(a) Draw an outline map of Africa and on it, locate the (i) rivers Zambesi, Nile and Zaire (ii) mounts Cameroun, Drakensberg and Tibesti (iii) EastAfrican R...

(a) Outline map of Africa showing the required features

Key: rivers are shown by blue lines; mountain/highland locations by black triangles; the East African Rift Valley by a broken red line.

(b) Effects of mountains on the climate of Africa

1. They lower temperature. Temperature decreases with altitude; consequently, highlands are cooler than the surrounding lowlands. For example, the East African Highlands have relatively cool conditions despite their low latitude near the Equator.
2. They cause heavy relief rainfall on windward slopes. Moist winds are forced to rise over mountain barriers, cool as they rise and condense to give rain. For example, the eastern, windward side of the Drakensberg receives heavy rainfall.
3. They produce rain-shadow conditions on leeward slopes. Air descending the leeward side becomes warmer and drier after losing much of its moisture on the windward slope. Thus, the leeward side receives scanty rainfall.

(c) Economic importance of the highlands of Africa

1. Agriculture: highlands often have fertile volcanic or well-developed soils and cooler conditions suitable for crops such as coffee, tea, pyrethrum and temperate vegetables. Examples include the Kenya and Ethiopian Highlands.
2. Minerals: many highland areas are sources of valuable minerals, thereby supporting mining and related employment.
3. Hydro-electric power: steep gradients and rapidly flowing rivers originating in highlands provide suitable sites for dams and HEP generation; they also supply water for irrigation and domestic use.
4. Tourism: mountain scenery, cool climate, wildlife and features such as volcanic peaks and escarpments attract tourists and earn foreign exchange.