(a) On an outline map of Africa, locate and name: (ii) the Rivers Nile, Volta and Niger (ii) one inland and one coal delta (iii) the Akosombo Dam (b) Descri...

Answer Details

(a) Map of Africa

On an outline map of Africa, locate and name:

• (i) Rivers: the Nile (north-east, flowing to the Mediterranean), the Volta (Ghana, flowing to the Gulf of Guinea) and the Niger (West Africa, flowing to the Gulf of Guinea).
• (ii) Deltas: an inland delta - the inland Niger delta in Mali; and a coastal delta - the Nile delta (or the Niger delta).
• (iii) The Akosombo Dam on the River Volta in Ghana.

(A neat labelled sketch map is required.)

(b) Uses of the Akosombo Dam

1. Generation of hydro-electric power for Ghana and neighbouring countries (and for the Volta aluminium smelter).
2. Creation of Lake Volta, used for inland water transport.
3. Irrigation of farmland and provision of water supply.
4. Fishing on Lake Volta, and tourism/recreation.

(c) Problems facing hydro-electric power generation in Africa

1. Seasonal variation in river flow reduces output in the dry season.
2. Shortage of capital to build and maintain large dams.
3. Silting of reservoirs, high cost of transmission, and low demand in some areas.