(a) Give any three reasons why irrigation agriculture is more important in the Nile Basin than in the Niger Basin (b)(i) Outline four other uses of the Rive...

Answer Details

(a) Why irrigation agriculture is more important in the Nile Basin than in the Niger Basin

1. Aridity of the surrounding land: the Nile flows through the Sahara and Egyptian desert where rainfall is almost nil, so crops depend entirely on irrigation, whereas the lower Niger Basin has enough rainfall for rain-fed farming.
2. Regular, predictable flood and flow: the Nile has a steady regime fed by equatorial and Ethiopian sources, and dams such as the Aswan give a controlled year-round water supply for irrigation.
3. Dense population and long history of irrigation: the Nile valley has ancient, well-developed irrigation systems and canals supporting a large farming population that has always relied on the river.

(b)(i) Other uses of the River Nile

1. Generation of hydro-electric power (Aswan High Dam).
2. Inland water transport and trade.
3. Fishing for food and income.
4. Domestic and industrial water supply, and tourism.

(b)(ii) Characteristics of the river which limit its usefulness

1. Cataracts and rapids interrupt navigation along parts of its course.
2. Seasonal variation in flow with periods of low water.
3. Heavy silting and sedimentation that clogs canals and reservoirs.
4. Evaporation losses and swampy sections (the Sudd) that waste water and hinder movement.