PRACTICAL GEOGRAPHY ANSWER

(1)


(1c)
(i) KARLAHI has essential public facilities such as a school and a dispensary, which provide education and healthcare services respectively.

(ii) The presence of a court and the fact that it serves as a district headquarters indicate that KARLAHI plays a key role in governance and administration.

(iii) KARLAHI is classified as a city, distinguishing it from other rural settlements on the map. Its larger size and infrastructure support greater economic, social, and transportation activities.

(1d)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) The presence of rivers in the area indicates that the inhabitants likely engage in fishing as a means of livelihood, providing both food and income.

(ii) The existence of roads facilitate the movement of goods and services between settlements.

(iii) The mapped area shows areas covered with vegetation and scrublands, which implies that crop farming and livestock rearing are common practices among the people

(iv) With access to raw materials from vegetation and rivers, some inhabitants may engage in craft-making, such as weaving, pottery, or woodwork, as supplementary economic activities.

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(3a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
The lithosphere is the solid outermost layer of the earth composed of the crust and the upper part of the mantle.

OR

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the earth, consisting of the brittle upper portion of the mantle

(3b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) It is rigid and solid.
(ii) It is made up of the crust and upper mantle.
(iii) It is divided into tectonic plates.
(iv) It varies in thickness.
(v) It contains natural resources.

(3c)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Source of Minerals: The lithosphere provides valuable minerals such as gold, coal, iron, and limestone used in industries and construction.

(ii) Supports Agriculture: It contains fertile soil layers that support crop farming and food production.

(iii) Foundation for Human Settlements: Human settlements, roads, and buildings are constructed on the solid surface of the lithosphere.

(iv) Provides Forest Resources: The lithosphere supports forests which supply timber, fuelwood, and other plant-based materials.

(v) Source of Fossil Fuels: It contains fossil fuels like crude oil, natural gas, and coal that are essential for energy production.

(vi) Habitat for Terrestrial Organisms: Land animals, plants, and microorganisms live on or in the lithosphere.

(vii) Regulates Natural Processes: It plays a role in processes such as erosion, weathering, and nutrient cycling.

(viii) Supports Infrastructure Development: It allows the development of infrastructure such as roads, railways, and bridges by providing a stable base.

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(4a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
An artesian well is a well drilled into an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or sediment, where the water is trapped between two impermeable layers and is under enough pressure that it rises up the well naturally, sometimes flowing out at the surface without pumping.

OR

An artesian well is a type of well drilled into a confined aquifer where the water is under pressure. This pressure forces the water to rise up the well without the need for pumping, sometimes even flowing out naturally at the surface.

(4b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Presence of a confined aquifer: The water must be stored between two impermeable layers of rock which trap it under pressure.

(ii) Adequate recharge zone: There must be a higher ground where rainwater can seep into the aquifer.

(iii) Sufficient pressure: The natural pressure in the aquifer must be enough to force the water to the surface when tapped.

(iv) Porous rock layer: The water-holding layer must be permeable, like sandstone, to allow water storage and flow.

(v) Tilted structure: The rock layers should be inclined to allow pressure buildup.

(vi) Impermeable rock above and below: This ensures water does not escape and remains under pressure.

(4c)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Artesian wells provide a steady and often clean source of groundwater without the need for pumping.

(ii) They are useful for supplying water to farms and crops, especially in areas where surface water is scarce.

(iii) The water from artesian wells is often clean and safe for domestic use, providing drinking water for communities.

(iv) Industries can use artesian wells as a source of water for processing, cooling, and other needs.

(v) Because the water is under pressure and rises naturally, it reduces or eliminates the need for mechanical pumping, saving energy and cost.

(vi) Artesian wells can provide water in arid or drought-prone regions where other water sources are unavailable.

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(5a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
Weather refers to atmospheric conditions over a short period (hours or days), while climate refers to average weather conditions over a long period (usually 30 years).

OR

Weather changes frequently and rapidly, while climate is relatively stable and predictable over time.

(5b)


(5c)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Cyclonic rainfall improves soil moisture content, which is essential for the germination of seeds and the healthy growth of crops.

(ii) It provides a dependable source of water for agricultural activities, especially during planting seasons.

(iii) Cyclonic rainfall contributes to the replenishment of surface and underground water bodies.

(iv) It helps moderate high temperatures by cooling the atmosphere during periods of intense heat.

(v) Cyclonic rainfall aids in purifying the air by removing dust particles, smoke, and harmful pollutants from the atmosphere.

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(7a)
(i) Deflation
(ii) Abrasion
(iii) Attrition

(7bi)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Both are landforms shaped by wind erosion.

(ii) Both have streamlined shapes aligned with the prevailing wind direction.

(iii) Both are commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions.

(iv) Both result from differential erosion of rocks.

(v) Both influence local wind patterns by their shapes.

(7bii)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) A zeugen is formed mainly by the erosion of softer rock layers beneath harder rock caps, creating mushroom-shaped features, while a yardang is carved entirely by wind abrasion and deflation, forming elongated ridges.

(ii) Zeugens are typically isolated rock formations, whereas yardangs occur as a series of parallel ridges.

(iii) Zeugens have a protective hard cap rock, but yardangs are made mostly of uniform soft rock.

(iv) Yardangs are usually longer and more uniform in shape than zeugens.

(v) Zeugens are formed primarily by erosion beneath a cap rock, while yardangs form from both deflation and abrasion across the whole rock surface.

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(8a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
Natural environment refers to all living and non-living things that occur naturally on Earth without human influence, such as mountains, rivers, plants, animals, soil, air, and climate.


OR

Natural environment is the physical world made up of natural features and ecosystems that support life, including landforms, water bodies, atmosphere, vegetation, and wildlife.

(8b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Deforestation: The large-scale cutting down of trees for timber, farming, or construction leads to loss of forest cover, soil erosion, and disruption of ecosystems.

(ii) Pollution: Releasing harmful substances into the air, water, and soil through industrial waste, vehicle emissions, and improper waste disposal contaminates the environment.

(iii) Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock damages vegetation cover and exposes the soil to erosion and degradation.

(iv) Mining Activities: Mining for minerals and crude oil causes land degradation, water pollution, and destruction of habitats.

(v) Urbanization: Expanding cities and constructing buildings leads to the conversion of natural lands into concrete spaces, reducing biodiversity.

(vi) Improper Agricultural Practices: The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides depletes soil nutrients and contaminates water sources.

(vii) Burning of Fossil Fuels: The use of coal, oil, and gas for energy releases greenhouse gases that cause climate change and global warming.

(8c)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting new trees and restoring lost forest areas help in preventing soil erosion, preserving biodiversity, and improving air quality.

(ii) Proper Waste Management: Encouraging recycling, safe disposal of industrial waste, and reduction of plastic use help to minimize pollution.

(iii) Environmental Education and Awareness: Educating the public about the importance of environmental conservation promotes responsible behavior and sustainable practices.

(iv) Enforcement of Environmental Laws: Governments can implement and enforce regulations that protect natural resources and punish environmental offenders.

(v) Promotion of Renewable Energy: Using solar, wind, and hydroelectric power reduces dependence on fossil fuels and helps combat global warming.

(vi) Sustainable Farming Practices: Encouraging the use of organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and controlled grazing helps to maintain soil fertility and reduce environmental degradation.


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GEOGRAPHY OBJ
1-10: CCACBBBBAB
11-20: ACBDABCDDA
21-30: BBBCCCBADA
31-40: BABDACABDA
41-50: CACACCACBD


(1a)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) High Population Density: Urban settlements in developing countries are highly populated due to continuous rural-urban migration and high natural birth rates. This rapid influx causes overcrowding in homes, public transport, and social amenities. It puts pressure on available space and makes the urban environment congested and difficult to manage.

(ii) Inadequate Infrastructure: Many urban centres in developing countries lack basic infrastructure such as good roads, efficient power supply, and clean water systems. This makes life stressful and hinders smooth economic activities. Poor waste disposal and erratic electricity worsen living conditions in these cities.

(iii) High Rate of Unemployment: Job opportunities are insufficient compared to the high number of people seeking employment in urban centres. Many youths roam the streets without meaningful jobs. This leads to poverty, increased crime rates, and dependence on petty trade or informal labour.

(iv) Poor Housing Conditions: Due to the high cost and shortage of decent housing, many people are forced to live in slums or unplanned settlements. These places lack proper drainage, toilets, and ventilation. Residents are often exposed to diseases and poor hygiene.

(v) Traffic Congestion: Urban roads are often narrow and poorly maintained, yet they carry thousands of vehicles daily. The result is heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. This causes delays, increases air pollution, and wastes valuable time and fuel.

(vi) Environmental Pollution: Cities in developing countries face pollution from vehicles, industries, and improper waste disposal. Open gutters, smoky generators, and poorly regulated industries contribute to the problem. These pollutants affect both human health and environmental quality.

(vii) Limited Health Services: Urban health centres and hospitals are usually inadequate for the population they serve. There are long queues, few health workers, and limited medical equipment. Many poor residents resort to herbalists or unlicensed practitioners.

(viii) High Crime Rate: Urban areas often witness high crime levels due to unemployment, poverty, and overcrowding. Petty theft, armed robbery, drug abuse, and gang activities are common. Many youths turn to crime for survival or peer influence.

(1b)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Food Supply: Rural areas produce the bulk of food consumed in cities such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Urban centres rely heavily on farmers and traders from villages for daily supply. Without rural food production, hunger and inflation would rise in cities.

(ii) Labour Supply: Urban centres depend on rural migrants for much of their workforce in construction, cleaning, security, and market trading. These workers help keep the city running smoothly. Their availability supports both the formal and informal sectors of the urban economy.

(iii) Raw Materials: Factories and industries in cities rely on raw materials like cotton, cocoa, timber, and palm oil, which are sourced from rural areas. These materials are processed into finished goods. The absence of rural supply would cripple urban industrial activities.

(iv) Water Supply: Many cities obtain their drinking and industrial water from rural rivers, lakes, and dams. These water bodies are often located far from the urban core. Without them, cities would face water scarcity and sanitation problems.

(v) Cultural and Family Ties: Many city dwellers still maintain close connections with their rural hometowns for social events like weddings, funerals, and festivals. These cultural links ensure that urban dwellers contribute to rural development. It also sustains traditional values and identity.

(vi) Market for Goods: Rural communities provide a market for industrial goods produced in cities such as processed food, electronics, and clothing. Traders distribute these items to rural customers. This exchange increases economic integration and business profitability.

(vii) Land for Urban Expansion: As cities grow, they extend into nearby rural areas for space to build roads, estates, and businesses. Rural lands are often sold or converted into urban zones. This expansion enables the physical growth of the city.

(viii) Tourism and Relaxation: City residents visit rural areas for rest, sightseeing, and cultural tourism. These visits bring money into rural economies and help preserve heritage sites. The natural scenery of rural areas offers peace away from urban noise and stress.

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(2a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
Balance of trade is the difference between the total value of a country's visible exports and that of its visible imports over a specific period, typically a year. It reflects whether a country is earning more from the goods it sells abroad than it spends on goods bought from other nations.

OR

Balance of trade refers to the difference between the value of a country’s visible exports and its visible imports over a given period, usually one year. It measures the inflow and outflow of goods between countries.

(2b)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Availability of Raw Materials: Tropical Africa is rich in raw materials like oil, gold, cocoa, and timber. These resources are highly demanded in developed countries for industrial use. Their availability encourages continuous trade between both regions.

(ii) Demand for Manufactured Goods: African countries rely on developed nations for machinery, vehicles, electronics, and medical equipment. This strong demand ensures a consistent trading relationship. It creates mutual dependence between exporters and importers.

(iii) Favourable Climatic Conditions: Tropical Africa’s warm climate supports the growth of cash crops like cocoa, rubber, and palm oil. These crops are not grown in colder countries. Their uniqueness encourages importation by developed countries.

(iv) Improved Transportation Systems: Advancements in sea and air transport have made it easier and faster to move goods between continents. Cargo ships, ports, and airports have enhanced international trade. Reduced transportation time boosts economic exchanges.

(v) Colonial Links and Trade Agreements: Many African countries maintain historical trade ties with former colonial powers. These links are supported by trade agreements and bilateral relations. They make trade processes smoother and more predictable.

(vi) Technological Advancement in Developed Nations: Modern technology used in the developed world helps process and preserve imported raw materials from Africa. This ensures long shelf life and adds value to the trade process. It motivates further importation.

(vii) Financial Assistance and Foreign Investment: Developed nations often provide financial aid, loans, or investment in infrastructure to African countries. This support encourages production and export. It also increases trade volume and economic cooperation.

(viii) Diverse Agricultural Products in Africa: Africa’s variety of agricultural exports, such as tea, cotton, and bananas, attract buyers from around the world. These diverse goods are not easily available in Europe or North America. This uniqueness boosts trade volume.

(2c)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Generation of Foreign Exchange: Exporting goods earns foreign currencies like dollars, euros, or pounds. These currencies are vital for importing machinery and funding development. Foreign reserves also help stabilize the national economy.

(ii) Creation of Employment Opportunities: International trade boosts industrial and agricultural activities. This leads to job creation in farming, transportation, warehousing, and port services. Many African families depend on trade-related jobs for income.

(iii) Encouragement of Industrial Growth: The demand for exportable goods drives local industries to expand. International trade pushes manufacturers to improve quality and increase output. This results in technological growth and value addition.

(iv) Revenue for Government: Taxes, tariffs, and duties on imports and exports provide huge income for African governments. These funds are used for development projects such as schools, roads, and hospitals. Trade strengthens national budgets.

(v) Access to Quality Goods and Technology: Importing from developed countries gives African nations access to better products and advanced technologies. These include medical equipment, construction tools, and educational materials. It improves the quality of life.

(vi) Infrastructure Development: To support trade, roads, seaports, and airports are constructed or upgraded. These infrastructures also benefit local communities. Improved connectivity boosts both local and international commerce.

(vii) Cultural and Diplomatic Relations: Trade promotes mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. It builds strong diplomatic ties that go beyond economics. Cultural exchange through trade strengthens international relations.

(viii) Market Expansion for Local Products: International trade opens new markets for African-made products. Items like crafts, textiles, and processed food find buyers abroad. This encourages innovation and entrepreneurial growth.

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(3a)
(PICK ANY ONE)
Pipeline transportation is a mode of transport that involves the movement of liquids, gases, or other substances through a network of interconnected pipes from one location to another. It is commonly used for transporting petroleum products, natural gas, and water over long distances efficiently.

OR

Pipeline transportation is a method of conveying fluids such as crude oil, natural gas, and water through specially designed pipelines over long distances. It serves as an efficient and safe means of moving liquid and gaseous materials between production sites, refineries, and distribution points.

(3b)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Crude oil
(ii) Natural gas
(iii) Petroleum products (e.g., gasoline, diesel, kerosene)
(iv) Water


(3ci)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Efficiency: Pipelines provide a continuous flow of products, reducing delays and ensuring a steady supply to industries, households, and businesses without interruptions caused by traffic or logistical bottlenecks.

(ii) Cost-effectiveness: Once installed, pipelines require minimal labor and maintenance compared to other transport methods, helping to significantly reduce operational costs for companies transporting large volumes of liquid or gaseous materials over long distances.

(iii) Safety: Pipelines reduce the risk of accidents associated with road and rail transport by eliminating the dangers of vehicle collisions, spills, and explosions that can occur during the movement of hazardous materials like crude oil or natural gas.

(iv) Reduced congestion: They help minimize traffic congestion by reducing the number of tanker trucks on roads, thereby lowering vehicular emissions, improving road safety, and decreasing travel time for commuters and businesses relying on highways for transportation.

(v) Weather resistance: Pipelines are not affected by adverse weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, floods, or extreme temperatures, ensuring uninterrupted transportation of essential commodities like fuel and water across vast areas, including remote locations.

(vi) Environmental benefits: Pipelines reduce pollution caused by vehicle emissions and oil spills from road transport, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint and reducing contamination of soil and water bodies due to frequent fuel transportation by trucks.

(3cii)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) High initial cost: Constructing pipelines requires significant investment in infrastructure, including land acquisition, material costs, specialized labor, and advanced technology, making it financially challenging for developing nations or private companies with limited budgets.

(ii) Limited versatility: Pipelines are designed for specific products such as crude oil, natural gas, or water and cannot transport diverse goods like solid materials, consumer products, or bulky equipment, restricting their overall usability in the transportation sector.

(iii) Environmental risks: Leaks or spills due to pipeline corrosion, mechanical failure, or accidental damage can contaminate water sources, harm ecosystems, and lead to long-term environmental degradation that may require costly remediation efforts.

(iv) Security concerns: Pipelines are vulnerable to vandalism, theft, and sabotage, particularly in regions where crude oil and fuel theft are prevalent, leading to potential supply shortages, economic losses, and safety hazards for nearby communities.

(v) Land disputes: Pipeline construction may lead to conflicts over land ownership and usage, especially in rural or densely populated areas where individuals, communities, or local authorities dispute land rights, compensation, or environmental impact concerns.

(vi) Maintenance challenges: Regular inspections and repairs are necessary to prevent leaks and ensure efficiency, requiring skilled personnel, advanced monitoring systems, and emergency response mechanisms to manage potential failures or operational breakdowns.

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(4)


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(5a)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Favourable Climate Conditions: Nigeria’s tropical climate provides the high temperature (between 21°C and 32°C) and well-distributed annual rainfall (about 1,200 mm to 1,800 mm) required for cocoa growth. The humid atmosphere and absence of extreme cold enable the cocoa tree to thrive throughout the year.

(ii) Fertile and Well-Drained Soil: Cocoa grows best in deep, well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter. The presence of such soils in Nigeria’s cocoa-producing regions, such as Ondo, Cross River, and Osun states, enhances root penetration and supports the nutritional needs of cocoa plants.

(iii) Availability of Forested Areas for Shade: Young cocoa plants require partial shade to prevent direct exposure to intense sunlight. Nigeria’s tropical rainforests provide natural shade and wind protection, which are critical for the successful establishment and growth of cocoa seedlings.

(iv) Skilled and Experienced Labour Force: Cocoa farming has been practiced for decades in Nigeria, leading to the development of a skilled local labour force. Many rural farmers are experienced in cocoa cultivation, pruning, harvesting, and fermentation processes, which promotes steady production.

(v) Government Support and Extension Services: Government agencies and agricultural extension officers have provided training, subsidized inputs, and seedlings to cocoa farmers. These initiatives help farmers adopt modern farming techniques and increase productivity, thereby encouraging continued cocoa cultivation.

(vi) Access to Local and International Markets: Cocoa is one of Nigeria’s leading export crops. The availability of domestic buyers and export opportunities provides an incentive for farmers to cultivate cocoa, as they are assured of profitable returns and consistent demand.

(vii) Presence of Research Institutes and Improved Varieties: Institutions such as the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) play a vital role in developing high-yielding, disease-resistant cocoa varieties. Access to such innovations supports sustainable cocoa production and encourages more farmers to engage in its cultivation.

(viii) Suitable Topography and Drainage: Cocoa is best grown on slightly undulating land with good drainage to avoid waterlogging. The southwestern regions of Nigeria, which are major cocoa-producing areas, possess this suitable topography, thereby promoting large-scale cocoa cultivation.

(5b)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Provision of Improved Seedlings and Inputs: The government and agricultural agencies should distribute high-yielding, disease-resistant cocoa seedlings to farmers. Access to fertilizers, pesticides, and other quality inputs at subsidized rates will enhance productivity and reduce losses due to pests, diseases, and low genetic quality of existing cocoa trees.

(ii) Strengthening Extension Services: Deploying more trained agricultural extension officers to cocoa-producing areas will improve farmers’ knowledge of modern farming techniques. Regular training on pruning, pest control, fermentation, and drying methods will boost yields and ensure better quality beans that meet international standards.

(iii) Rehabilitation of Aged Cocoa Plantations: Many cocoa farms in Nigeria have old and unproductive trees. Government and private stakeholders should support the replacement or rehabilitation of these farms through replanting programs. This will increase productivity and attract more young people to cocoa farming.

(iv) Improvement of Rural Infrastructure: Poor roads, lack of electricity, and inadequate storage facilities hinder cocoa distribution and preservation. Investing in rural infrastructure such as feeder roads, warehouses, and power supply will reduce post-harvest losses and ease the transport of cocoa to markets and ports.

(v) Access to Affordable Credit Facilities: Smallholder cocoa farmers often lack capital for expansion and farm maintenance. Government and microfinance institutions should provide low-interest loans and grants tailored to cocoa farmers. This financial support will enable them to buy inputs, hire labour, and invest in improved techniques.

(vi) Control of Pests and Diseases: Regular supply and promotion of effective pesticides and fungicides should be prioritized. Additionally, awareness campaigns and proper training in integrated pest management (IPM) will help farmers control common cocoa diseases like black pod, mirids, and capsids more effectively.

(vii) Stable and Competitive Pricing: Fluctuating cocoa prices discourage many farmers. Establishing minimum pricing systems or cocoa marketing boards can stabilize income and protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen. This encourages increased cultivation and long-term investment in the sector.

(viii) Youth Empowerment and Incentives: Most cocoa farmers are aging, and there is low youth interest in the crop. Introducing training programs, financial incentives, and land allocation schemes for youths will attract the younger generation to cocoa farming and sustain production for future needs.

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(6)