(a) Draw a sketch map of Africa. On the map, locate and name two areas important for lumbering (b) Outline four factors that promote lumbering in Africa (c)...

(a) Sketch map of Africa showing two important lumbering areas

(b) Factors that promote lumbering in Africa

1. Availability of extensive forest reserves: Equatorial Africa and parts of West Africa have large stands of valuable hardwood trees such as mahogany, ebony and iroko.
2. Favourable hot and wet climate: High temperatures and heavy, reliable rainfall encourage rapid growth of dense tropical forests.
3. Fertile soils: In suitable forest areas, soils support the growth and regeneration of trees.
4. High demand for timber: Timber is needed locally and abroad for building, furniture, paper, plywood and other wood products.
5. Improved transport: Roads, railways, rivers and ports help to move logs from forest areas to sawmills, markets and exporting ports.
6. Establishment of sawmills and wood-processing industries: These provide facilities for converting logs into usable timber and wood products.

(c) Benefits of lumbering in Africa

1. It provides employment for tree fellers, machine operators, sawmill workers, transporters and traders.
2. It earns foreign exchange through the export of logs, sawn timber, plywood and other forest products.
3. It provides revenue to governments through taxes, licences, royalties and export duties.
4. It supplies raw materials for furniture, paper, plywood, carving and other industries.
5. It provides timber for building and construction works.