2026 WAEC GCE GEOGRAPHY ANSWER


GEOGRAPHY PRACTICAL

(1a)


(1b)
(i) Direction of flow: River Pra flows generally from the North to the South across the mapped area, from higher ground to lower ground towards the coast.

(ii) Dendritic drainage pattern: The river has many tributary streams joining it from both the left and right banks, forming a tree-like (dendritic) pattern.

(iii) Nature of tributary junctions: The tributaries join the main River Pra at acute angles, indicating they are flowing down the slope on homogeneous/homogenous geology.

(iv) Valley and stage of development: Around Twifo-Praso, the river has a wide valley with a floodplain and shows meandering. This shows it is in its mature/old stage with a low gradient, and it is large enough to be crossed by a road bridge and a railway bridge.

(1c)
(i) Larger settlement size: The map shows Twifo-Praso has a much larger built-up area (more black squares/buildings) than Twifo-Mampon, indicating a bigger population.

(ii) Transport junction: Twifo-Praso is located at the junction of several major roads (e.g., the road to Cape Coast and the road northwards) and the railway line passes through it with a station. Twifo-Mampon is served by only a minor road.

(iii) Bridge/ferry point: Twifo-Praso has a bridge over the River Pra (and the railway bridge), making it a major crossing point and linking both sides of the river. Twifo-Mampon has no such bridge.

(iv) Social and administrative amenities: Evidence on the map shows Twifo-Praso has more social amenities such as a market, school(s), hospital/clinic, post office, police station/chief's palace (district capital functions). Twifo-Mampon has few or none of these, making Twifo-Praso the district capital and service centre for the area.

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(3a)
(i) The Sun, the central star that gives light and heat.
(ii) The planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune).
(iii) Natural satellites (moons), together with asteroids, comets and meteoroids.

(3b)
(i) The Earth is the only known planet that supports life.
(ii) It has large amounts of liquid water, covering about 71% of its surface.
(iii) It has an atmosphere rich in nitrogen and oxygen that protects and sustains life.
(iv) It is the third planet from the Sun and is slightly flattened at the poles (an oblate spheroid).

(3c)
(i) Deforestation: Forests are cleared for farming, timber, fuelwood and settlement. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, so their removal increases global warming. It also destroys the habitats of plants and animals and exposes the soil to erosion and loss of fertility.
(ii) Burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions: Vehicles, factories and power plants release carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and other gases. These trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming and climate change. They also cause acid rain, which damages crops, soils and water bodies.
(iii) Improper waste disposal: Plastics, chemicals and sewage dumped into rivers, oceans and land pollute water and soil. Aquatic life dies, food chains are broken, and people suffer from water-borne diseases.
(iv) Mining and quarrying (including illegal mining): These activities strip the land of vegetation and leave open pits. Chemicals such as mercury pollute rivers and farmland. This reduces land available for farming and makes water unsafe for drinking.

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(4a)
An igneous rock is a rock formed when molten magma or lava cools and solidifies, either beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive) or on the surface (extrusive).

(4b)
(i) They are crystalline, made of interlocking crystals.
(ii) They have no layers or bedding planes.
(iii) They contain no fossils.
(iv) They are hard, compact and resistant to weathering.

(4c)
(i) Building and construction: Granite, basalt and gabbro are hard and durable. They are crushed into aggregate for roads, railways and concrete, and cut into building stone, kerbstones and tiles.
(ii) Source of minerals: Many igneous intrusions contain valuable minerals such as gold, diamond, platinum, chromite and copper. Mining them earns foreign exchange and creates jobs.
(iii) Fertile soils: Weathered volcanic rocks like basalt produce rich, mineral-laden soils that support farming, e.g. on the slopes of Mt Cameroon.
(iv) Tourism and energy: Volcanic features such as mountains, craters and hot springs attract tourists. Volcanic areas also provide geothermal energy for electricity generation, e.g. in Kenya and Iceland.

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(5a)


=CHARACTERISTICS OF A WATERFALL=
(i) It has a steep drop in the river bed.
(ii) It is formed where there is a difference in the hardness of the underlying rocks.
(iii) It is usually associated with a gorge, plunge pool and a river channel.
(iv) It is a result of vertical erosion, mainly by the force of falling water.
(v) It is often found in areas of high relief, such as mountains and plateaus.
(vi) It is a dynamic feature, constantly changing in size and shape due to ongoing erosion.

=MODE OF FORMATION=
(i) A river flows over a band of resistant rock (e.g. basalt) that overlies a softer rock (e.g. sandstone or shale).
(ii) The softer rock is eroded more quickly, creating an undercut at the base of the resistant rock.
(iii) The overhanging rock collapses, and the waterfall retreats upstream.
(iv) The process continues, resulting in a steep drop, a plunge pool and a gorge.

(5b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Generation of Hydroelectric Power: Waterfalls provide water that can be used to generate electricity for domestic and industrial purposes.
(ii) Source of Fresh Water: Water from waterfalls can be used for drinking, cooking, washing and other domestic activities after appropriate treatment.
(iii) Tourism and Recreation: Waterfalls attract tourists for sightseeing, photography, picnics and other recreational activities, thereby generating income.
(iv) Development of Industries: Water from waterfalls can be used by industries for manufacturing, processing and other industrial activities.
(v) Irrigation: Water from waterfalls and their associated rivers can be used to irrigate farmland, especially during the dry season.
(vi) Fishing: The pools and rivers associated with waterfalls may support fish and other aquatic organisms, providing food and income for local communities.
(vii) Source of Minerals: Water flowing over rocks may help to concentrate certain minerals in river deposits, which can be exploited for economic purposes.
(viii) Cultural and Spiritual Importance: Some waterfalls are regarded as sacred places and are used for traditional ceremonies and cultural activities by local communities.

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(7a)
A residual mountain is a mountain left standing after the surrounding land has been worn away by erosion and denudation. It survives because it is made of harder, more resistant rock. It is a remnant of a once higher upland. Example: Table Mountain in South Africa.

(7bi)
Tectonic plateau;
(i) It is formed by large-scale uplift of the Earth's crust.
(ii) It has a wide, flat or gently undulating top.
(iii) It has steep sides (escarpments) and stands high above sea level.
(iv) Rivers cut deep valleys or gorges across it and form waterfalls at its edges. Example: the East African plateau.

(7bii)
Structural plain;
(i) It is underlain by horizontally bedded sedimentary rocks.
(ii) It is a wide, flat or gently sloping lowland.
(iii) It was exposed by uplift or the retreat of the sea.
(iv) It usually has fertile soils and few relief features. Example: the Great Plains of the USA.

(7biii)
Volcanic mountain;
(i) It is built from lava and ash piled around a vent.
(ii) It is often cone-shaped with steep slopes.
(iii) It has a crater or caldera at the summit.
(iv) It has alternating layers of lava and ash and may be active, dormant or extinct. Examples: Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Cameroon.

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(8a)
(i) Rainfall
(ii) Rivers and streams
(iii) Lakes and ponds
(iv) Underground water (wells, boreholes and springs)
(v) Oceans and seas (also dams and reservoirs)

(8b)
(i) Construction of dams and reservoirs: Dams store excess water in the rainy season for use in the dry season. They make water available for irrigation, domestic and industrial use. They also generate hydroelectric power and control floods downstream.
(ii) Afforestation and protection of water catchment areas: Planting trees and protecting forests around rivers and lakes reduces evaporation and runoff. This allows more water to seep into the ground and keeps rivers flowing all year round.
(iii) Control of water pollution: Industrial waste, sewage and chemicals should be treated before being discharged into water bodies. Laws against dumping waste in rivers should be enforced. This keeps water clean and safe for people, crops and aquatic life.
(iv) Water treatment and purification: Treating water with filtration and chlorination removes germs and impurities. This makes it safe for drinking and reduces water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
(v) Rainwater harvesting and efficient use: Collecting rainwater from roofs in tanks gives an extra supply. Methods such as drip irrigation, repairing leaking pipes and avoiding wastage reduce the amount of water lost.



GEOGRAPHY - OBJ

(PLS KINDLY TRACE THE ANSWERS FROM YOUR CBT SYSTEM AND TRACE CAREFULLY TO AVOID)

1. One centimetre on the map represents one kilometre on the ground

2. 50 metres

3. 1:50,000

4. 12 kilometres

5. South west

6. Nodal town

7. Dendritic

8. West

9. Asi

10. OBUO

11. 870 mm

12. 9°C

13. June

14. December 22nd

15. 7,770 km

16. Rift valley

17. 14°C

18. Isotherm

19. Faulting

20. Active

21. Parallel to the prevailing wind direction

22. Sedimentary

23. 11:00 a.m.

24. Temperature and precipitation

25. Yardang

26. Scree

27. Moderating influence of the sea

28. Prime Meridian

29. Waterfall

30. Exfoliation

31. When the Earth comes directly between the sun and the moon

32. I and IV only

33. Volcanic mountain

34. September 23rd

35. Mediterranean climate

36. Tombolo

37. Availability of power and large market

38. Effective advertizing of natural attractions

39. Wheat

40. Clustering of industries

41. From villages to towns

42. Production of similar products

43. Low population density

44. Ability to connect all continents

45. High level of technology and adequate capital

46. Availability of future labour force

47. Provision of agricultural products

48. Climate characteristics

49. Tertiary economic activities

50. Generation of revenue and foreign exchange

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(1a)
(i) Climate. Many developing countries lie in the tropics, so they have warm temperatures and long periods of sunshine all year. This attracts tourists from cold temperate regions who want sun, beach holidays and outdoor activities, e.g. the Gambia, Kenya and Ghana.
(ii) Beaches and coastal features. Sandy beaches, lagoons, bays and clear warm waters support swimming, surfing, boating and relaxation. They attract many visitors and encourage the building of resorts, e.g. Lekki and Bar Beach in Nigeria, and the Kenyan coast at Mombasa.
(iii) Relief features (mountains, hills and plateaus). Highlands offer cool weather, beautiful scenery and opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, skiing and paragliding. Examples are the Obudu Mountain Resort in Nigeria, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the Ruwenzori Mountains in Uganda.
(iv) Rivers, lakes and waterfalls. These provide scenery and support boating, fishing, swimming and sightseeing, and the falls can also generate hydroelectric power. Examples are Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, Lake Victoria, Kainji Lake and the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls.
(v) Vegetation and wildlife. Savanna grasslands and forests shelter animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes and monkeys. These are protected in game reserves and national parks, where tourists go on safari, e.g. Serengeti (Tanzania), Masai Mara (Kenya) and Yankari Game Reserve (Nigeria).

(1b)
(i) Source of foreign exchange. Tourists spend foreign currencies on hotels, food, transport and souvenirs. This improves the country's balance of payments and strengthens its currency, e.g. in Kenya, Egypt and Tanzania.
(ii) Provision of employment. Tourism creates jobs for hotel workers, tour guides, drivers, security men, game rangers and craft sellers. This reduces unemployment and raises incomes.
(iii) Source of government revenue. Government earns money from entrance fees, visa fees, hotel taxes and licences. This revenue is used to provide schools, roads and hospitals.
(iv) Development of infrastructure. Governments and investors build or improve roads, airports, electricity, water supply and telecommunications to serve tourist areas. These facilities also benefit local people.
(v) Development of local industries. Tourists create demand for crafts, food, agricultural produce and transport services. This encourages local production of items like carvings, cloth and souvenirs, and boosts farming.

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(2a)
Population distribution is the way people are spread over the earth's surface or over a given area. It shows where people live, whether they are concentrated or sparsely settled, e.g. dense in the Niger Delta and sparse in the Sahara.

(2b)
(i) Housing problems. Housing cannot keep pace with the rapid growth, so there is overcrowding. Many people live in slums and shanty settlements with poor sanitation, e.g. Makoko in Lagos.
(ii) Unemployment and underemployment. There are more job seekers than jobs available. Many people become idle or engage in street trading, causing poverty and crime.
(iii) Strain on social amenities. Water, electricity, schools, hospitals and waste disposal become inadequate for the large numbers. This results in water shortages, power failures and poor health services.
(iv) Traffic congestion. The growing number of people and vehicles overloads the roads. This leads to long delays, accidents and air pollution.

(2c)
(i) High birth rate. Early marriage, lack of family planning and low use of contraceptives lead to high fertility. Many women have children throughout their reproductive years.
(ii) Declining death rate. Improved medical care, immunisation, clean water and control of diseases like malaria and smallpox have reduced deaths. More people now survive to old age.
(iii) Preference for large families. Children provide cheap farm labour and support parents in old age. Polygamy also increases the number of children.
(iv) Religious and cultural beliefs. Many societies see children as a blessing or a sign of wealth, and some oppose birth control. Large families also raise a person's social status.
(v) Improved food supply and living standards. Better farming methods, storage and food distribution reduce death from hunger and malnutrition. This supports population increase.

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(3a)
(i) Water supply. People settle near rivers, lakes, springs and wells because water is needed for drinking, farming, cooking and industry. Examples are settlements along the River Nile and River Niger.
(ii) Fertile soil and favourable climate. Fertile land supports farming and food production, so it supports large populations, e.g. the Nile Valley and the Kano plains.
(iii) Trade and commerce. Settlements at markets, ports and trade routes grow rapidly because of business activity, e.g. Lagos, Mombasa and Onitsha.
(iv) Mineral resources and industries. Mining and manufacturing attract workers and related services, e.g. Jos (tin), Enugu (coal) and Johannesburg (gold).
(v) Transport and communication. Road, rail, air and water junctions make movement and trade easy, so settlements grow around them, e.g. Kaduna and Makurdi.

(3b)
(i) Small population size. Rural settlements have few people and low population density compared with urban areas.
(ii) Agriculture is the main occupation. Most people are farmers, fishermen, hunters or herdsmen, so most of the land is used for farming.
(iii) Houses are built with local materials. Mud, thatch, bamboo and wood are common, and houses are usually simple, low and made of few rooms.
(iv) Poor social amenities. There are few or no good roads, electricity, pipe-borne water, hospitals, schools or recreation facilities.
(v) Strong family and social ties. Most residents know one another and are related, and they share customs, language and communal activities. Traditional rulers and elders are respected.

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(4a)
(i) LAGOS STATE on the south-west coast - destination region noted for rural-urban migration
(ii) LAGOS (major town / Ikeja) - the major town in Lagos State


(4b)
(i) Development of rural areas. Government should provide roads, electricity, water, schools and hospitals in villages. This reduces rural-urban migration and eases pressure on cities.
(ii) Provision of adequate housing. Government and private developers should build affordable housing estates and replace slums. This reduces overcrowding and improves living conditions.
(iii) Creation of employment opportunities. Industries and other businesses should be established in smaller towns and rural areas, and skills training and agriculture should be supported. This reduces unemployment and crime in cities.
(iv) Improvement of social amenities and infrastructure. Water supply, electricity, healthcare, schools and waste disposal should be expanded to match population needs. Roads and public transport should also be improved to reduce traffic congestion.
(v) Proper urban planning and decentralisation. Government should create satellite towns and new growth centres, and relocate some industries and offices from big cities. Land use laws and building regulations should be enforced, e.g. the planning of Abuja.

(4c)
Calculation of population density
Formula:
Population density = Total population ÷ Total land area
Working:
Population = 560 million = 560,000,000
Area = 1,400,000 km²
Population density = 560,000,000 ÷ 1,400,000
= 560 ÷ 1.4
= 400 persons per square kilometre
= 400 persons/km²

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(5a)
Mixed farming is a system of agricultural production where the cultivation of crops and the rearing of livestock are practiced simultaneously on the same piece of land under a single farm management system. In this setup, the crop and animal enterprises are closely integrated to support each other (e.g., growing maize while raising cattle, poultry, or goats).

(5b)
(i) Integration of Crop and Livestock Sub-systems: The system relies on a dual-production strategy where arable farming and animal husbandry are physically close and functionally linked on the same holding.
(ii) Mutual Interdependence and Recycling: There is a highly efficient internal loop of resources where crop residues (like maize husks, potato vines, or hay) serve as animal feed, while animal droppings (manure) are returned to the soil to improve nutrients.
(iii) Continuous Year-Round Labor Demand: Unlike seasonal monoculture, mixed farming requires uninterrupted daily attention throughout the year to manage crop seasons alongside constant tasks like milking, feeding, and cleaning livestock pens.
(iv) Diversification of Output and Risk: The system does not depend on a single harvest. It spreads operational risk by producing a varied range of items (grains, tubers, vegetables, meat, milk, and eggs), protecting against total failure.
(v) Regional Variations Across Nigeria: The practice varies heavily by ecological zone; in the northern savanna regions, it often involves cattle integrated with grains like millet and sorghum, while in the southern rainforest zones, it typically features small ruminants (sheep and goats) or poultry alongside root crops like cassava and yams.

(5c)
(i) Maintenance of Natural Soil Fertility: The direct application of organic animal manure enhances soil structure, biological activity, and water retention capacity, which drastically reduces a farmer's reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers.
(ii) Economic Cushion Against Market and Climate Risks: If environmental disasters like drought, pests, or disease wipe out seasonal crops, or if market prices crash, the farmer can fall back on livestock sales to maintain household income and avoid total ruin.
(iii) Reduction in Cost of Agricultural Inputs: Because leftovers, crop failures, and weeds can be channeled directly into livestock fodder, the expenditure on commercial feeds is heavily reduced, making it highly self-sustaining.
(iv) Enhanced Household Nutritional Security: This system offers a steady supply of well-balanced, nutrient-dense food products (proteins from meat/eggs/milk and carbohydrates/vitamins from crops) for the farming family, leading to better nutrition and continuous income outside regular harvest intervals.

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(6ai)
LOW RAINFALL REGION - North-Eastern Nigeria (Borno / Yobe area, Sahel/Sudan savanna). Receives low annual rainfall, usually less than 750mm per year.


(6aii)
HIGH RAINFALL REGION - South coastal region (Niger Delta / South-South coast). Receives high annual rainfall, usually over 2000mm per year, tropical rainforest climate.

(6aiii)
Major town in 6(a)(ii) - PORT HARCOURT (also acceptable: Calabar, Warri, Lagos, Benin City, Yenagoa)

(6b)
(i) Latitude (distance from the equator). Nigeria lies between about latitudes 4°N and 14°N. Places nearer the equator, such as the south, receive more direct sunlight and more rainfall, while those farther north become drier and have a wider temperature range.
(ii) Distance from the sea (nearness to the ocean). Coastal areas are cooler, more humid and wetter because of moist air from the Atlantic Ocean. Inland and northern areas are drier and hotter, with larger temperature ranges.
(iii) Prevailing winds (air masses). The moist tropical maritime (MT) south-westerly winds bring rain in the wet season. The dry, dusty tropical continental (CT) north-easterly (Harmattan) winds bring dry conditions and dusty haze from December to February.
(iv) Altitude (relief). Temperature falls with height, at about 1°C for every 150 metres. Highland areas such as the Jos Plateau, the Obudu Plateau and the Mambilla Plateau are cooler than lowland areas, and highlands also affect rainfall (relief rainfall).

(6c)
(i) Supplies water for crop growth. Rain provides the moisture crops need to germinate, grow and mature. Most Nigerian farming depends on rain, so crops such as yam, cassava, maize and cocoa thrive in rainy areas.
(ii) Supports the growth of pasture and animal feed. Rain makes grasses and fodder grow for livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep, and it supplies drinking water for animals. This supports livestock rearing, especially in the savanna.
(iii) Replenishes rivers, streams and groundwater for irrigation. Rainfall fills rivers, dams and wells, which farmers use for dry-season farming and fishing. This allows farming and fish production throughout the year.