WAEC Geography 1988 Theory question 115

Theory question 115

Geography of Africa

Write explanatory notes on lumbering in Zaire under the following headings (a) areas (b) factors (c) importance (d) problems (e) possible solutions

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a) Equatorial forest of the Zaire (Congo) basin – Equateur, Haut-Zaire and Bandundu areas, Mayombe forest near the coast
(b) Large areas of dense forest with valuable hardwoods; River Zaire and tributaries to float logs; market at home and abroad; port at Matadi/Boma; labour; foreign capital
(c) Foreign exchange from timber export; employment; raw materials for sawmills, plywood and furniture; fuel wood; revenue for government
(d) Trees of one species scattered; thick undergrowth and swampy ground; buttresses and very hard wood; rapids and falls on rivers; poor roads; heavy rainfall and diseases; deforestation without replanting
(e) Afforestation and regeneration; taungya system; selective felling; better roads and haulage equipment; plantations of economic trees

Explanation

Under each heading give two or three clear points.