Theory question 114
Geography of AfricaGive reasons for each of any three of the following: (a) the importance of fruit farming in the Mediterranean lands (b) the predominance of lumbering in the Zaire basin (c) the declining importance of bush fallowing in West Africa (d) the importance of plantation agriculture in East Africa.
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Any three:
(a) Mediterranean climate (hot dry sunny summers, mild wet winters) suits citrus, grapes, olives, figs; irrigation from rivers and wells; fertile valley soils; nearness to European markets; long tradition and skilled farmers; processing (wine, canning, olive oil)
(b) Vast equatorial forest with valuable hardwoods; River Zaire and tributaries to float logs; port facilities (Matadi, Boma); demand at home and abroad; few alternative economic activities; foreign capital
(c) Rapid population growth leaves no land for long fallows; land-use and tenure changes; permanent cash-crop farms; fertilisers allow continuous cropping; urbanisation and new roads take land; government encouragement of modern farming
(d) Cool, wet highland climate and fertile volcanic soils for tea, coffee, sisal, pyrethrum; capital and expertise of settlers and companies; export earnings; employment; railways to ports (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam)
Give reasons, not descriptions.