Theory question 115
Geography of Africa(a) Name four irrigation schemes within the Nile Basin(two in Egypt and two in Sudan) (b) Select any one of the schemes and describe the factors which have favoured its development (c) Outline the countributions of the scheme in (b) above to the economic development of the area (c) Highlight any three problems associated with irrigation schemes in the Nile Valley
Show the model answer
(a) Egypt: Aswan High Dam scheme, the Nile Delta perennial canals, Kom Ombo, Wadi Halfa/New Valley. Sudan: Gezira, Managil extension, Khashm el Girba, Kenana.
(b) e.g. Gezira: flat clay plain between the Blue and White Niles; gentle slope allowing gravity flow from the Sennar Dam; impervious clay soils holding water; low unreliable rainfall making irrigation necessary; hot climate suited to cotton; government and capital support; cheap labour; rail links to Port Sudan.
(c) Cotton for export and foreign exchange; food crops (wheat, sorghum, groundnuts); employment and settlement; government revenue; growth of industries (ginneries) and towns.
(d) Silting of reservoirs and canals; salinisation of soils; water-borne diseases such as bilharzia; high cost of maintenance; resettlement of displaced people; disputes over Nile water.
The question prints (c) twice; the last part is about problems.