Theory question 107
Agriculture, Fishing and Lumbering(a) Explain three conditions that favour fruit farming in the Mediterranean Regions of Africa. (b) Outline four problems facing fruit farming in the Mediterranean Regions of Africa. (c) Highlight three ways in which fruit farming is of economic importance to the Mediterranean Regions.
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(a) Hot sunny dry summers ripen and sweeten fruits; mild wet winters supply moisture; fertile soils in valleys and coastal plains; irrigation water from rivers and wells; nearness to European markets and good ports; skilled labour and research; cheap labour.
(b) Summer drought requiring costly irrigation; pests and diseases; hilly terrain and soil erosion; shortage of capital; poor storage and processing facilities; competition in world markets and price changes; frost in some winters.
(c) Foreign exchange from exports (citrus, grapes, olives, dates); employment; raw materials for canning, wine and olive oil industries; income for farmers; government revenue; food supply.
Link each condition to the Mediterranean climate.