Theory question 112
West Africa and ECOWAS(a) On an outline map of West Africa, mark and name the; (i) Kossou dam; (ii) Kainji dam (iii) Akosombo dam, (iv) river on which each dam is located
(b) Highlight three ways in which climate affects dams in west Africa
(c) State three advantages and three disadvantages of dams to West Africa.
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(a) Kossou on the Bandama (Côte d'Ivoire); Kainji on the Niger (Nigeria); Akosombo on the Volta (Ghana)
(b) Seasonal rainfall gives low water and reduced power in the dry season; droughts lower reservoir levels; high temperatures cause heavy evaporation; heavy storms cause floods and silting from eroded catchments; harmattan dust
(c) Advantages: hydro-electric power; irrigation; fishing in lakes; flood control; water supply; lake transport; tourism
Disadvantages: flooding of farmland and villages, resettlement of people; water-borne diseases (bilharzia, river blindness); silting; high cost; loss of fertile flood deposits downstream
Name the correct river for each dam.