Theory question 111
West Africa and ECOWAS(a) Outline any five factors responsible for the low density of population in some parts of West Africa
(b) In what four ways can low population density be an advantage?
Show the model answer
(a) Desert and semi-desert climate with low, unreliable rainfall (Sahara, Sahel); poor infertile soils; tsetse fly and other diseases (sleeping sickness, river blindness); history of slave raids and wars (middle belt of Nigeria); thick forest or swamps; rugged highlands; lack of minerals, industries and amenities; poor communications
(b) Plenty of land for farming, grazing and future projects; less pressure on resources and environment, so land can recover; easier and cheaper land acquisition for development schemes and resettlement; less congestion, pollution and crime; wildlife and game reserves can be kept
Name real sparsely populated areas.