Theory question 109
Geography of Africa(a) Draw a sketch map of Africa. On the map, locate and name two areas important for lumbering. (b) Outline four factors that promote lumbering in Africa. (c) Highlight three benefits of lumbering in Africa.
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(a) Congo Basin (DR Congo, Congo, Gabon, Cameroon); Guinea coast forests (Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, southern Nigeria); East African highlands forests.
(b) Large areas of tropical forest with valuable hardwoods (mahogany, obeche, iroko, sapele, ebony); demand in Europe and local markets; rivers for floating logs; cheap labour; modern machinery (power saws, tractors); roads and railways to ports; government support and concessions; capital investment.
(c) Foreign exchange from timber exports; employment; raw materials for sawmills, plywood, furniture, paper industries; revenue to government; opening up of forest areas by roads; fuelwood and building materials.
Name hardwood species and the rivers/ports used to export them.