Theory question 112
Geography of Africa(a) Describe any five distinguishing features of plantation agriculture in East Africa
(b) Identify five factors which have favoured the practice of plantation agriculture in East Africa
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(a) Large estates; one main cash crop (tea, coffee, sisal, sugar cane, pyrethrum); large capital, often owned by companies or government; many hired workers; scientific methods – fertilisers, selected seedlings, spraying; processing on the estate (tea factories, sisal decorticators); produce mainly for export; good roads and housing on the estate
(b) Cool, wet highland climate (Kenya highlands, Usambara, Mt Kilimanjaro slopes); fertile volcanic soils; availability of land (alienated to settlers); cheap labour; capital and skills from Europeans and companies; railways to ports (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Tanga); world demand for the crops; government support
Distinguish plantations from peasant farms.