(a) On a map of Africa, locate and name: (i) three rivers on which hydro-electric power is generated (ii) the hydroelectric power station on each river (b) ...

Answer Details

(a) Map of Africa showing rivers and hydro-electric power stations

A drawn map of Africa is required, locating and naming three rivers used for HEP and the power station on each:

(Other acceptable examples: River Niger with Kainji, and the Congo with Inga.)

(b) Three factors that favour the generation of hydro-electric power in Africa

1. Presence of large, permanent rivers with a steady, regular flow of water throughout the year (fed by heavy equatorial and tropical rainfall).
2. Suitable relief: waterfalls, rapids, gorges and steep gradients (for example where rivers cross plateau edges) that give a strong head of water and good dam sites.
3. Hard, impermeable rock in narrow valleys that provide firm, watertight foundations for building high dams and reservoirs.

(Also: availability of capital/investment and nearby demand for power.)

(c) Importance of hydro-electric power projects to Tropical African countries

• They supply cheap, reliable electricity for homes, industries and towns, promoting industrialization.
• The reservoirs provide water for irrigation, expanding agriculture, and for domestic and industrial water supply and fishing.
• They help in flood control and improve navigation on the rivers.
• They create employment, encourage the growth of towns, and reduce dependence on imported fuels, saving foreign exchange, while lakes formed attract tourism/recreation.