(a) Explain five ways in which transportation contributes to the economic development of a country. (b) Outline any five factors that can affect transport d...

Answer Details

(a) Five ways transportation contributes to economic development

• Movement of goods and raw materials: It carries raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets, keeping industries running.
• Opening up of remote areas: Roads and railways make interior and rural areas accessible, allowing their resources to be exploited and developed.
• Promotion of trade and commerce: It links producers with consumers within the country and abroad, widening the market and encouraging both internal and international trade.
• Creation of employment: The building, operation and servicing of transport systems provide jobs and incomes for many people.
• Encouragement of agriculture and industry: It enables farmers to sell perishable produce quickly, attracts industries to accessible sites, and promotes tourism and the growth of towns.

(b) Five factors that affect transport development

• Relief: Rugged mountains, steep slopes and valleys make road and rail construction difficult and costly, while flat land is easy to develop.
• Climate: Heavy rainfall, floods, snow or fog damage routes and disrupt movement.
• Nature of the land / drainage: Swamps, marshes, deserts and large rivers hinder construction and require costly bridges and drainage.
• Availability of capital and technology: Transport projects are expensive; shortage of funds and technical skill slows their development.
• Level of economic activity and population: Densely populated and economically active areas attract more transport routes, while sparsely settled areas have few. (Government policy also matters.)