Theory question 103
Transport, Trade and Tourism(a) State three differences between rail and water transport (b) In what four ways can transportation influence economic development in any named country in West Africa? (c) Outline three problems of rail transport development in developing countries.
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(a) Rail runs on fixed tracks over land; water uses seas, rivers and lakes. Rail is faster; water is slower. Water is cheaper for very bulky goods over long distances; rail costs more to build and run. Rail can reach inland where there are no navigable waterways.
(b) e.g. Nigeria: carries export crops and minerals to ports; distributes manufactured goods; opens up remote areas; creates jobs; growth of towns along routes; promotes trade and national unity; tourism.
(c) High cost of construction and maintenance; old narrow-gauge single tracks; shortage of engines, coaches and spare parts; poor management; competition from roads; difficult terrain; vandalism.
Name one West African country for part (b).