the environment declines with modernization and technological
advancements.

Types of Human-Environment Interactions

1. Dependence – Humans rely on natural resources for survival (e.g., water, food, and air).
2. Modification – Humans alter their environment to suit their needs (e.g., constructing dams,
deforestation, and urbanization).
3. Adaptation – Humans adjust to environmental changes (e.g., wearing warm clothes in cold
climates or using irrigation in dry areas).

Significance of Human-Environment Interaction

 Helps in understanding how human activities impact nature.

 Guides sustainable development and resource management.
 Encourages technological innovation for better adaptation.

Dependence on the Environment

All living things, including humans, rely on the environment for survival. Humans depend on the
environment for essential resources such as food, water, shelter, and clothing.

Key Aspects of Human Dependence on the Environment

1. Food – The environment provides food in the form of plants and animals, which are
essential for survival.
2. Water – Necessary for drinking, washing, irrigation, and power generation, water is
available through rain, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
3. Shelter – Natural resources like sand, stones, and trees are used in constructing houses.
4. Clothing – Materials like cotton and silk come from the environment and are used for
making clothes.

Economic Importance of the Environment

 Direct Contributions: Provides raw materials such as timber, water, and minerals for
industries.
 Indirect Contributions: Supports ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, water
purification, and flood control.

Sustainability and Future Considerations

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The environment is essential for both present and future generations. Sustainable use of
resources is necessary to maintain economic growth and protect ecosystems

Modification and Adaptation to the Environment

Modification of the Environment

Humans modify their environment in both positive and negative ways to meet their needs.

Examples of Human Modifications:

 Deforestation – Cutting forests to create farmland.

 Dam Construction – Storing water for electricity, irrigation, and flood control.
 Resource Extraction – Drilling for oil and mining for minerals.

Negative Impacts of Human Modifications:

 Overpopulation, pollution, deforestation, and fossil fuel burning contribute to climate

change, soil erosion, and poor air quality.
 Natural disasters (e.g., floods, droughts, earthquakes) can also negatively impact human life,
leading to migration and loss of life.

Positive Human Impacts:

 Afforestation & Conservation – Improving air quality, reducing carbon dioxide, and
protecting endangered species.

Adaptation to the Environment

Adaptation is the process of adjusting to environmental changes to improve survival.

Adaptation Strategies:

 Reducing vulnerability (e.g., adapting to climate change).

 Building adaptive capacity by preparing communities.
 Implementing technological solutions for better survival.
 Sustainable development to ensure long-term survival.

Types of Adaptations to Environmental Changes

1. Autonomous Adaptation (Spontaneous Adaptation):

Happens naturally, without a planned response.
Triggered by ecological changes (e.g., shifting agricultural patterns due to climate change)
or market changes (e.g., switching to alternative energy sources due to high fossil fuel
prices).

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2. Planned Adaptation:
A deliberate decision to address changing environmental conditions.
Based on policies or strategies designed to prevent risks or ensure sustainability.
Example: Governments implementing flood control systems in flood-prone areas.

Can Humans Modify Every Environment?

While humans can alter many environments, some conditions are beyond modification. In such
cases, adaptation is the only option.

Examples of Human Adaptations to Unchangeable Environments:

 Using natural slopes for irrigation instead of altering landscapes.

 Building houses on higher ground to prevent flood damage.
 Wearing light clothing in hot climates to stay cool.
 Wearing heavy clothing in cold climates for warmth.

Humans modify their surroundings to an extent, but when faced with unchangeable
environmental challenges, adaptation ensures survival.

Indigenous Knowledge in Conservation of Natural Resources in Africa

Understanding Indigenous Knowledge

Indigenous knowledge refers to the traditional wisdom, practices, and beliefs passed down
through generations among local communities. It plays a crucial role in natural resource
conservation, ensuring sustainable interaction with the environment.

The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Conservation

African communities have long used traditional conservation practices to manage and protect
biodiversity and biological resources. This includes:

1. Sustainable Use of Plants for Medicine

 Many rural African communities rely on herbal medicine due to its affordability and
accessibility.
 Traditional healers have deep knowledge of medicinal plants and their conservation to
prevent overharvesting.
2. Sacred Natural Sites and Cultural Conservation Practices
 Many communities protect sacred places, such as forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes, as
they are believed to have spiritual significance.
 Example: The Teso community in Busia County, Kenya, protects sacred lands and water
bodies, preventing exploitation and degradation.
3. Traditional Agricultural Practices
 Crop rotation and intercropping prevent soil depletion.

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 Agroforestry (planting trees alongside crops) helps in water conservation and soil
protection.
 Livestock management practices regulate grazing to prevent overgrazing and
desertification.
4. Wildlife Conservation through Taboos and Totems
 Many African communities associate animals with ancestral spirits, preventing hunting or
harming specific species.
 Example: In Ghana, the Akan people have totem animals that symbolize clans and are never
killed or eaten.
5. Water Resource Conservation
 Sacred water bodies are often protected from pollution.
 Traditional irrigation techniques, such as terracing, help prevent water wastage.

Case Study: Protection of Sacred Places in Kenya

In Busia County, Kenya, the Teso community has successfully used indigenous knowledge to
protect sacred lands, forests, and water bodies. This practice has:

 Reduced deforestation
 Protected water resources
 Preserved biodiversity

Balancing Human-Environment Interaction

While human interaction with the environment is inevitable, sustainable practices are necessary
to prevent environmental degradation. Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in:
✅ Sustainable resource use
✅ Biodiversity conservation
✅ Environmental restoration