(a) Explain four factors which are responsible for the sparse population of the West Coast of South Africa. (b) Highlight three disadvantages of the low pop...

Answer Details

(a) Four factors responsible for the sparse population of the West Coast of South Africa:

• Aridity and low rainfall: the west coast (Namib and Karoo margins) is desert to semi-desert, cooled by the cold Benguela current, giving very low, unreliable rainfall that discourages settlement.
• Poor, infertile soils: the dry, sandy and rocky desert soils cannot support arable farming, so few people can make a living from the land.
• Scarcity of surface water: the shortage of rivers and fresh water limits domestic supply, farming and industry.
• Sparse vegetation and limited economic opportunity: the thin scrub vegetation supports little grazing, and the lack of industries and job opportunities gives people little reason to settle. (Rugged, harsh terrain in places is also acceptable.)

(b) Three disadvantages of the low population density:

• Shortage of labour for developing farms, mines and industries.
• Small local market, which discourages investment and the growth of industries and services.
• Under-utilisation of resources and high cost of providing infrastructure (roads, water, electricity) to a scattered population.

(c) Three ways population can be increased:

• Provide water through boreholes, dams and irrigation schemes to support farming and settlement.
• Develop industries and create jobs, and exploit mineral and fishing resources to attract migrants.
• Improve infrastructure and social amenities (roads, housing, schools, hospitals, electricity) to make the area more attractive to settlers.