Loading....
Press & Hold to Drag Around |
|||
Click Here to Close |
Question 1 Report
They are formed in layers and derived from old rocks and the remains of dead organic materials. This description refers
Answer Details
The description in question refers to sedimentary rocks. These types of rocks are primarily formed through the accumulation of material, which can be particles derived from other rocks or the remains of dead plants and animals. Here is a simple breakdown:
Sedimentary rocks play a crucial role in our understanding of Earth's history. The layers can tell scientists a lot about the Earth's past environments, climate, and even the organisms that lived long ago.
Question 2 Report
Which of the following are best explains the drift of population from rural to the cities in Nigeria?
Answer Details
The movement of population from rural areas to cities, commonly known as urbanization, is influenced by several factors, particularly economic and social opportunities. In the context of Nigeria, one of the most significant reasons is due to the availability of more job opportunities in the cities. Urban centers often offer a greater variety of employment possibilities compared to rural areas. These opportunities can be in industries, services, or various sectors requiring skilled and unskilled labor.
Economic development tends to be concentrated in cities, attracting individuals seeking better employment prospects and higher income potential. Many people move to urban areas in search of work that they cannot find in their rural hometowns, where agriculture may be the predominant source of livelihood with limited economic diversification.
Moreover, cities in Nigeria typically provide better recreational facilities and services than rural areas. These include access to modern amenities such as shopping centers, cinemas, sports facilities, and cultural events, which contribute to a higher quality of life. This aspect is appealing, particularly to younger generations, creating an added incentive for migration.
The other factors mentioned, such as food scarcity in rural areas, might contribute to migration but are often secondary compared to the employment factor. Many rural areas have agricultural activities, so food scarcity is not the primary reason; instead, it's the lack of economic opportunities that often triggers the movement.
Finally, while it is true that the cost of living in the cities is very high, especially in terms of housing and services, this is not a reason that attracts people to move. In fact, it might be a deterrent. Nonetheless, the potential for better income and lifestyle improvement in cities often outweighs the high cost of living for many migrants.
Question 3 Report
All the following are causes of mechanical weathering except
Answer Details
Mechanical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. There are several causes of mechanical weathering, but not all processes that affect rocks are related to mechanical weathering.
The options listed include:
Temperature changes: This is a cause of mechanical weathering. When rocks are exposed to fluctuating temperatures, they expand when it's hot and contract when it's cold. Over time, these repeated expansions and contractions can cause the rocks to crack and break apart.
Frost action: Also known as freeze-thaw weathering, this is another form of mechanical weathering. Water can seep into cracks in the rocks, and as temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands. This expansion exerts pressure on the rock, gradually breaking it apart.
Alternate wetting and drying: This causes mechanical weathering by changing the volume of clay minerals found in some rocks. When these rocks get wet, the clay swells, and when dry, it contracts. This constant expansion and contraction lead to mechanical breakdown.
Rain action: This is not primarily a cause of mechanical weathering. While rain can contribute to weathering processes, such as chemical weathering where it reacts with minerals in rocks to form new compounds, its primary role in mechanical weathering is minimal compared to other factors.
Therefore, among the options provided, rain action is the one that is not a direct cause of mechanical weathering.
Question 4 Report
Answer Details
Quartzite, schist, and marble are all examples of metamorphic rocks.
Here's why:
Sedimentary Rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments, while Igneous Rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Volcanic rocks are a subset of igneous rocks that specifically form from lava at the earth's surface. Thus, quartzite, schist, and marble do not fall under these categories.
Question 5 Report
Copper is an important raw material in the
Answer Details
Copper is an important raw material in the electrical industry. This is because copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, which means it allows electrical current to flow through it easily with minimal resistance. This property makes copper ideal for use in electrical wiring, motors, transformers, and other electrical components. Additionally, copper is highly durable, resistant to corrosion, and versatile, which further enhances its usefulness in electrical applications. The electrical industry relies heavily on copper to ensure reliable and efficient power transmission.
Question 6 Report
On June 21st, when the sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer,places in the Northern Hemisphere experience
Answer Details
On June 21st, when the sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, places in the Northern Hemisphere experience a phenomenon often referred to as the **Summer Solstice**. This day marks the point when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted closest to the Sun. As a result, it receives the most direct sunlight compared to any other day of the year.
During this time, the day is significantly longer than the night. This is because the Sun travels a longer path through the sky, remaining visible for a larger portion of the 24-hour day. Therefore, areas in the Northern Hemisphere experience a **longer day and shorter night**.
This occurrence is most noticeable the further north you go, with some regions near the Arctic Circle experiencing the phenomenon known as the "Midnight Sun," where the sun is visible at midnight.
Question 7 Report
The world's busiest shipping routes are on the
Answer Details
The world's busiest shipping routes are found on the Atlantic Ocean. This ocean plays a crucial role in global trade and transportation due to several factors:
While other oceans like the Pacific and Indian Oceans are also important for global trade, the Atlantic Ocean remains particularly significant due to its connectivity and the economic powerhouses it links. The Antarctic Circle is not a major route due to its harsh environmental conditions and minimal human inhabitation, which reduces commercial sea traffic in that region.
Question 8 Report
The outer layer of the earth is called the
Answer Details
The outer layer of the Earth is called the crust. Let's understand this in simple terms:
The Earth is made up of several layers. Imagine the Earth like an onion with different layers, with each layer varying in composition and physical properties. The outermost of these layers is the crust.
The crust is similar to a thin shell around the Earth. It is very thin compared to the other layers and can be thought of as the Earth's skin. It is made up of solid rocks and minerals and is where we live and see landscapes, mountains, and oceans.
Below the crust is the mantle, which is much thicker and composed primarily of semi-solid rock. Therefore, when talking about the outermost layer, we refer specifically to the Earth's crust.
Question 9 Report
Which of the following is not true of pie chart?
Answer Details
Pie charts are not suitable for representing data with wide extremes, as they are better suited for showing proportions and percentages.
Question 10 Report
The part of the earth's crust that is covered by oceans and seas is called
Answer Details
The part of the earth's crust that is covered by oceans and seas is called the hydrosphere.
Let's break it down logically:
Therefore, the term that correctly describes the part of the Earth's crust covered by water bodies like oceans and seas is the hydrosphere.
Question 11 Report
The climatic belts recognized by the Greek were
Answer Details
The ancient Greeks were pioneers in observing and classifying the Earth's climate zones. They recognized three primary climatic belts based on their understanding of the Earth's environment. These belts were:
Thus, the Greeks recognized these **three climatic belts**: Torrid, Temperate, and Frigid. This classification was an early attempt to systematically understand the Earth's climatic patterns using observable natural phenomena, such as sunlight and temperature differences.
Question 12 Report
A geyser is best described as/an
Answer Details
A geyser is best described as a fountain of superheated steam. This natural phenomenon occurs when water that is trapped beneath the Earth's surface is heated by geothermal activity, such as volcanic activity, deep underground. As the water is heated, it turns into steam and builds up pressure. This pressure eventually forces the steam and hot water to be expelled violently from the ground in a dramatic outburst, creating a fountain-like effect.
Let's break this down a bit more:
This distinct eruption is what characterizes a geyser and differentiates it from other geothermal features like hot springs or thermal pools, which do not erupt but simply release heat gradually into the water.
Question 13 Report
All the following are members of the ECOWAS except
Answer Details
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of countries located in West Africa. Its objective is to promote economic integration across the region. The official member states of ECOWAS include countries in West Africa.
Among the options provided:
Cameroun, however, is not a member of ECOWAS. While it is geographically close to West Africa, it is primarily considered part of Central Africa, and it is a member of the Central African community organization instead.
Question 14 Report
Which of the following settlement type is the largest?
Answer Details
In the context of settlement types and their sizes, the largest is a megalopolis.
Let me explain this in simple terms:
In summary, of all the settlement types listed, a megalopolis is the largest as it comprises multiple, even significant urban areas that have expanded to form a vast, continuous area.
Question 15 Report
The angular distance of a point on the Earth's surface measured in degrees from the centre of the Earth east or west of the Greenwich Meridian is known as
Answer Details
The angular distance of a point on the Earth's surface measured in degrees from the centre of the Earth east or west of the Greenwich Meridian is known as longitude.
Let's break this down to make it simple:
Longitude lines are imaginary lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. The most important line is the Greenwich Meridian, also called the Prime Meridian, which is the reference point for measuring longitude. It is designated as zero degrees (0°) longitude. When you measure how far east or west a point is from the Prime Meridian, you are measuring the longitude.
This is different from latitude, which measures the distance north or south of the Equator. Longitude lines meet at the poles, whereas latitude lines are parallel to each other.
Overall, longitude helps us determine the precise location of a place on Earth by specifying how far east or west it is from the Prime Meridian.
Question 16 Report
The location of iron and steel industry at Ajakuta in Nigeria is best explained by the presence of (1) iron ore at Itakpe (11) limestone at Ewekoro (III) river port at Lokoja (IV) coal at Orukpa and Okaba
Answer Details
The location of the iron and steel industry at Ajaokuta in Nigeria can be best explained by considering certain factors critical to the iron and steel production process. These factors include **availability of raw materials**, **efficient transportation networks**, and **proximity to fuel sources**.
Firstly, the presence of **iron ore at Itakpe** is crucial because iron ore is the primary raw material needed for steel production. The proximity of Itakpe's iron ore deposits to Ajaokuta reduces transportation costs and ensures a steady supply of the primary raw material, enhancing the industry's efficiency. Therefore, **availability of iron ore is a significant consideration**.
Secondly, **limestone at Ewekoro** is essential because limestone is a critical component used in removing impurities during the steelmaking process, particularly in the blast furnace. Limestone acts as a flux which combines with impurities and forms slag that can be easily removed. **Proximity to limestone sources ensures access to necessary materials for processing**, which is a factor in choosing the location of the industry.
The presence of a **river port at Lokoja** facilitates the transportation of raw materials and finished products, as waterways provide a cost-effective and efficient means of transportation. This is important for both importing required materials and exporting the finished steel products.
Additionally, **coal at Orukpa and Okaba** is important as coal is often used to generate the high temperatures needed in steel production, either directly or through the production of coke, a coal derivative used in blast furnaces.
In conclusion, the location of the iron and steel industry at Ajaokuta is best explained by the presence of:
Therefore, the most relevant factors are the **availability of iron ore and limestone**, making the best answer "I and II only".
Question 17 Report
Answer Details
The nearest planet to the Sun is Mercury.
Here's a simple explanation: The Solar System consists of eight major planets, which include Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, arranged in that order from closest to the Sun to farthest. Pluto, once considered the ninth planet, has been reclassified as a "dwarf planet" and is well beyond Neptune.
Mercury, being the closest planet to the Sun, has a very short orbit compared to other planets. It completes one orbit around the Sun in just about 88 Earth days. Because of its proximity to the Sun, Mercury experiences significant temperature variations, extremely hot during the day and very cold at night.
Question 18 Report
Which of the following is not a sea route?
Answer Details
The route that is not a sea route is the one involving London, Moscow, and Baghdad.
Here's the explanation:
This is why the route from London, Moscow, and Baghdad is not a sea route.
Question 19 Report
A conurbation is a settlement
Answer Details
A conurbation is a large urban area where several towns or cities have grown and merged together over a significant geographical area. This results in a continuous urban environment that functions as a single economic, social, and administrative unit. It is characterized by not only the physical merging but also the economic and social integration of these urban areas. Importantly, while these towns join together, they often retain their individual identities to some extent, but collectively they function as a larger urban zone.
Hence, the most accurate explanation is that a conurbation is a settlement where a large number of towns join together over a considerable area. This results in significant density and sometimes shared infrastructure and services. It is not merely about the number of people, nor does it focus primarily on an agricultural economy (such as predominantly farmers). Likewise, even though two or more towns combine, the emphasis is on the large-scale joining and integration process across numerous towns, rather than solely retaining distinct identities.
Question 20 Report
Which of the following dams in Africa provides both irrigation water and hydro-electricity?
Answer Details
The Akosombo Dam in Ghana provides both irrigation water and hydro-electricity. The dam was built on the Volta River and provides hydro-electric power and irrigation water for agriculture.
Question 21 Report
Cement factory is usually located near
Answer Details
The location of a cement factory is primarily influenced by its proximity to the source of raw materials. Cement production involves the use of abundant natural resources such as limestone, clay, and rock, which are crucial ingredients in the manufacturing process. These raw materials are usually heavy and bulky, making transportation costly. Therefore, by situating the cement factory near these resources, transportation costs can be minimized, leading to more efficient and cost-effective production. This proximity also ensures a steady and reliable supply of raw materials, which is essential for uninterrupted production.
Question 22 Report
Which of the following is not an element of climate?
Answer Details
To determine which of the listed items is not an element of climate, we need to understand what elements constitute climate. **Climate** refers to the average weather conditions of a place over a long period, typically 30 years or more. The primary elements that define climate include **temperature**, **precipitation**, **humidity**, **wind**, and **air pressure**. Let's go through the choices given:
Precipitation: This is an important element of climate as it refers to any form of moisture that falls from the atmosphere to the earth's surface, such as rain, snow, or sleet.
Air pressure: This is a crucial element of climate because it influences wind patterns and weather systems such as cyclones and anticyclones.
Altitude: This is not an element of climate; rather, it is a geographic factor that influences climate. As you go higher in altitude, temperatures typically decrease, which can affect the climate of a region, but altitude itself is not a climatic element.
Temperature: This is a fundamental element of climate, affecting the average warmth or coldness of a place over time.
Therefore, **altitude** is not an element of climate, but a factor that can influence the other elements like **temperature** and **precipitation**.
Question 23 Report
A great advantage of Basin irrigation is that
Answer Details
A great advantage of Basin irrigation is that water is not wasted, as the basin helps to trap and conserve water.
Question 24 Report
The most common mode of transportation in Africa is
Answer Details
The **most common mode of transportation in Africa** is **road transportation**. This includes vehicles like cars, buses, and motorcycles that travel on roads and highways. Road transportation is widespread because it is **versatile** and can reach many rural and urban areas that are not accessible by other means of transportation. Roads are often less expensive to build and maintain compared to infrastructure needed for other modes such as railways or airports.
Despite the challenges such as limited road networks and varying road conditions in some regions, **road transportation remains the backbone** of both passenger and freight transport due to its **flexibility** and **accessibility**. In many African countries, it is the most relied upon form of transport connecting people to markets, healthcare facilities, schools, and places of employment.
Question 25 Report
A conurbation can best be described as
Answer Details
A conurbation is a term used to describe a group of cities, towns, or urban areas that have merged together to form a single urban entity, while still retaining their individual identities.
Question 26 Report
Mountains formed as a result of compressional forces in the earth's crust are
Answer Details
The mountains formed as a result of compressional forces in the Earth's crust are known as fold mountains. Fold mountains are created when two tectonic plates collide, and the compressional forces involved cause the layers of the Earth's crust to crumple and fold.
Imagine it like pushing two pieces of paper together from opposite ends; they begin to crumple and form folds. Similarly, when large sections of the Earth's crust are subjected to immense pressures from the sides, they buckle and bend into wave-like structures called folds. These folds then rise over time to form fold mountains.
Some of the most well-known mountain ranges in the world, like the Himalayas, the Alps, and the Rockies, are examples of fold mountains.
In summary, fold mountains are formed by the compression and folding of the Earth's crust, making them a direct result of tectonic forces that push the land upwards to form mountains.
Question 27 Report
One characteristic that distinguishes urban settlements from rural settlements is that
Answer Details
One characteristic that distinguishes urban settlements from rural settlements is that urban settlements are areas of secondary and tertiary activities.
Let's break this down:
To summarize, the primary distinction is that urban settlements focus on secondary and tertiary activities, providing goods and services, ultimately making them different in function and character from rural settlements, which focus more on primary activities.
Question 28 Report
All the major industrial zones of Nigeria owe their origin mainly to
Answer Details
The major industrial zones of Nigeria owe their origin mainly to the presence of cash crops. This is because, historically, Nigeria's economy largely depended on agriculture, and the availability of these cash crops provided a foundation for establishing industries. For example, regions where cash crops such as cocoa, palm oil, rubber, and groundnuts were abundantly grown became focal points for industries.
These crops were in high demand both locally and internationally, encouraging the establishment of processing industries to add value before export. This led to the development of infrastructure and contributed to the economic growth of these regions.
Thus, the presence of cash crops has played a significant role in shaping the industrial landscape of Nigeria by attracting investments, creating jobs, and fostering economic development in the respective regions.
Question 29 Report
Africa's largest timber producer is
Answer Details
In terms of the largest timber producers in Africa, it is important to understand which nation has significant timber resources and an established forestry industry. Zaire, known today as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is recognized as the largest timber producer in Africa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has extensive forest coverage, including parts of the Congo Basin, which is the second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon. This vast expanse of forestland provides an abundance of timber resources. The country's forestry industry has developed around this natural resource, contributing significantly to its economy.
Other countries like Ghana and Nigeria also have substantial forests and timber industries, but they do not match the scale of Zaire. Malawi, on the other hand, is less known for timber production compared to these countries.
In summary, considering its massive forest expanse and established timber industry, Zaire (the Democratic Republic of Congo) stands out as Africa's largest timber producer.
Question 30 Report
The major problem facing the utilization of human resources in West Africa is
Answer Details
One of the major problems impacting the effective utilization of human resources in West Africa is unemployment.
Unemployment is a significant issue because it leads to several challenges that adversely affect both individuals and the economy at large. When people, especially those who are capable and willing to work, do not have jobs, it results in a waste of potential human resources. Let's break down a few reasons why unemployment is such a pressing problem:
Addressing unemployment requires collaborative efforts involving government policies, education systems, and private sector initiatives to create more job opportunities and develop skills that match the demands of the labor market. Therefore, unemployment remains a critical concern in achieving optimal utilization of human resources in West Africa.
Question 31 Report
Which of the following features is shared by Hong Kong, Java and Manhattan?
Answer Details
Hong Kong, Java, and Manhattan all share the feature of having a **high population density**. These regions are known for their concentrated population in relatively small areas. Here is a simple explanation for each:
In summary, the common feature among these locations is their **high population density**, where large numbers of people reside and engage in various activities within limited geographic spaces.
Question 32 Report
All the following are advantages of the bush fallowing system in West Africa except that it
Answer Details
The bush fallowing system in West Africa is not very economical in the use of land. Bush fallowing involves leaving land fallow for several years to regain its fertility, which can lead to inefficient use of land.
Question 33 Report
The system of cultivation of tropical commercial crops estates is known as
Answer Details
The system of cultivation of tropical commercial crops estates is known as plantation agriculture.
Plantation agriculture is a type of farming where a single crop, often a cash crop, is grown on a large area of land. This method is commonly seen in tropical areas where conditions favor the growth of certain commercial crops like tea, coffee, rubber, cocoa, and palm oil.
The defining characteristics of plantation agriculture include:
This system significantly contributes to the economies of tropical regions by generating foreign exchange and providing employment opportunities.
Question 34 Report
Which activity requires the following? I. Large area of land usually in thousands of hectares II. Availability of water either in the form of rain or irrigation III. High capital outlay
Answer Details
The activity that requires a large area of land usually in thousands of hectares, availability of water either in the form of rain or irrigation, and a high capital outlay is plantation agriculture. Let me explain why:
Large Area of Land: Plantation agriculture involves the cultivation of crops on a very large scale, often requiring thousands of hectares. This is necessary to achieve economies of scale and produce significant quantities of a specific crop such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, rubber, or oil palm.
Availability of Water: Crops grown on plantations need adequate water supply to thrive. This can be provided by regular rainfall or through irrigation systems. Thus, plantations are often located in regions with favorable climatic conditions or equipped with efficient water management systems.
High Capital Outlay: Establishing a plantation requires a significant initial investment. This includes procuring land and machinery, setting up irrigation systems, and maintaining infrastructure. Furthermore, plantations often rely on the employment of many workers and the use of advanced agricultural techniques, which also contribute to the high cost.
In contrast, the other activities mentioned do not primarily rely on these three factors to the same extent. For example, lumbering involves harvesting trees, which may also require substantial land area, but does not necessarily need irrigation. Tourism industry might require watering systems for landscaping, but its focus is more on site attractions. Finally, while mining requires high capital outlay and can cover large areas of land, it does not depend on the availability of irrigation systems like plantation agriculture does.
Question 35 Report
A major problem in agricultural development in Nigeria is
Answer Details
One of the major problems in agricultural development in Nigeria is the insufficient storage facilities.
The agricultural sector in Nigeria often faces difficulties after crops are harvested. Poor storage facilities mean that a substantial portion of the agricultural produce is lost due to spoilage, pests, or damage. This is a significant challenge because:
Improving storage facilities would provide farmers with the ability to manage their production better, ensuring a more consistent supply of agricultural products and contributing significantly to the development of agriculture in Nigeria.
Question 36 Report
If the local time at a place X is 12.00 noon when the G.M.T is 5.00a.m then X is located on longitude
Answer Details
To determine the longitude of place X, we need to understand the relationship between time and longitude. The Earth is divided into 360 degrees of longitude, and it completes one full rotation (360 degrees) in 24 hours. Therefore, for every hour, the Earth rotates 15 degrees of longitude.
The given information is this:
The difference in time between GMT and the local time at place X is 7 hours (from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon).
Calculation:
Now, we need to determine whether place X is east or west of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude, the reference line for GMT).
- Since the local time at place X is ahead of GMT (12:00 noon compared to 5:00 a.m.), it means X is east of the Prime Meridian.
Thus, place X is located on 105°E.
Question 37 Report
Sills, dykes and batholiths are examples of
Answer Details
Sills, dykes, and batholiths are examples of intrusive volcanic landforms. These are geological formations that are created below the Earth's surface from cooled and solidified magma.
Here's a simple explanation of each:
Sills are formed when magma intrudes between pre-existing layers of rock, creating a horizontal or near-horizontal sheet of solid rock. Over time, they cool and solidify, forming a flat or gently undulating body of igneous rock parallel to the layers it intruded.
Dykes occur when magma cuts across pre-existing rock layers, forming a vertical or steeply inclined body of rock. They act as pathways for magma movement and can be seen as wall-like structures that cut through layers of surrounding rock.
Batholiths are massive formations created when large amounts of magma slowly cool and solidify deep beneath the Earth's surface over a long period. These large rock bodies can cover thousands of square kilometers and are often exposed at the surface after extensive erosion.
All of these formations are created through the intrusion of magma into existing rock. As a result, they are classified as intrusive volcanic landforms, due to their origin beneath the Earth's surface, in contrast to extrusive volcanic landforms formed by lava cooling on the surface.
Question 38 Report
In which part of the atmosphere does rain clouds develop?
Answer Details
Rain clouds most commonly develop in the troposphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere and extends from the Earth's surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) above sea level, depending on your location.
This layer is where we experience weather, including rain, thunderstorms, and clouds. The reason for this is that the troposphere contains most of the atmosphere's water vapor, which is essential for cloud formation and precipitation.
In this layer, the air becomes cooler as you go higher, which allows the moist air to rise, cool, and condense to form clouds. When these clouds get heavy enough with condensed water droplets, they release the water in the form of rain.
The layers above the troposphere, such as the stratosphere, do not usually have the right conditions for rain cloud formation because they lack sufficient moisture and their temperatures are not typically conducive to the processes needed for cloud formation.
Question 39 Report
When wet and dry bulb thermometers record the same temperature, it means
Answer Details
When wet and dry bulb thermometers, which together form a psychrometer, record the same temperature, it indicates that the air is saturated. This means that the air has reached its maximum capacity to hold water vapor, also known as reaching the dew point.
Normally, the wet bulb thermometer, which has a cloth soaked in water wrapped around it, shows a lower temperature than the dry bulb thermometer because evaporation cools it down. However, when the temperatures are the same for both thermometers, no evaporation is taking place. This is because the air cannot accept more water vapor, pointing to a humidity level of 100%, which is known as saturation.
Question 40 Report
Which of the following best accounts for the decline in the importance of rail transport in Africa?
Answer Details
The decline in the importance of rail transport in Africa can be best explained by the high competition from road transport. Here's why:
Accessibility and Flexibility: Road transport is generally more accessible and flexible compared to railways. Roads are available in most areas of Africa, including rural regions, allowing goods and passengers to reach their destinations directly without requiring transfer between modes of transport.
Cost-Effectiveness: In many cases, road transport can be more cost-effective because it eliminates the need for transferring goods at several points. The initial investment in road infrastructure and vehicles can also be less than maintaining or upgrading railway networks.
Adaptability to Infrastructure Limitations: Many railways in Africa suffer from outdated infrastructure, which can hinder their efficiency and reliability. On the other hand, road transport can easily adapt to newer roads and infrastructures as they are developed.
Length of Transport Routes: Although Africa is a vast continent, many trade routes within countries or regions are more economically feasible with road transport, especially for short to medium distances.
Overall, while other factors such as the low volume of goods and potential retrenchment threats exist, the dominance and rapid improvement in the road transport sector particularly highlight why rail transport has seen a decline in relevance. The flexibility and economic viability of road transport often make it a more attractive choice for businesses and individuals alike.
Would you like to proceed with this action?