WAEC SSCE - Geography - 1993 (Objective)

The location of the iron and steel industry at Ajaokuta in Nigeria is best explained by the presence of iron ore at Itakpe and coal at Orukpa and Okaba. The iron ore deposit at Itakpe is the major raw material needed for the production of iron and steel, while coal is an essential energy source in the production process. The proximity of the coal deposits to Ajaokuta helps to minimize transportation costs and ensures a steady supply of coal to the industry. The presence of limestone at Ewekoro, although important for the cement industry, is not directly relevant to the production of iron and steel. Similarly, while the river port at Lokoja provides transportation access, it is not a significant factor in the location of the industry. Therefore, the answer is (b) l and lV only.

The major problem facing the utilization of human resources in West Africa is unemployment. The region has a high population growth rate, and the economy has not been able to keep up with the demand for jobs. As a result, many people in West Africa are unable to find employment, particularly among the youth population. The lack of employment opportunities has contributed to poverty and social problems in the region, such as crime and unrest. Moreover, the high unemployment rate has led to emigration as many young people seek opportunities abroad. This, in turn, has a negative impact on the development of the region, as the loss of skilled and educated workers hinders economic growth. Overall, addressing the issue of unemployment is critical for the effective utilization of human resources in West Africa.

The largest settlement type among the options provided is a megalopolis. A megalopolis is a region that consists of several closely situated metropolitan areas that have grown and merged together over time. These areas are densely populated and often have extensive transportation and communication networks that connect them. In simpler terms, a megalopolis is a group of cities that have become so big that they have merged into one continuous urban area. This can occur due to population growth, urban expansion, or the merging of smaller towns and cities. Examples of megalopolises around the world include the Northeast megalopolis in the United States, the Pearl River Delta megalopolis in China, and the Taiheiyō Belt megalopolis in Japan. In comparison, an agglomeration refers to a group of towns and cities that are located close to each other and have grown together to form an urban area. A conurbation is similar to an agglomeration but typically includes more densely populated urban areas. A city is a large and permanent human settlement with a well-developed system of infrastructure and governance. Finally, a town is a smaller human settlement than a city with a less developed infrastructure and governance system.

The geographical region of Nigeria that covers one-fifth of the country and has a generally flat surface dotted with granitic hills is the North-Central highlands. This region is located in the central part of Nigeria and covers states such as Plateau, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi. The region is characterized by a plateau that rises over 1,200 meters above sea level, which is dotted with granitic hills, including the famous Jos Plateau. The region is known for its rich agricultural potential and diverse mineral resources, including tin, columbite, and iron ore.

The country located within the Horn of Africa is Djibouti. The Horn of Africa is a peninsula in the eastern region of the continent that includes Djibouti, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Djibouti is a small country located in the northeastern part of Africa and it shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast.

The measure aimed at controlling world population growth is family planning. Family planning involves methods used to regulate the number and spacing of children a family has through contraception, sterilization, and other reproductive health services. This helps individuals and families to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and reduce unintended pregnancies. By having fewer children, the overall population growth rate can be slowed down, which can have positive impacts on issues such as food security, health, and environmental sustainability.

Agriculture engages the largest percentage of human resources in Africa. Agriculture involves growing crops and raising animals for food, and it is the backbone of many African economies. In Africa, the majority of people live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Many African farmers still use traditional methods, such as hand tools and animal power, to cultivate their land. Agriculture is also important for food security in Africa. With a growing population, there is a need to produce more food to meet the increasing demand. However, agriculture in Africa faces many challenges, including climate change, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to finance and technology. Overall, agriculture is a crucial sector in Africa, employing a large percentage of the population and contributing significantly to the economy.

Family planning is a measure aimed at controlling world population growth. Family planning refers to the use of contraception methods to regulate the number and spacing of children born to couples or individuals. It allows individuals to plan and make decisions about their reproductive health, which in turn can help to reduce population growth rates. By preventing unintended pregnancies, family planning can help to reduce maternal and infant mortality, improve maternal and child health, and increase economic and social development. Therefore, of the given options, family planning is the most appropriate measure aimed at controlling world population growth.