Give reasons for each of any three of the following: (a) the importance of fruit farming in the Mediterranean lands (b) the predominance of lumbering in the...

Reasons for any three of the following:

(a) Importance of fruit farming in the Mediterranean lands

• The hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters suit citrus, grapes, olives and figs.
• Long hours of bright sunshine ripen and sweeten the fruits.
• Deep-rooted fruit trees can reach underground water during the dry summer.
• Nearby industrial markets in Europe and good transport encourage commercial fruit growing.

(b) Predominance of lumbering in the Zaire basin

• The basin has a vast tropical rain forest with valuable hardwood trees (mahogany, ebony).
• Hot, wet equatorial climate gives continuous tree growth and quick regeneration.
• The many navigable rivers (Zaire and tributaries) provide cheap transport of logs.
• Low population and little farming leave the forest largely intact for exploitation.

(c) Declining importance of bush fallowing in West Africa

• Rapid population growth has increased pressure on land, so there is no longer enough land to leave fallow.
• Fallow periods have shortened, reducing soil recovery, so farmers turn to fertilisers and permanent cultivation.
• Introduction of modern farming (irrigation, mechanisation, cash crops) replaces the old shifting system.
• Urbanisation and land shortage make continuous cultivation necessary.

(d) Importance of plantation agriculture in East Africa

• The cool, fertile highlands with reliable rainfall suit cash crops such as tea, coffee and sisal.
• Large estates and available capital (partly from former colonial settlers) support big plantations.
• Cheap and abundant labour is available.
• Good demand and export outlets earn valuable foreign exchange.