WAEC SSCE - Geography - 2000

Which of the following best explains the presence of the Namib Desert in South West Africa?

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The presence of the Namib Desert in South West Africa can be explained by the fact that the coast is washed by the cool Benguela current. This current flows along the southwestern coast of Africa and creates a cold and dry climate. The cool air from the ocean cannot hold much moisture, so it does not rain very often. As a result, the Namib Desert has formed along the coast of South West Africa. The other options are not correct. The area is not too far from the sea because the Namib Desert is located along the coast. The westerlies, which are strong winds that blow from west to east, do not have a significant impact on the formation of the Namib Desert. The distance from the Kalahari Desert, which is located to the east of the Namib Desert, is not a major factor in the formation of the Namib Desert.

The longitude of London is 0⁰ while that of Sydney,Australia is about 150⁰E. The time at Sydney would therefore be

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The difference in longitude between London (0°) and Sydney (approximately 150°E) is 150 degrees. Since the Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, each degree of longitude corresponds to 4 minutes of time difference between two places. Therefore, to calculate the time difference between London and Sydney, we need to multiply the difference in longitude by 4. 150 degrees x 4 minutes/degree = 600 minutes or 10 hours So, Sydney is 10 hours ahead of London. If it is 12:00 pm (noon) in London, it would be 10:00 pm in Sydney on the same day. Conversely, if it is 12:00 pm (noon) in Sydney, it would be 2:00 am in London on the same day.

One of the advantages of water transport is that it

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Import tariffs are imposed on goods entering a country in order to

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Import tariffs are imposed on goods entering a country in order to protect the growth of local industries. When a country imposes a tariff on an imported good, it increases the price of that good, making it more expensive than the locally produced alternative. This makes it more attractive for consumers to buy the locally produced product, thereby promoting the growth of local industries. Additionally, the revenue generated from tariffs can be used to subsidize local industries, making them more competitive in the global market. Therefore, import tariffs serve as a protectionist measure for local industries against foreign competition.

The major problem facing the utilization of human resources in West Africa is

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The major problem facing the utilization of human resources in West Africa is unemployment. Unemployment refers to the situation where people who are willing and able to work cannot find jobs. In West Africa, the problem of unemployment is widespread, particularly among the youth. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including inadequate economic growth, poor education and training systems, and limited job opportunities. Unemployment has significant negative impacts on individuals and the economy at large, including increased poverty and social unrest, reduced productivity, and a loss of human capital. It is important for governments and other stakeholders to address this issue by implementing policies and programs that promote economic growth, improve education and training, and create job opportunities for young people in particular.

Which of the following climatic types id found on the western margins of continents between altitude 30⁰ and 40⁰ North and South of the Equator?

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The climatic type found on the western margins of continents between altitude 300 and 400 North and South of the Equator is the Mediterranean climate. This climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. It is typically found along the western coastlines of continents where there is a cold ocean current offshore and a high-pressure system over the nearby landmass. The combination of these factors results in a mild, rainy winter season and a warm, dry summer season. The vegetation in this region is typically dominated by evergreen shrubs and trees, such as the Mediterranean oak and olive tree.

The lower course of a river is usually associated with the formation of

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The lower course of a river is usually associated with the formation of ox-bow lakes. This is because the lower course of a river is where the river channel starts to flatten out and widen as it approaches its mouth, usually in a delta or estuary. The river's energy decreases in the lower course, resulting in a slower flow of water and deposition of sediment. Over time, the river erodes its banks and meanders or curves back and forth, creating loops known as meanders. As the meander loop becomes more pronounced, the river may cut through the narrow neck of land at the base of the loop, causing the river to flow along a straighter path, leaving behind an abandoned meander bend or oxbow lake. Therefore, oxbow lakes are formed as a result of the meandering and erosion processes in the lower course of a river.

The coastline of West Africa in Liberia and Ghana especially near Monrovia and Sekondi respectively is an example of

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A very important advantages of road over railways in Africa is that

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In northern Nigeria, the most common type of vegetation is

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The most common type of vegetation in northern Nigeria is tropical grassland, also known as savanna. This type of vegetation is characterized by grasses and scattered trees that can withstand long periods of drought and hot temperatures. The savanna is adapted to the region's climate, which is characterized by a long dry season and a short rainy season. The grasses are able to survive and grow during the rainy season, and then become dormant during the dry season. The scattered trees provide shade and help to break the wind. The savanna vegetation is also important for the region's economy, as it supports pastoralism and agriculture, and is a source of timber, firewood, and other products for local communities.

Ventifacts are products of

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The major problem facing the railway transport compared to road transport is

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The major problem facing railway transport compared to road transport is the lack of flexibility. Unlike road transport, which can reach almost any destination with a road network, railways are limited by their fixed routes and are not easily adaptable to changes in demand or supply. This means that railway transport cannot easily reach remote or rural areas, and its services may not be available to all customers who require them. In contrast, road transport can be more flexible in terms of routing, scheduling, and pricing, which makes it more accessible and convenient for many people. While other factors such as inadequate manpower, low patronage, and excessive speed can also affect railway transport, the lack of flexibility is the primary issue that limits its effectiveness compared to road transport.

The best solution to the rapid depletion of forest resources in West Africa is to

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The best solution to the rapid depletion of forest resources in West Africa is to introduce forest conservation techniques. These techniques include sustainable forestry practices that allow for the harvesting of timber and other forest products without damaging the forest ecosystem. This can be achieved by implementing selective logging, which targets only mature trees and leaves the younger trees to continue growing. Other techniques include reforestation, which involves planting new trees in areas that have been deforested, and agroforestry, which combines tree planting with agricultural practices to create sustainable farming systems. Reserving hectares of land for plantations may not be sustainable in the long run and could lead to the displacement of local communities. Importing wood from other countries would also not address the root cause of deforestation in West Africa and could be more expensive than implementing conservation techniques. Employing more forest guards could help to enforce existing regulations, but it would not address the underlying causes of deforestation. Therefore, introducing forest conservation techniques is the best solution to ensure the long-term sustainability of West Africa's forest resources.

The planet with rights of circular light and dark bands is the

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The planet with rights of circular light and dark bands is Jupiter. This is due to the planet's atmospheric composition and its high winds which create these visible bands. Jupiter is a gas giant planet and its atmosphere is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with small amounts of other gases such as methane and ammonia. The planet's strong winds are responsible for creating these distinctive bands, with the lighter bands indicating regions of higher altitude where the gas is cooler, and the darker bands indicating regions of lower altitude where the gas is warmer.

Which of the following is not an element of climate?

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Altitude is not an element of climate, as it is a characteristic of the physical geography of an area rather than a component of climate. Climate is generally defined as the long-term average of weather patterns in a particular region, and is influenced by various factors such as temperature, air pressure, and precipitation, among others. Altitude, on the other hand, refers to the height of land above sea level, and can affect climate indirectly by influencing factors such as temperature and precipitation, but it is not a direct element of climate itself. However, altitude can be used as a means of classifying different climate types, such as highland climates, which are found at high elevations and are characterized by cooler temperatures and increased precipitation.

Nigeria is located between longitude

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Denudation involves

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All the major industrial zones of Nigeria owe their origin mainly to

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Lateritization is a soil forming process characteristic of

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Which of the following statements are true of air transport? I.weather conditions impose a great limitation II. it can be used to carry a great deal of freight per trip III. it is most suitable for passengers and articles of high value IV. heavy non-perishable goods can be transported more quickly

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A major problem in agricultural development in Nigeria is

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One major problem in agricultural development in Nigeria is the insufficient storage facilities. Agricultural production in Nigeria is often hampered by inadequate storage facilities, leading to significant post-harvest losses. Farmers are often unable to sell their produce at the right time and prices due to inadequate storage facilities, leading to a loss of income. Additionally, insufficient storage facilities can also lead to food insecurity and inflation. Hence, improving the storage facilities in Nigeria is crucial to boost agricultural development and improve food security.

Roads constructed to span long distance and across continents are called

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Roads constructed to span long distance and across continents are called trans-continental highways. A highway is a public road, usually designed for long-distance travel and usually connecting major cities. A trans-continental highway, therefore, is a highway that spans across entire continents, connecting regions and countries together. These roads are often built to facilitate trade, commerce, and transportation of goods and people. For example, the Pan-American Highway is a trans-continental highway that runs through North, Central, and South America, connecting over a dozen countries. Another example is the Trans-Siberian Highway, which spans across Russia, connecting Moscow to the far eastern regions of the country. These highways play a vital role in promoting economic development, cultural exchange, and regional integration. They also provide important links between countries and regions, enabling the movement of goods and people over long distances.

The middle course of a river normally shows

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The middle course of a river normally shows meanders. Meanders are bends or loops in a river's channel that are characterized by the erosion of the outer banks and deposition of sediment on the inner banks. The middle course of a river is where the gradient of the river is less steep and the water flow is slower, so the river has less energy to transport sediment. As a result, the river meanders and forms curves and loops in its course.

Cement factory is usually located near

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Cement factory is usually located near the source of raw materials. This is because cement is made from raw materials such as limestone, shale, and clay, which are found in abundance in certain geological formations. Transporting these raw materials to distant locations can be expensive and increase the cost of production, hence it is more cost-effective to locate the cement factory near the source of these materials. Additionally, proximity to the raw materials ensures a steady supply for the production process, which can be critical to the success of the factory.

The shiroro gorge can be found on River

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The Shiroro Gorge can be found on River Kaduna. The Kaduna River is a major tributary of the Niger River and is located in the northern part of Nigeria. The Shiroro Gorge is situated on the Kaduna River in Niger State, Nigeria, and is known for its hydroelectric power generation plant, the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station.

The solar system comprises the sun and

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The tourist centre of Ogbunike cave is located near

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The tourist center of Ogbunike cave is located near Onitsha in Anambra state, Nigeria. Ogbunike cave is a popular tourist destination in Anambra state and is located about 11 kilometers south of Onitsha, a major commercial city in the state. The cave is located in Ogbunike, a small town in Oyi local government area of Anambra state.

The world's busiest shipping routes are on the

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The world's busiest shipping routes are on the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. This is because the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans are the largest and most heavily trafficked bodies of water on the planet, connecting many of the world's major trading nations. The Pacific Ocean is home to several busy shipping routes, including the Transpacific shipping route, which connects Asia and North America. This route is one of the busiest in the world, as it connects many of the world's largest economies, including China, Japan, and the United States. Similarly, the Atlantic Ocean is also a major hub for global shipping. The North Atlantic shipping route connects North America and Europe, while the South Atlantic shipping route links South America, Africa, and Europe. The Atlantic Ocean also serves as a major shipping route for oil and natural gas, with many tankers transporting these resources from the Middle East to Europe and North America. Overall, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are key transportation corridors for international trade, and the busiest shipping routes in the world are located in these two oceans.

Desert encroachment can best be controlled by

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Desert encroachment can best be controlled by afforestation. Afforestation is the process of planting trees in areas where there were no trees before. Trees help to anchor soil in place and prevent soil erosion caused by wind and water. Additionally, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which can help to mitigate the effects of climate change. Erecting barriers can help to slow down the movement of sand dunes, but it is not a long-term solution as barriers can eventually become buried by sand. Slopewise cultivation is not effective in areas where there is little rainfall and water is scarce, which is often the case in desert areas. Over-grazing, which is the practice of allowing too many animals to graze on a particular piece of land, can lead to soil degradation and can actually contribute to desertification.

A major characteristic feature that distinguishes heavy industry from light industry is the

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The major characteristic feature that distinguishes heavy industry from light industry is the complexity of the processing technique used in production. Heavy industry involves the production of large, complex, and capital-intensive machinery, equipment, and infrastructure, such as construction materials, mining equipment, and heavy machinery for manufacturing. Heavy industry products require extensive processing and use of advanced and sophisticated manufacturing techniques, which typically involve the use of large-scale machinery and advanced technology. On the other hand, light industry involves the production of smaller, less complex, and less capital-intensive consumer goods such as textiles, clothing, and household appliances. Light industry products typically require less processing and use simpler manufacturing techniques, which usually involve manual labor or semi-automated machinery. Light industry products are generally less costly to produce and require less capital investment than heavy industry products. It's worth noting that the classification of an industry as heavy or light also depends on other factors such as the level of industrial waste, location, and ownership. However, the key distinguishing factor between the two is the complexity of the production process.

In the desert region the most prominent agent of erosion is

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In the desert region, the most prominent agent of erosion is wind. Due to the scarcity of water in deserts, rainfall and rivers are very limited, and therefore their impact on erosion is minimal. Thunderstorms may cause flash floods and some erosion, but they are relatively rare in deserts. On the other hand, wind erosion is very common in deserts, where strong winds blow constantly and move large amounts of sand and dust. The wind can create various landforms, such as sand dunes, ventifacts, and desert pavements, through the process of abrasion, where particles of sand and dust carried by the wind collide with the exposed rock surfaces and wear them down over time. Therefore, wind is the most significant agent of erosion in the desert region.

Granite rocks contain

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Granite rocks contain silica, aluminum, and iron. This is because granite is an igneous rock that is primarily made up of quartz, feldspar, and mica minerals. Quartz is composed of silicon and oxygen, while feldspar contains silicon, oxygen, aluminum, and other elements such as sodium, calcium, or potassium. Mica is a group of minerals that includes silicon, oxygen, aluminum, and other elements such as iron, magnesium, or potassium. Therefore, the combination of these minerals in granite rocks results in a high content of silica, aluminum, and iron.

The outer layer of the earth is called the

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The outermost layer of the earth is called the "crust." It is the solid, rocky layer that forms the Earth's surface and varies in thickness from around 5-70 kilometers. The crust is composed of different types of rocks and minerals, and it is broken up into tectonic plates that move and interact with each other, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity. The crust is also the layer where all living things exist and where most of our natural resources are found, such as oil, gas, and minerals.

The bulk of Nigeria timber is obtained from the

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The bulk of Nigeria timber is obtained from the rain-forest. The rain-forest is a type of forest characterized by high rainfall and biodiversity, and is found in the southern part of Nigeria. The rain-forest in Nigeria is a major source of timber and other forest products, such as rubber, palm oil, and cocoa. The rain-forest also provides habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna, and plays an important role in regulating the global climate.

Which of the following is not a sea route?

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The sea routes mentioned in the options are London-Moscow-Baghdad, London-Cape Town-Melbourne, New York-London-Rotterdam, and Sydney-Suez-London. The question is asking for the option that is not a sea route. Therefore, the correct answer is the option that does not include any sea routes. The first option, London-Moscow-Baghdad, does not include any sea routes. The other options all include travel by sea, either across the Atlantic, Indian or Mediterranean Oceans. Therefore, the answer is: London-Moscow-Baghdad.

One of the advantages of solar energy is that

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Which of the following countries is located in North Africa?

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The country that is located in North Africa is Algeria. North Africa is a region that includes countries located in the northern part of the African continent, along the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria is one of the countries located in this region, along with other countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo) is a country located in Central Africa, not North Africa. Rwanda is a country located in East Africa, not North Africa. Namibia is a country located in Southern Africa, not North Africa.

Residual mountains occur when

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Residual mountains are formed when the general level of land is lowered by agents of denudation, such as erosion and weathering, but some areas remain elevated due to the presence of hard and resistant rock. Over time, these areas are shaped by erosion into mountains, which are called residual mountains. The erosion and weathering gradually wear down the softer rocks around them, leaving the harder rocks standing tall. This process can be observed in places like the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, which were once much taller but have been worn down over millions of years by erosion to their current height.

The earth rotates on its axis from

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The Earth rotates on its axis from west to east. This means that when we look at a map, the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west. The rotation of the Earth is what causes day and night. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet are exposed to the Sun's rays, creating the cycle of day and night. It takes the Earth approximately 24 hours to make one complete rotation on its axis. This rotation also causes the Coriolis effect, which affects global weather patterns and ocean currents.

(a) With the aid of a well-labelled diagram, describe a typical soil profile

(b) Highlight the importance of soil Use the climatic data in the table below to answer the following questions 
 

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(a) Plot a combined rainfall and temperature graph for Station X

(b) Calculate the (i) annual temperature range (ii) mean annual temperature for the station

(c) What climatic type does the station represent? 

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(a) Plot a combined rainfall and temperature graph for Station X

(b) Calculate the (i) annual temperature range (ii) mean annual temperature for the station

(c) What climatic type does the station represent? 
 

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(a) Draw an outline map of West Africa and on it, show and name
(i) any three member countries of the ECOWAS
(ii) the capital cities of the countries shown

(b) Outline any three objectives of the ECOWAS

(c) Explain three factors that have limited the full attainment of these objectives
 

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(a) Outline any four factors that led to the high population density in Japan

(b) State three problems of the high population density in Japan

(c) How are these problems being solved? 
 

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(a) State four differences between local craft and heavy manufacturing industries

(b) Outlines three factors that have influenced the location of an iron and steel industry in Tropical Africa

(c) In what three ways has industrialization contributed to the economy of Tropical African countries? 
 

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(a) Give two examples each of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks

(b) Outline four major differences between sedimentary and metamorphic rocks 
 

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(a) On an outline map of Nigeria show
(i) one area having an annual rainfall of under 100cm (ii) one area having an annual rainfall of over 300cm (iii) one important town in each area

(b) Describe four other climatic features of the area shown in (a)(ii)above

(c) Name and outline the characteristics of the vegetation associated with the climate described in (b) above 
 

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Compare the North Central Highlands with the Cross River Plain under the following headings:

(a) Relief and drainage

(b) People and settlement

(c) Economic activities 

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(a) State three differences between rail and water transport

(b) In what four ways can transportation influence economic development in any named country in West Africa

(c) Outline three problems of rail transport development in developing countries. 
 

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The table below shows the quantity of yams (in kg) produced by four yam producing states in Nigeria between 1995 and 1998; 

Use the table to answer the following questions

(a) Calculate the total quantity of yams produced in the four states during the period (1995-1998)

(b) Construct a pie-chart to show the quantity of yarns produced by each state in 1998

(c) State two advantages of a pie-chart 
 

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(i) On an outline map of Africa, mark and name
(i) the equatorial climatic zone
(ii) one Mediterranean zone
(iii) one important town in each zone

(b) State four characteristics of the equatorial climate

(c) Describe two ways in which the equatorial climate affects agriculture 
 

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(a)(i) Name two landforms produced by faulting
(ii) Describe the characteristic features of one of the landforms named in (a)(i) above

(b) Highlight the importance of mountains to man 
 

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(a) Describle any four ways in which lines of longitude are different from lines of latitude

(b) Calculate the approximate distance in a straight line between Tema (Latitude 6°N) and London (Latitude 52°N) (Show all workings clearly) 
 

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Study the map extract on a scale of 1:50,000 and attempt the following questions :

(a)(i) In your answer booklet draw to one third, the original scale, an outline of the map
(ii) What is the scale of the outline drawn?

(b) On your outline, show
(i) the settlement of Okeigbo and Omifunfun
(ii) a ridge east of Okeigbo
(iii) River Oni and its direction of flow
(iv) the minor road from ldare Omifunfun

(c) State two reasons why Okeigbo could be considered more important than Mafoworade

(d) State any land-use types found in the area

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(a) Describe two methods of irrigation agriculture in the Nile Valley

(b) Give three reasons for the development of irrigation agriculture in this region

(c) Highlight four problems associated with this type of agriculture in the Nile Valley
 

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(a) List four atmospheric resources

(b) Describe three uses each of any two of the resources listed in (a) above

(b) Name three other environmental resources that are of great importance to man. 
 

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(a) On an outline map of Nigeria locate and name
(i) one area important for each of the following: gold, petroleum, columbite
(ii) one important town in each area

(b) Explain any three contributions of mineral resources to the economy of Nigeria

(c) Highlight any four factors that limit the exploitation of minerals in Nigeria 
 

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