Theory question 115
Geography of Africa(a) Describe any four factors which have favoured the development of plantation agriculture in East Africa (b) State any four ways in which plantation agriculture is important to the economy of the region (c) Outline any four problems facing this system of agriculture in the region
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(a) Fertile volcanic soils; cool highland climate with good rainfall; large areas of land; cheap labour; capital and skills from European settlers/companies; railway and ports (Mombasa); world demand.
(b) Foreign exchange from tea, coffee, sisal; employment; raw materials for industry; government revenue; development of infrastructure; settlement growth.
(c) Pests and diseases; fluctuating world prices; labour shortages and disputes; soil exhaustion; poor transport in some areas; foreign ownership and land disputes.
Examples: tea in Kericho, coffee in Kenyan Highlands, sisal in Tanzania.