Geography Form Four Notes
Geography Form Four Notes
FORM FOUR
NOTES
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INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
Concept of Research
Research is considered to be more formal, systematic and intensive process of carrying on a
scientific method of analysis. Scientific method in solving problems may be an observation,
analysis and conclusion or observation, problem identification and hypothesis formulation by
formal application. Research may be defined as the systematic and objective analysis and
recording of controlled observation that may lead to the development of generalisations,
principles, or theories, resulting in prediction and possibly ultimately control of an event.
Research
Explain the meaning of research
Research may be defined as the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled
observation that may lead to the development of recommendations, principles, or theories,
resulting in prediction and possibly ultimate control of an event.
4. The research conducted can be used to test the validity and be used to develop new
theories.
STAGES OF RESEARCH
Research is scientific and systematic process of collecting, analysing and interpreting data basing
on a certain problem or phenomena, Research work also is the scientific and systematic process
of finding the truth concerning a specific phenomena or problem. Normally research work use
scientific stages and finding the solution of the identified phenomena such stages are
Identification of problem, Pre-survey, Literature review, Formulation of hypothesis, Research
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design, Data collection, Analysis of data, Hypothesis testing, Data interpretation and
preservation, Report writing.
2. Pre-surveying
Researcher should make a survey of a place where the research is going to be conducted to know
things like transport, weather etc.
3. Literature review
This reading various publications to know what other people say about what you are
investigating.
4. Formulation of hypothesis
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This is an assumption based on what one expects to find out in the field. It can be either true or
false.e.g mass failure in school is due to inadequate teaching and learning materials.
5. Research designing
This is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in the manner that aim to
combine relevance to the research purpose. It is the conceptual structure within which the study
is conducted.
6. Data collection
Refers to the collection of various information data in the field to enrich a research. Data
collection can be done by observation, interview, questionnaires, or group discussions.
7. Analysis of data
The data you have, make no sense until you convert the information into sensible ideas, and
make no sense until they answer the question you had asked in the problem.
8. Hypothesis testing
After data analysis the researcher needs to test the hypothesis formulated earlier the major
question here is whether the fact support the hypothesis or not.
Conducting Research
Conduct research
Research needs to be conducted in a clear and organized manner so as to obtain answers to the
stated problem.The preparation of research proposal should be done before conducting it.
Sometimes it may be hard to get data from the targeted population. Sampling should be used to
obtain a representative population and save time as well as utilize resources economically.
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The use of Research Output and Recommendations
Explain the use of research output and recommendations
Generally all the above steps are helpful, if each stage will be done effectively will help to obtain
factual information/solutions about various phenomena under consistence /effective preparation.
Research recommendations are the results or conclusion of research conducted. They are very
useful to individuals and nations as a whole. Social economic conditions are assessed based on
various researches. Research recommendations can be used to change the constitution, make
policies and creating new ways of doing things. To invest in researches is worth, they're great
drive of development.
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CLIMATE AND NATURAL REGION
The scientific study of climate is called climatology and a person who studies climate is called
climatologist
There are marked differences between weather and climate. The table below summarises these
differences:
Describes the atmospheric conditions at a specific place Describes the average atmospheric conditions of a
1. and time. place over a specific period of time.
Weather is defined as the day to day state of the Climate is defined as statistical weather information
atmosphere, and it is short-term (minutes to weeks) that describes the variation of weather at a given
2. variation. place for a specified time interval.
Weather conditions are measured over a short period e.g. a Climate conditions are measured over many years,
3. few hours or days. e.g., 30 years.
5. Weather changes abruptly within a short period. Climate changes slowly and gradually over many
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years.
6. Weather varies from one place to another within a region. Climate remains uniform over a large area.
Most weather elements are measured by weather Climatic elements are not measured but calculated
7. instruments. from the recorded weather data.
Latitude
This factor influences temperature and rainfall. Areas around and close to the equator experience
higher temperature and receive higher rainfall than those farther away. So the rainfall and
temperature decreases as one moves away from the equator.
The amount of heat received at any place on the earth’s surface depends on the angle at which
the sun’s rays strike the surface of the earth and the duration of the sunshine. At the equator, the
sun’s rays fall on the Earth’s surface at almost right angles throughout the year, but the angle at
which the sun’s rays strike the Earth’s surface decreases as one moves towards the poles.
Therefore, temperatures decrease with increase in latitude because the equator receives vertical
rays of sunlight while the north and the south poles receive slanting rays. Because of this fact,
the equator and places near the equator are hotter while places in or near the south and north
poles are colder.
Altitude
This influences temperature and atmospheric pressure of an area. Temperature decreases with
increasing altitude at the rate of 0.6°C for every 10 metres rise in altitude. Therefore, low-altitude
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areas are warmer than high altitude areas. Atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing
altitude. Pressure at sea level is higher than pressure at the summit of a high mountain.
Ocean currents
The nature of the ocean current influences the temperature of the wind blowing over it and
transfers this influence to the land adjacent to the ocean. This will either lead to reduction or
increase in the temperature of the land depending on the type of the ocean current. The wind
blowing over warm ocean currents will pick moisture from the ocean and often causes heavy
rainfall over the land while the wind blowing over the cold ocean current brings little or no
rainfall to the land.
This influences temperature and rainfall. Places located near the sea experience high temperature
and receive high rainfall than those located farther away. This is because of high rates of
evaporation from the water surface, which eventually causes heavy rainfall along the coastal
areas. For this reason, coastal regions often experience higher temperatures and rainfall than
inland areas.
Aspect
This term refers to the direction in which a slope faces. It influences temperature and rainfall. For
example, the south facing slopes in the northern hemisphere are always warmer than the north-
facing slopes. Also the windward side of the mountain receives heavier rainfall than the leeward
side.
Wind carries moisture with it as it flows. Warm wind blowing over a cold region warms the cold
region over which it flows. However, if the wind is cold, it cools the region.
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Warm, moist wind blowing towards a cold, dry region may lead to formation of rainfall in the
destination region. Cold, dry wing blowing over a dry region brings no rainfall and if the
blowing is repeated over several years, it may cause aridity in that region.
This refers to the arrangement of the region’s coastline in relation to the direction of the wind. If
the winds blow across the coastline they cause rainfall. If they blow in parallel to the coastline,
they cause drought.
This is a low-pressure area around the equator. The moist winds meet within this region. Places
farther away from this zone experience only one rainy season while places close to the zone
experience two seasons of heavy rainfall. This is because the winds converge around this region
twice a year.
Forests
Areas covered with forests normally receive high rainfall as compared to those with little or no
vegetation. This is because of high rates of evaporation and transpiration, leading to high
humidity. Therefore, these areas often, receive high amounts of rainfall and have a modified
climate.
Human activities
A range of human activities such as agriculture, mining, transportation, construction, etc affects
the climate. For instance, clearing of the forests to get land for agriculture and settlement leads to
the loss of biodiversity, making the land arid and unproductive.
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agriculture because their environment does not favour crop cultivation or animal husbandry. In
these regions, however, a very limited agriculture and animals rearing is conducted. The animals
kept include camels, goats, sheep, donkeys and other4hardy animals. Only drought resistant
crops such as dates are grown in deserts and arid areas.
In tropical and equatorial regions, a lot of agriculture is carried out. The inhabitants of these
regions take part in cultivation of crops and keeping of animals. Crops grown include cocoa,
banana, horticultural crops and grains. The animals kept in these climatic zones include cattle,
pigs, donkeys, horses, poultry and other farmyard animals. Specific types of various economic
activities carried out in each climatic region will be discussed in detail in the section below.
HOT CLIMATES
These are the type of climates found within the tropics, mainly between 23½° north and 23½°
south of the equator. Hot climates include the following climate sub types:
1. Equatorial climate
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Different Types of Natural Regions
Identify different types of natural regions
Equatorial climate
Location
The region is found approximately between 0° and 5° north and south of the equator. It may
extend up to 10° north or south of the equator in some regions. Examples of areas found within
this region include the Amazon basin (South America), and the Congo basin, the southern Ivory
Coast, south Ghana, western coastal Nigeria, and eastern coastal Malagasy Republic (all in
Africa).
Climatic characteristics
2. High temperature throughout the year; - The annual temperature range is about 3°C.; -
The daily mean temperatures are about 26°C all the year round.
3. The daily temperature range is rarely more than 8°C because of the thick cloud cover.
5. Rainfalls usually occur in the afternoons and they are accompanied by lighting and
thunder.
7. High humidity and intensive cloud cover throughout the yearThis climate can generally
be described as hot and wet throughout the year, with a small annual temperature range.
Highlands located within the equatorial region have their temperatures modified by altitude. The
temperature of some of these highland areas, e.g., the East African Highlands, is lowered to
about 15°C. These regions are said to have a modified equatorial climate.
Variations on the basic type of climate occur in the highland regions of equatorial Africa. The
climate of most of these regions has an equatorial rainfall pattern.
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In areas such as the south-eastern Nigeria, Cameroon, the south-east Asian islands of Malaysia,
Indonesia and the Philippines, the climate is equatorial monsoon because of the seasonal reversal
of winds. This results in even heaver rainfall.
Human activities carried out in the equatorial climate region include shifting cultivation and
plantation agriculture. Crops grown in this region include yams, cassava, maize, millet, sweet
potatoes, sorghum, beans, water melons, bananas and groundnuts. Examples of areas where this
type of farming is practiced include some parts of West Africa and Asia.
In plantation agriculture, crops such as cocoa, rubber and oil palms are grown on large scale
farms. Most rubber plantations are found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Srilanka. They
are also found in Liberia. Cocoa plantations are found in Brazil and West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria
and Ivory Coast). Oil palms are grown in Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Rainforests are also common in equatorial regions. In Africa, the equatorial forests are found in
the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), Gabon and some parts of West Africa.
This climate is also known as Sudan type or Savannah climate. In the interior of the continents it
is referred to as tropical continental climate.
Location
This climatic region occurs between 5oN and 15oN and 5oS and 15oS though it extends to 25o
north or south of the equator. It is best developed in most parts of Africa, and some parts of
South America, India and Australia.
Climatic characteristics
3. The highest temperatures occur just before the rainy season begins.
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5. Total annual rainfall is around 765mm, though this increases in the areas lying close to
the equatorial climate region. Similarly, rainfall decreases towards the tropical deserts.
People living in this region mainly engage in livestock keeping, cultivation and tourism. Also
lumbering is practised. Many tourists come from foreign countries to view the wildlife that live
in the vast grassland. Numerous national parks have been established in this region. In Tanzania,
for example, there are established national parks such as Serengeti, Mikumi, Selous, Tarangire,
Ruaha, Saadani, Ngorongoro, Katavi and Manyara.
The major crops grown in this region are maize, millet, groundnuts, beans, onions, cotton,
tobacco, sugarcane, sisal, rice and coffee.
Location
The areas which mainly experience monsoon type of climate are South East Asia, Northern
Australia, Southern China, and the Indian subcontinent. This type of climate is most marked in
India.
Climatic characteristics
1. Seasonal reversal of winds (monsoon winds); onshore during one season and offshore
during another season.
2. Onshore wind brings heavy rain to coastal regions while offshore winds bring little or no
rain, except where they cross a wide stretch of the sea.
3. Temperatures range from 32oC in the hot season to about 25oC in the cool season, giving
an annual range of about 7oC.
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4. Annual rainfall varies greatly, depending on relief and the angle at which onshore winds
meet the highlands (aspect).
5. There are three marked seasons: cool, dry season; hot, dry season; and hot, wet season.
This climate can generally be described as having a hot, wet season and cool, dry season.The
main human activities carried out in areas experiencing this type of climate include rice growing
and livestock husbandry. Apart from rice, the other crops grown are wheat, millet, maize, and
sorghum.
Sugarcane, cotton and juice are important lowland crops grown in India, Pakistan and
Bangladesh. The other crops grown are tea (Sri-lanka, Bangladesh and India) and rubber in
Malaysia.
Animals kept in this climatic region include pigs, cattle, buffalos, sheep, goats, and poultry.
Location
Regions with this type of climate are located on the east coasts of regions lying between 10oN
and 25oN and 10o S and 25oS. These areas are under the influence of onshore trade winds. The
main areas are the east coasts of Brail and Malagasy, the lowlands of central American and the
west indies the coast of Queen land (Australia) and the southern Islands of the Philippines.
Climatic characteristics
4. Total annual rainfall varies from 1000 mm to 200 mm depending on the location.
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This climate can generally be described as hot and humid throughout the year. However, the
climate is cooled by the onshore winds blowing almost everyday.
The main human activities carried out in this climatic region include crop cultivation, lumbering
and animal rearing. The crops grown include sugarcane, rice, banana and wheat.The animals
kept are such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and poultry.
Location
The tropical desert climate occurs on the western margins of landmasses between latitude 20o to
30o north and south of the equator. The climate is experienced in all the major tropical deserts of
the world. The hot deserts occupy about one third of the earth’s surface. The principal tropical
deserts occur on the continents as follows:
2. Asia: the desert of Jordan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel, and the desert of
India.3
WARM CLIMATES
Warm climates border the hot tropical deserts. They occur between 30o and 40o north and south
of the equator.
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4. Warm temperature desert.
Warm temperate western margin (Mediterranean type)
This is also known as the Mediterranean climate
Location
This type of climate occurs between 30oN and 45oN and 30oS and 40oS on the western sides of
the continents. Places experiencing the Mediterranean climate are on the coastal lands around the
Mediterranean Sea (the Maghreb, Spain, Italy, Greece, Egypt and Israel), the western sides of
north and South America (central California and central Chile), South Australia (Perth and
Adelaide) and South Africa (Cape Province).
General characteristics
1. Temperatures range from 21oC in the summer to 10oC (or below) in the winter.
4. Hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. This is because westerly winds blow off shore in
the summer and on shore in the winter.
The Mediterranean climate can generally be described as having hot, dry summers and middy,
rainy winters.The climate permits a wide range of crops to be grown, which include fruits and
cereals. It is in this region that much of the world’s citrus fruits are grown. Citrus fruits include
oranges, lemons, grapes and limes. Other fruits grown here are peaches, apricots, plums,
cherries, olives, almonds and pears.The cereals include maize, wheat, rice and barley.
Agriculture has given rise to specialized industries such as wine-making, flour-milling, fruit
canning and food processing industries.
Location
It occurs in the interior of the continents, between 20o and 35o north and south of the equator.
The best examples of the areas having this climate are Murray-Darling lowlands of Australia;
The high Veldt of South Africa; and the central Paraguay and central Argentina (both in South
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America); central lowlands of north America (Oklahoma and Texas and in northern Mexico);
central European lowlands, and the plains of Manchuria.
Climatic characteristics
2. The annual rainfall varies from 380 to 700 mm, depending on the distance from the sea.
3. Rainfall is convectional type and falls mainly in spring and early summer. The main
economic activities carried out in this region are cattle rearing and crop growing. Tourism is also
practised.
Warm temperate eastern margin (China type)
Location
It occurs in the eastern sides of the continents between latitudes 23o and 35o north and south of
the equator. The countries having this type of climate are central China, south eastern USA,
southern Brazil, eastern part of Argentina, South Africa, southern Brazil, eastern part of
Argentina, South Africa, southern Japan, and south eastern Australia.
Climatic characteristics
3. The rain is convectional and torrential type and it mostly falls in the summer.
Temperatures and rainfall in this type of climate make it possible to grow crops and keep
animals. Lumbering is also practised in the forested areas.The crops grown include rice, maize,
cotton, sugarcane and tobacco. Animals are extensively kept in Argentina and Australia. The
animals produce products such as meat, milk, butter and cheese for consumption and export.
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COOL CLIMATES
These climates are experienced in regions between 35o north and 60o south of the equator. They
are characterized by definite seasonal variations in temperature.
4. Temperate desert.
Cool temperate western margin (British type)
Location
It occurs on the western sides of the continents between 45o and 60o north and south of the
equator. Areas with this type of climate include North West Europe, British Columbia in western
Canada, Southern Chile, Tasmania, and the south Island of New Zealand.
Climatic characteristics
1. Winter temperatures range between 2oC and 7oC, while summer temperatures range
from 13oC to 15oC.
People living in this region engage in a myriad of economic activities which include agriculture,
mining, lumbering, manufacturing and commerce.Agriculture is of extensive type and includes
keeping of beef and dairy cattle and sheep and the growing of wheat, barley oats, vegetables and
fruits. In British Columbia lumbering is an important economic activity. In Tasmania and New
Zealand, sheep rearing for wool and mutton is an important activity. Fruit farming, especially
apples, is practised throughout the region.
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Cool temperate continental (Siberian type)
Location
This type of climate is found extensively in the northern hemisphere. It occurs in the interiors of
North America and Eurasia between 35o and 60oN
Climatic characteristics
5. The annual precipitation (rain plus snow) ranges from 400 to 500 mm.
The main human activities in this region include lumbering fishing, mining and some agriculture.
Climatic characteristics
1. (a) Moderately warm summers (18o) and very cold winters (-19oC).
5. The annual precipitation (rain plus snow) ranges from 400 to 500 mm.
The main human activities in this region include lumbering fishing, mining and some agriculture.
Location
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This type of climate is found extensively in the northern hemisphere. It occurs in the interiors of
North America and Eurasia between 35o and 60oN
Climatic characteristics
1. (a) Moderately warm summers (18o) and very cold winters (-19oC).
5. The annual precipitation (rain plus snow) ranges from 400 to 500 mm.
The main human activities in this region include lumbering fishing, mining and some agriculture
Climatic characteristics
4. Precipitation (in the form of rain and snow) is distributed throughout the year.
The main economic activities in this region are farming, mining, and manufacturing. The crops
grown include wheat, maize, millet and soya beans. Sheep farming is important in Patagonia.
Mining and manufacturing are practised where minerals are found.
Temperate desert
Location
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This climate occurs in the interiors of Eurasia and North America, and in Patagonia (South
America).
Climatic characteristics
3. Diurnal temperature range is about 35oC while the annual temperature range is about
40oC.
The human activities carried out in this region include mining, animal rearing and some
agriculture.The animals reared are such as camels, donkeys, sheep and goats. The main crops
grown in this region are date palms, oil palms, and millet. Agriculture is mostly practised in
oases and along river valleys.
COLD CLIMATES
Cold climates are mainly experienced in regions between latitudes 60oN and 68oN
Climatic characteristics
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3. Annual rainfall is about 750 mm.
4. Rain falls in most months except the winter when show falls.
The main economic activities practiced in this region include agriculture, mining and
manufacturing. Dairy cattle farming is mainly practiced in the Scandnavian countries such as
Norway Denmark and Sweden.
Climatic characteristics
1. Cold and long winters with temperatures ranging between -34oC and -45oC.1
4. Most of the rainfalls in summer, but in winter, precipitation is in the form of snow.
Climatic characteristics
ARCTIC CLIMATES
These types of climates are experienced in regions beyond the Arctic Circle (661/2oN) and
around Arctic Ocean. They are also known as polar deserts. The main features of these climates
are low amounts of precipitation (rain), mild summers and very cold winters.
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Tundra climate
Location
This region occurs in the northern coast of North America, southern coast Greenland and the
Arctic coast of Europe and Asia.
Climatic characteristics:
1. Very long, cold winters with temperatures ranging between -29oC and - 40oC.
3. Annual precipitation is 250 mm; some of it falls as snow in winter and as rain in summer.
Polar climate
Location
It occurs in the interiors of Iceland, Greenland and Antarctica.
Climatic characteristics
Because temperatures are very low, most these regions are uninhabited and hence limited human
activities take place here. The natural occupations are hunting, fishing and herding of reindeer.
Mountain climate
This type of climate occurs in the main mountain areas of the world. The areas that experience
such climates include the East Africa Mountains, the Ethiopian highlands, the mountains and
plateaus of central Asia, the Alps of Europe, the Andes of South America and the Rockes of
North America.
Climatic characteristics
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3. In areas around mountains within the tropic, temperatures may range from high at the
foot of a mountain to very cold at the peak, e.g. Mount Kilimanjaro.
We have seen how particular climatic conditions influence human activities. Now, let us see how
specific climatic conditions are suitable for given human activities.
Agriculture
Agriculture is strongly influenced by weather and climate. The nature of agriculture and farming
practices in any particular location depends on the type of climate experienced in that location.
Crops thrive well in any area with a fertile soil and which receives sufficient rainfall as well as
optimum temperature conditions. In such areas both commercial and subsistence crops may be
grown.
The equatorial region receives high rainfall and experiences high temperature throughout the
year. This climate is suitable for crops that can thrive well in moist and hot conditions. The crops
that can be grown in this region include cocoa, banana, rubber, sugarcane and yams.
Livestock rearing can be practised in the tropics where rainfall permits the growth of pastures.
This area also supports the cultivation of a variety of tropical crops such as fruits, tobacco,
sugarcane, tea, maize, rice and a variety of horticultural and cereal crops
Cooler climates also support crops which grow better in climates like barley, wheat, oats, sugar
beet, and fruits such as apples, peaches and apricots. These areas also support the rearing of dairy
animals.
In semi desert and desert climates where very little rainfall is received, there are reduced
agricultural activities. However, drought-resistant crops like millet, date palms, oil palms and
sorghum can be grown. The keeping of hardy animals such as sheep, camels, donkeys and goats
can be done.
Settlement
People like to establish settlements in areas with favourable climates and which support a variety
of agricultural activities. Such areas are often well-populated. Very hot or extremely cold areas
are usually sparsely populated because their climatic conditions are unfavourable for human
settlement.
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Forests thrive well in areas that receive ample rainfall and which have adequate temperatures.
Dense forests of the world are concentrated in the equatorial and tropical climates which
experience high rainfall and temperature throughout the year. The presence of forests in these
regions stimulate lumbering and growth of other industries such as paper-making and carpentry.
Fishing
Most of the world’s fishing grounds are in cooler regions. The cooler water is thought to support
the growth of water plants called plankton on which fish feed. Tropical areas are not suitable for
fish as compared to regions with temperate climates.
Tourism
For tourism industry to flourish, the climate in the host countries must be favourable enough to
attract the tourists to visit them. Tropical countries, like Tanzania, are often visited by tourists
from cooler climates during winter in their home countries to enjoy the warmth of the tropical
countries where they swim in warm waters and sunbath in tropical beaches.
Industry
The establishment and growth of industries strongly correlate to the climatic conditions. Most
industries are established in areas where raw materials are adequately available. For instance,
milk, tea, tobacco, meat, fish and fruit processing industries are often located where raw
materials are found. Likewise, lumbering industries are built close to forests.
Transport
Development of the transport systems in some climatic regions is very difficult. For example, the
tropical and equatorial regions, which receive much rainfall throughout the year, have poorly
developed roads. Routes passing through areas with clay soils become muddy and slippery when
it rains. This makes it hard to travel on earthy and murram roads. Roads in desert regions may be
blocked by sand blown onto them, making the roads impassable. In very cold regions,
precipitation in the form of snow may cover roads, making them impassable during winter.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is a large-scale, long term shift in the planet’s climate (weather patterns and
temperatures). The overall effect of climate change is termed as global warming.
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What is global warming?
Global warming refers to increase of the earth’s average surface temperature due to effects of the
greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat that would otherwise escape from the earth. The
greenhouse gases include water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4),
dinitrogen oxide or nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Since the early 20th century, the global air and sea surface temperature has increased by about
0.8°C, with about two-thirds of the increase occurring since 1980. Each of the last three decades
has been successively warmer at the earth’s surface than preceding decades since 1850.
The recent rapid warming was caused by human activities which contribute to the production of
greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere. It is predicted
that the continuation of these activities will result in 1.8–4°C average temperature increase over
the next century.
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas. The gas contributes over 50% of the greenhouse
effect. It is because of this reason that man is struggling to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.The
following are some of the man-made sources of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere:
Deforestation
Green plants absorb carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere and use it to manufacture their food
through the process of photosynthesis. Cutting down trees means that a few trees are left to
absorb carbon dioxide gas from the air. This has led to the increase in the amount of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere.
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A deforested land
Combustion of fuel
Burning of fossil fuel such as wood, coal, petroleum and natural gas, releases carbon dioxide into
the atmosphere. The gas is produced during combustion of these fuels in car engines, power
stations, industries, etc.
Methane
The main source of methane is from agricultural activities. It is released from wetlands such as
rice fields and from animals, particularly cud-chewing animals, like cattle. The emission of
methane gas into the atmosphere, therefore, increases with increase in agricultural activities.
Since 1960s the amount of methane in the air has increased by 1% per year, twice as fast as the
build-up of carbon dioxide.Methane is also produced by the decomposition of waste materials by
bacteria. It is the major component of natural gas.The gas is also produced during the mining of
coal and oil (as natural gas) and when vegetation is burnt.
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Dinitrogen oxide is produced from both man-made and natural processes. Human activities
which produce dinitrogen oxide include combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles and power
stations, use of nitrogenous fertilizers and burning of vegetation and animal waste. During
combustion of fuel in automobile engines, the air gets so hot that nitrogen reacts with oxygen to
form dinitrogen oxide.
The gas is also produced by digesting bacteria, and is part of the nitrogen cycle, one of the most
important natural processes on earth.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
The sources of CFCs in the atmosphere include refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosols. CFCs
are extremely effective greenhouse gases. One CFC molecule is about 10,000 times more
effective in trapping heat than a carbon dioxide molecule. Some of them are up to 14,000 times
effective than carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.
Increase in global temperature will affect both the land and the ocean environments. The average
temperature of the oceans has increased significantly in the past few decades, causing negative
effects on marine life.
When the ocean water gets warm, the algae in the ocean tends to produce toxic oxygen
compounds called superoxides which are damaging for the corals. Global warming is threatening
the coral reefs to a great extent, and the fact is that if coral reefs are wiped off the planet, it will
affect one third of planet’s marine biodivers
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Extreme weather events include record-breaking high or low temperatures, floods or intense
storms, droughts, heat waves, hurricanes and tornadoes, etc. These are effective measures of
climate change and global warming.
Floods
Scientists project that extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, blizzards and
rainstorms will continue to occur more often and with greater intensity due to global warming.
2. melting of arctic ice and snowcaps. This causes landslides, flash floods and glacial lake
overflow;2
4. increase in the range of disease vectors, that is, organisms that cause diseases.
Change in world’s climate patterns
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It is forecasted that global warming will cause climate patterns worldwide to experience
significant changes. Climate change resulting from increasing temperatures will likely include
changes in wind patterns, annual precipitation and seasonal temperature variations.
Climatic patterns in most parts of the world have already changed. Rains fall when least expected
and at irregular intervals. This has greatly affected the timing of planting and harvesting
activities. Sometimes the rains fall so heavily to cause floods, or too little leading to drought.
Most of the arable land that once used to be productive is slowly turning arid. With time, farmers
will run short of the land for cultivation, a fact that will result in famine.
Because high levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are likely to remain high for many
years, these changes are expected to last for several decades or longer.
Scientists predict that by the year 2100 the sea level will raise by at least 25 m, leading to coastal
flooding that will displace millions of people. Small islands in the Caribbean, South Pacific,
Mediterranean and Indian Ocean will be totally covered by ocean waters.
Ocean acidification
As levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide increase, the oceans absorb some of it. This increases
the acidity of seawater. Since the Industrial Revolution began in the early 1700s, the acidity of
the oceans has increased about 25%.
Because acids dissolve calcium carbonate, seawater that is more acidic has a drastic effect on
organisms with shells made of calcium carbonate, such as corals, mollusks, shellfish and
plankton. The acid water is likely to dissolve the carbonaceous shells, thus endangering the lives
of these sea creatures. Change in ocean acidity will also affect fish and other aquatic animals and
plants.
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If current ocean acidification trends continue, coral reefs are expected to become increasingly
rare in areas where they are now common.
Additionally, migratory birds and insects are now arriving in their summer feeding and nesting
grounds several days or weeks earlier than they did in the 20th century.
Warmer temperatures will also expand the range of many disease-causing pathogens that were
once confined to tropical and subtropical areas, killing off plant and animal species that formerly
were protected from disease.
These and other impacts of global warming, if left unchecked, will likely contribute to the
disappearance of up to one-half of the earth's plants and one-third of animals from their current
range by 2050.
Effects on humans
As dramatic as the effects of climate change are expected to be on the natural world, the
projected changes to human society may be even more devastating.
Agricultural systems will likely be affected badly. Though growing seasons in some areas will
expand, the combined impacts of drought, severe weather, lack of snowmelt, greater number and
diversity of pests, lower groundwater tables and a loss of arable land could cause severe crop
failures and livestock shortages worldwide.
This loss of food security might, in turn, create havoc in international food markets and could
spark famines, food riots, political instability and civil unrest worldwide.
The effect of global warming on human health is also expected to be serious. An increase in
mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, as well as a rise in cases of chronic
conditions like asthma, are already occurring, most likely as a direct result of global warming.
education,
land reforms,
afforestation,
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HUMAN POPULATION
The scientific study of human population is referred to as demography. It covers its growth,
density, distribution and movement as well as the aspect of economic and social development.
Concept of Population
Population
Define the term population
Population is related to the development process and environment. This is because it is a
reproductive resource that transform the environmental resources to bring development. As such
population is both a means and goal of all development. Thus it requires essential services like
education, law and order. As a resource, it provides labour force, especially when skilled so as to
be used in the production process in various sectors of the economy.
Population can have negative effects on development especially when there is low education and
technology, overpopulation and under population.
Over population leads to excessive utilisation of resources, poor housing, pollution and conflict
over resources: Under population leads to under utilisation of some resources.All this help the
government to plan and implement effectively the process of providing social services.
The word population comes from latin word populus meaning people.
Population or human population refers to the total number of people found in a given area at a
specified time.
Population size refers to the total number of people in the country. This may change over time
due to the dynamic components like birth, death and migration. Population size is obtained
through censuses.
2. Population is dynamic in the sense that it is migratory as people move from one place to
another place either permanently or temporarily depending on the prevailing conditions.
1. It promotes the supply of labour that can be used in exploiting or harnessing the idle
resources like minerals, land, water bodies etc.
2. It can encourage or stimulate the diffusion of technology into the destination from other
areas the people who migrate posses different skills of different environmental orientations these
can be spread into destination and help in the utilisation of local resources.
3. Migration can lead to the expansion of market for the local goods in the destination
regions
5. It can stimulate the growth of towns (urbanisation) and the associated advantages.
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Population Distribution
Population distribution refers to the way people are spread out on the land. Population
distribution is uneven since some areas are densely settled while others are not. Or sometime
population distribution can be described as being even or uneven, scattered or concentrated in a
particular places.
This describes the concentration of people in a specific area. There are places where people are
concentrated in one area while the land in the neighborhood may be unoccupied.Population
density is obtained by taking the number of people in a given area and dividing that number by
the total area of the place. Thus it gives us the number of persons per unit area of land.
Population density can be described as dense, moderate, or sparse.
PHYSICAL FACTORS
The physical factors are divided into climate, relief, vegetation, soil, drainage and diseases.
Climate
Temperature and rainfall are the two main influential climatic elements. People have a tendency
to adapt to moderate variations in temperature. Extreme temperatures however play a significant
role as far as human population is concerned.
Very high temperature like those experienced in Tanga, Zanzibar and Dar es salaam discourage
human settlement and consequently influence the population pattern.
Places receiving rainfall of over 1000 mm are densely populated, e.g. Kilimanjaro and Kagera.
Relief
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Areas of high attitude have low population because of extremely low temperatures experienced
there. Most crops do not do well beyond an attitude of 2500 m. However some communities
choose to live in the mountain areas for security reasons.
Vegetation
Dense forests are sparsely populated. It is difficult to develop communication line in such areas.
They are also habitats for wild animals which may be a danger to human habitation, Livestock
and crops. Areas such as Miombo woodlands of Tanzania are infested with tsetse flies which are
a threat to people and livestock. This has discouraged settlement in such areas.
Soils
Areas with fertile soil such as those areas around lake Victoria have attracted many people. Place
with infertile soils such as the leached soils of the savannah are sparsely settled because they are
agriculturally unproductive.
Drainage.
Well drainage areas attract settlement and hence have high population. Swampy places and areas
with seasonal swamps are normally uninhabited. Such places do not attract settlement or
farming. People avoid settling in areas that are prone to flooding.
HISTORICAL FACTORS
Historical events may also be responsible for low population densities in some areas. In the
18thcentury, many parts of the East, Central and West Africa were affected by slave trade. Strong
young men and women were captured and sold as slaves to go and work on the farms in the West
Indies and America. Some were taken as slaves to the Arab world. Meanwhile, other people ran
away from the same areas to avoid being captured and never returned. This reduced population
in these areas.
Tribal conflicts and war have led to some places becoming sparsely populated as people, seeking
safety move away from them.
ECONOMIC FACTORS
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Economic development resulting from activities such as exploitation of natural resources attract
a large population of job-seekers and service providers. Mining centres, no matter how remote
they may be in a country, usually attract large population.
People move and settle near established transport routes such as roads. The establishment of
towns and industries attract human settlements for similar reasons as mining. This accounts for
the large population in the major towns of East Africa.
Political unrest in many parts of the world have caused migration from certain areas. Between
1971 – 1979 many Ugandans ran away from their homeland to other parts of the country or into
neighboring countries to avoid political persecution during the reign of dictator Idi Amin. Many
people from Southern Sudan and Somalia have sought refugee status in Kenya in recent years
because of political instability in their respective countries.
Some government programmes may require the removal of people from certain areas in order to
settle them in new areas. For example the construction of large dams or road constructions. This
cause formerly inhabited areas to become sparsely populated while new settlement realize an
increase in population.
National parks and forest reserves are areas that are controlled by the government. Human
occupation of such areas is therefore prohibited. These areas are sparsely populated with the only
people living there being workers and, in some isolated cases, illegal squatters.
Population Change
Population Change
Define Population Change
Population change refers to the difference between the size population at the beginning and at the
end of a period. It can refer to the growth or decline in population.
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Population change can also be described as population growth. This is the increase (positive
growth) or decrease (negative growth) in the number of the people. Change in the population is
caused by birth, death and migration.
BIRTH RATES
A high birth rate coupled with a low death rate result in a positive change in population. This
translates into an increase in population.
A high birth rate is caused by high fertility and fecundity within a population.
Fertility is defined as the ability to conceive or to reproduce. Fecundity refers to the ability to
give birth to many children’s i.e. high fertility.
Fertility rate is expressed as a ratio of live birth in an area to the population of that area.
For example, according to the United Nations estimates for 1995 - 2000, the total fertility for
Tanzania was 5.5 children per women aged between 15 and 49 years. This is the average number
of children that a women of a child-bearing age will have in her life time.
The factors influencing fertility include the level of education of the women, urbanization, career
prospects and birth control measures. These factors tend to influence fertility rate.
The high fertility rate in East Africa is attributed to improved nutrition, improved health services
and weakening of the traditional customs like prolonged period of breastfeeding and sexual
abstinence after birth.
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The crude birth rate is estimated rate of births in a year. It is not a precise figure because the
values for the total population that are used for the calculation are an estimate as by the middle of
the year.
It is obtained by dividing the total number of the birth recorded in the year by the estimated total
population by the mid year and multiplying the fraction by 1,000. The formula would beTotal
number of births in the year x 1,000Total population (mid-year estimates) Tanzania crude birth
rate during the period 1995 to 2000 was 40.2 annual live births per 1000 persons.
DEATH RATE.
This factor is sometime expressed as mortality and it refers to the number of deaths within a
given population. There are three types of death rates.
Infant Mortality Rate. Is the number of deaths in the first year of life per one thousand live
births.
Child Mortality Rate. Is the number of deaths of children aged between 1 and 5 years per one
thousand live births.
Adult Mortality Rate. Refers to the number of adult dying per one thousand of the total
population.
Mortality is significant in that it results in reduction of population numbers. It also affects the
population structure.
A high death rate of a particular gender or age has a negative bearing on population growth.
Large-scale mortality may be caused by an outbreak of war, famine, disease epidemic or natural
disasters such as floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The deaths of a large number of youths and men who are of child-bearing age reduce the number
of people involved in child-bearing.
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The crude death rate is estimated rate of deaths against an estimated total population by the
middle of the year in question. It is calculated in the same way as the crude birth rate,Thus: Total
number of deaths rate in the year x 1000Total population (mid-year estimate)
The crude death rate is also expressed as the number of deaths per one thousands people. From
the United Nations statistics, Tanzania crude death rate during 1995 to 2000 was 12.9 annual
death per 1,000 persons.
The reasons why they use the term “Crude” is because other characteristics such as age, sex and
composition within a population are ignored.
The natural population growth is obtained by subtracting the CDR from the CBR.It can be
expressed as percentages asCBR-CDR X 1001000
From the 2002 population census conducted in Tanzania, the annual growth rate was found to be
2.9% for the period between 1988 and 2002 (i.e intercensal period).
MIGRATION.
Migration is the movement of people from place or region to another which result in change of
residence.It may be temporary or permanently.
Migration may involve immigration where people come into a new area. Those people are
referred to immigrants.
It may also involve emigration where people leave their native land for another land. These
people are called emigrants.
Such migration influence population change in both sides (Origin and Destination) which are
affected positively or negatively.
Emigration of the large number of people from their native land results in reduction of
population. In Africa, an exodus of people from their native countries has largely been attributed
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to civil wars.Large numbers of refugees flock neighboring countries result in an increase in
population in the host countries.
Tanzania has been host to many refugees from Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, the Democratic
Republic of Congo and even Somalia.
Migration of these refugees has resulted in a decrease in population in their native countries.
Some of the refugees may even opt to stay permanently in their host countries and some even
change their citizenship. The populations of refugees also grow through children born among
them within the host countries. All these result in positive change in population.
TYPES OF MIGRATION
There two (2) types of migration which include internal migration and external (International)
migration. These types of migration can be in a form of permanent, temporary, voluntary or
involuntary.
INTERNAL MIGRATION
This is a movement of people within a country. It can be temporary or longterm. It may be
voluntary or forced. This type of migration goes on all the time and many governments do not
attempt to control it.
The reasons for this type of migration are varied. They include searching of jobs, settlement,
seeking safer areas or improvement of people’s lives. There are those who move to parts or
countries where the climate is more favorable. There are four forms of internal migration
1. Rural to Urban migration. In this form, people move from rural areas to towns. People
migrate in search of jobs, better social amenities or education, some move to avoid wide spread
of unemployment in the rural areas or work on farms.
2. Rural to rural migration. In this form, people move from one rural area to another. Some
people move into plantations for employment in the large farms. There are those who moved into
new settlement and do farming.
Nomadic pastoralists migrate in search of water and pasture for their animals.
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1. Urban to rural migration. Some migrants who moved to towns in search of jobs move
back to rural areas to settle because they now have capital to invest in the rural areas.
2. Urban to urban migration. Are migrants who may move from one town to another. This
may in search of better employment or business opportunities.
EXTERNAL MIGRATION.
External migration are also know as international, interstate or inter-regional migration. It is the
movement of people from their own countries to other countries. The people involved are
referred to as in their original countries, emigrants and as Immigrants in their destination
countries.
Migration may be voluntary as in the case where people go for further studies, employment or
settlement or it may be forced as in the case of refugees.
This migration can be temporary or permanent. For example International tourists are temporary
migrants
A high fertility rate results in a large number of children that a family has to look after.Migration
has its own effects on individuals in the number of ways.
1. Some individuals may change their life styles by becoming more sophisticated. This
happens after gaining more skills and exposure to more sophisticated lifestyles where the
individual migrated to.
2. Some individuals after migrating to urban areas and getting jobs, may take a much longer
time to get married.
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3. When spouses are separated for long periods of time, this may lead to break up of
marriages. Either spouse may engage in extra marital relationships during the period of absence
of the partner.
4. Some individuals who migrate to urban areas lose their cultural values and this lead to
immorality. Some turn to crime.
5. Some people saves lot of money from the income they get from working. The income is
used to improve their standards of living.
It tends to lead to increased poverty. This is because these countries are lagging behind in
technological advancement in areas such as agriculture and industries because of the insufficient
capital as well as poor management of resources.
1. Over population is a situation where by a region or country has such a high population
that it cannot be supported fully due to a strain on the available resources. In such a situation,
many people live in object poverty.
3. Over population lead to poor housing and health facilities because demand for these
facilities is far greater than the supply.
4. Agricultural resources are underutilized because of shortage of land and traditional land
tenure systems which hinder modernization of agriculture
5. Slow industrial growth because of shortage of skilled labor. Although there is a large
labor force, it is largely unskilled.
By conclusion; Most over populated developing nations have a population that is largely
traditional. The bias of traditional attitudes slow down modern development as many people
stick to the traditional customs and ways of doing things.
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A large population increase the demand for food. This demand reduce the production of cash
crops while increasing production of food crops.
Population Data
Means information on population. Or is the information pertaining to population and relate direct
with some economic, social and demographic matters.
1. Primary sources, this is a source of population data which is obtained directly via
registration of person like registration of births and deaths, data is also obtained first hand when
there is population census and when sample survey are limited amount of data could also be
obtained from resourceful persons.
2. Secondary sources of population data, include reports in population which are compiled
and published as census reports, data is also obtained from textbooks and other reference books,
atlases, magazines, newspaper, journals, periodicals and research papers.
It can also be obtained from draft reports, annual reports as well statistical abstracts which are
published annually and are available in government offices.
Population data may also be obtained or available in the electronic media as well as on the
internet.
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Statistics can be studied in their raw form or in a processed form by studying such information
conclusion can be made and explanation sought. Example of data presentation;
1. Population numbers and density enable the government to plan on low to allocate
resources. Also the knowledge of population can be useful in solving land congestion.
2. Data birth and death rates as well as fertility and mortality enable government to plan
how to provide medical services and health education, especially where the death rate is very
high.
3. Data on migration can enable a government to plan how to curb influx of people into
urban areas from the rural regions if corrective measure are taken, loss of man power in the rural
areas would be curbed as well as reducing influx of immigrants in urban centres.
4. Knowing the number of dependents enable the government to plan for expansion of
schools, medical and other social amenities to take care of large number of children below the
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age of 15. When the government has ideas about the number of the aged, It can budget for
provision of welfare better.
5. It enable planning for creation of jobs, population census data provide information about
overpopulation and underpopulation.
Population Problems
Human population refers to the total number of people at a given place in specific period of
time.Population problem refers to the problems which human population face in a certain area,
these problems occur in groups as follows:
Elders
2. Refugees.
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resources are used determine whether there is over-population or under-population. When
resources match with existing population it is called optimal population.
Population Policy
Population Policy
Explain the meaning of population policy
Population policy refers to the statement law or regulations enacted to some demographic goals.
It is a deliberate effort by the government to influence the demographic factors like fertility,
mortality and migration. Thus the ultimate goal of the population policy is to influence
population size, composition, distribution and growth. The policy also tends to take into
consideration the relationship between population and development as well as the impact on
environment condition.
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Hence the explicit policy is the elaborate statement that spell out the rationale objective, goals,
targets policy program and implementation.
IMPLICIT POLICIES, refer to particular law, regulation or statement, which may have direct or
indirect effect on population growth. Implicit policy is not as elaborate as explicit since it is
somehow unclear and cannot be easily understood leading to failure in terms of implementation.
Population policies, whether explicit or implicit, have the ultimate aim of influencing a country’s
population size, composition, distribution and growth.
1. Consideration of regional and district variation with regard to the level of socio-economic
development
2. Adherence to the development vision which among other things emphasize the role of the
market in determining resources allocation and uses
3. Continued democratization of the political system with its intended political pluralism as
symbolized in the emergence of various political parties or actors and mushroom of independent
mass media
5. Recognition and appreciation of the central role of the government, NGOs, private sector
communities and individuals in population and development.
This policy takes cognizance of the achievement, constraint and limitation of implementing post
population policies as well as new development and continuing challenges.
ACHIEVEMENTS
The achievement of both implicit and explicit population policies include the followings:
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a. Considerable awareness of population issues particularly those related to reproductive
health and child survival by the masses of the people for example fertility, infant and child
mortality has decline overtime
b. Adoption of an explicit population policy in 1992, which recognised the links and
interrelationship between population, resources, the environment and development.
e. High knowledge and use of contraceptive methods among both men and women and
male involvement in family planning which has increased contraceptive prevalence from about
10 in 1980s to 16 in 1996.
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SETTLEMENTS
Concepts of Settlement
Settlement
Define settlement
A Settlement is a place or location where people live and establish their livelihood.
Settlement; is a place where people live. Settlement can come in different sizes.
A settlement may be as small as a single house in remote area or as a large as a mega city.
1. A nucleated settlement is where the buildings are closed around a central point such as
market square.
2. Linear settlement is where the buildings are arranged in a line usually along the river or
road.
3. A dispersed settlement is where the buildings are spread out or scattered. Dispersed
settlement are often found in remote, sparsely populated areas.
There are two (2) types of settlements which are urban settlement and rural settlement. The
characteristics which define a settlement of urban or rural include the size, density of the
population and activities being under taken in these two types of settlement.
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URBAN SETTLEMENTS
Are geographical areas with dynamic boundaries. The growth of an urban centre refers to the
expansion of a town as a result of birth rate, change of the town boundaries.
Population in urban settlements are used in many analysIs as an important variable in social,
environment and demographic studies.
1. The number of urban settlement and their boundaries will change overtime, depending on
construction activities and change of present population.
RURAL SETTLEMENTS
Are geographical morphologies, comprising of all places with less than 10,000 population;- They
comprise of small rural town villages and homesteads.
In Tanzania about 80% of the population live in rural areas. To supplement their farming
activities some rural communities engage in other traditional activities such as weaving, carving,
fishing and extracting of timber from the forest.
SETTLEMENT PATTERNS
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Is the layout of dwelling in a particular place. Settlement patterns assume a distinct form as it
grows, settlement patterns may be influenced by different factors such as topography of an area
and availability of suitable land for farming. Transport routes and communication lines also may
influence the pattern that emerges. Human factors such as an increase in population may lead to
the spread of settlements because may be searching for new land to settle on.
This settlement pattern consists of cluster of dwellings, shops and other buildings in one place.
The settlement is close to one another forming a cluster. Nucleated settlement may develop as a
result of the availability of social services, the presence of industrial plants and limitation of
building land leading to the clustering of building in one place.Settlement such as Mwadui in
Tanzania and Kimberley in South Africa are nucleated mining settlements.
Linear settlement pattern may develop along communication lines or along specific physical
feature such as river, the house and other structures appear to be arranged in a line along a road,
a river, or canal or a coastal line such settlement may form a curve depending on the shape of the
features.
Linear settlements are common along the coast of East Africa, along the shores of lake
Tanganyika and a long some parts of lake Victoria. They are also common along many roads and
foot paths.
Is also referred to as scattered settlement pattern because it consists of houses and other
structures which are scattered. The houses may be separate from one another by physical features
such as valleys, rivers, and ridges. Dispersed settlement is common in areas where people own
individual traits of land.
2. Mining towns: are located in areas that contain a supply of natural resources such as coal,
diamond and tin.
3. Manufacturing and industrial towns: grown around the source of raw materials often in
conjunction with mining towns.
4. Route centres: located at nodal points that develop from the transportation of raw
materials for processing of manufactured products to the marketing centres.
5. Administrative centres: Involve settlement that are strategically well placed to combine
several functions and provide a administrative services on a regional or national basis.
6. Port centres: The original function of ports is the settlement of raw materials, goods and
passengers with development of national and international trade, such centres have naturally
acquired additional functions like business.
Growth of settlements
This refers to the increase or expansion of the place or areas where people live and engage in
different economic activities.
There was the rapid growth of settlement in Europe after the industrial revolution.The growth of
settlement of a given place is always dynamic as it changes time after time due to the different
factors.
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1. A nucleated settlement is where the buildings are closed around a central point such as
market square.
2. Linear settlement is where the buildings are arranged in a line usually along the river or
road.
3. A dispersed settlement is where the buildings are spread out or scattered. Dispersed
settlement are often found in remote, sparsely populated areas.
4. The number of urban settlement and their boundaries will change overtime, depending on
construction activities and change of present population.
10. Provision of social services, People migrate from their original places and live near areas
where social services are easily available to them. Example of social services are health centres,
schools, electricity and water supply.
11. Climate conditions, people settle in good climatic areas. Rainfall and temperature have a
great influence from human settlement. Areas that receive abundant rainfall and favourable
temperature attract more people. This is because people are able to engage in both subsistence
and commercial farming such areas are Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, Ruvuma and Iringa region where
there is abundant rainfall.
12. Relief, it is a strong factor influencing settlement. Gentle slopes are ideal areas for
building houses as they are well drained. Steep stops are usually uninhabited because they have
thin soils which inhibit growth of crops and pasture.
13. Vegetation cover, vegetation is the total plants cover over an area. Thick vegetation
discourages establishment of settlement. Dense forest such as Congo of central Africa and
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Amazon, in South America are not accessible. They may also be habitants for dangerous wild
animals and disease carrying vectors.
14. Political factor has great influence on settlement establishment. A settlement may be
located in a certain area because of political reasons for example in 1967 the government of
Tanzania introduced ujamaa village where by people were settled in villages.
15. Economic factor, people establish settlement in places which offer economic
opportunities. Migration from rural to urban centres is mainly due to prospects for employment
and trading opportunities. Mining activities also leads to the establishments of settlements for
example development of Mwadui towns was the results of Mwadui Diamond mines.
16. Cultural factors, some areas may be productive but due to some cultural beliefs people
may be prohibited to establish settlements on such areas. Example mumbanitu forest in Njombe.
17. Historical factor, prior to the division of Africa some communities moved in various
directions and settled in their present homelands. Those movements were caused by various
factors mainly wars for example Mfecane war in South Africa.
Overcrowding, Great number of immigrants and people are coming from farms. There is an
increase in birth rate and drop in mortality rate. People migrate from original places due to
corruption, poor water supply and poor health services.
Political instability, the increase of the people at certain areas cause the increase of bad
behaviour like crime which lead to political instability at a given area.
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Eruption of diseases like cholera, malaria, HIV/AIDS and other outbreaks due to population
pressure caused by the increase of people.
Unemployment, due to the increase of people in urban areas from the rural most of them search
for jobs in the urban centres which result in lack of job vacancies.
Traffic Congestion, These refer to the presence of high number of vehicles especially private
cars, these lead to noise pollutions as well as air pollutions for example Dar -es salaam.
Shortage of social services, like water, schools. Some urban centres do not have reliable sources
of water. As population increase water sources are strained and most residential areas experience
water shortage for instance Dar es salaam suffer from water shortage throughout the year.
Emergence of street children, As people increase resulting to the lack of social services and
conflicts in the family and at the end family break-ups which result to street children. These
people decided to run away due to the lack of social services in their family.
Improvement of social services like water, electricity, churches, schools for example
construction of more dams to preserve water for the population in the cities also there be
improvement of infrastructure so as to facilitate economic activities.
Creation of employment opportunities. The city council has to create more jobs so as to cure the
problem of unemployment for example increase in investments in industries as well as
agriculture, which will lead to the provision of jobs to youths.
Good urban planning, There must be good planning in the constructions of buildings so as to
avoid the poor arrangement of housing in the cities. Housing design must try to meet the demand
of the citizen.
Improvement of infrastructure to accommodate the motor vehicles. Private cars have been
increasing extensively and becoming a problem. It is necessary to set up a reasonable system and
width of roads, reserve necessary parking place.
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Family planning, As street children are caused by the lack of social services, this can be reduced
by using the family planning to reduce the number of children in the family. This will make the
provision of social services as well as the employment opportunities.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND
MANAGEMENT
In this topic we are going to deal with the sub topic called environment conservation.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Refers to the protecting of environment from being destructed through practicing various ways
of environment protection such as destocking, afforestation and planting of cover plants.
Destocking, refers to the process of reducing number of animals on the environment because
when the number of animals increase on the environment, they can feed on all the plants which
help to prevent soil erosion or land slides.
Afforestation and Reforestation refer to the process of planting trees in bare land and re planting
trees in the presence of other trees.
Control industrial gases and industrial sewage system, industrial location should be far apart
from the water sources
Practicing proper irrigation skills. When irrigation is practiced improperly especially on the land
with slope the water can wear out the nutrients and cause poor production.
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Control of industrial fertilisers instead of depending on industrial fertiliser we can use manure
since manure has no effect on the soil while industrial fertilisers add acid on the soil.
To control fishing activities, bad fishing method should be discouraged for example charging and
punishing for those who practicing bad methods.
Control construction of road and buildings to avoid construction of building on steep slopes
because this can accelerate soil erosion.
This part is practically based on students in groups to practice various ways of conserving the
environment such as planting trees, flowers, cleaning environment around the school campus.
Population can be higher in particular areas due to the availability of social services, (food,
shelter, hospital), good economic activities, agriculture, trade, good infrastructure, climatic
condition. When the population is high, it can cause the following effect on the environment.
1. Soil erosion: This is because when the population increases it leads to the expansion of
settlements and residences. People need to build houses which involves digging the land to set
the foundation of the houses.
2. Deforestation: Occurs when the population increases and leads to the expansion of
settlements and residences. People will cut trees in order to create space and for building.
3. Loss of biodiversity: This is due to risky human activities that endanger the live of
organisms for instance using chemicals in agriculture and fishing and deforestation also cause
biodiversity.
4. Desertification: Occurs when the bare land is directly heated by the sun.
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5. Air pollution: The number of people increasing in an industrialised settlement, this
produces large amount of gas.
DESERTIFICATION
Is the development of desert-like condition in regions that have experienced human disturbance
such as deforestation, overgrazing, poorly managed agriculture. Although the extent of the world
deserts expand and contract in response to naturally changes in climatic condition.
CAUSES OF DESERTIFICATION
1. Overgrazing: Overgrazing was not a problem long ago because animals would move in
response to rainfall. Now, animals can graze in a single area for a long time.
3. Destruction of plants in dry regions: This is causing desertification to occur. People are
cutting down trees to use them as a source of fuel, once these trees are cut down there is nothing
to protect the soil.
4. Incorrect irrigation in arid regions cause a build up of salt in the soil. This is commonly
used in poorer areas farmers use poor techniques because of lack of water.
5. Deforestation: Since this involves cutting down of trees without planting more trees
causing the land to be bare that the soil can be easily carried by the wind
EFFECT OF DESERTIFICATION.
1. Soil becomes less usable, The soil can be blown away by wind or washed away rain
nutrients in the soil can be removed by wind or water. Salt can build up in the soil which make it
hard for plant growth.
2. Damaged loose soil may bury plants or leave their roots exposed also when overgrazing
occur plants species may be lost
3. Places that have war and poverty are most likely to have famine occur. Drought and poor
land management contribute to famine.
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4. Food loss. The soil is not suited for growing food, Therefore the amount of food being
grown will decline. If the population is still growing this will cause economic problems and
starvation.
5. Desertification can cause flooding, poor water quality, dust storms and pollution. All of
these effects can hurt people living near an affected region.
3. The carrying capacity of the natural environmental has been reduced, As the people
become poorer they destroy the resources faster
4. They tend to overuse the natural resources because they don’t have anything to eat or any
means of getting money except through the natural resources so starting to depend more on
natural resources
5. Due to the lack of sufficient income people start to use and overuse every resource
available to them when their survival is at stake.
Is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods
ranging from decades to millions of years.
2. Before human changes in climate, changes resulted entirely from natural causes such as
changes in Earth’s orbit, changes in solar activity or volcanic eruptions.
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3. Since the industrial era began humans have had an increasing effect on climate
particularly by adding billions of tons of heat trapping green house gases in the atmosphere.
4. Most of the observed warming since the mid 20thcentury is due to human caused
greenhouse gas emission.
CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL CLIMATIC CHANGES
Loss of biodiversity, since when the climate change there is occurring of drought that can cause
plants and micro-organism die.
Causes disease such as skin cancer, when the ozone layer is destructed it can cause the sun rays
to penetrate directly to the earth surface since the ozone layer previously acting as a blanket to
prevent the sun rays is now destructed.
Famine or hunger. It is difficult to practice agriculture when climate is changing. it may cause
drought making it difficult for plant growing.
Increase in sea levels since the climate change can cause the melting of ice due to increase in
temperature on the earth surface that cause increase of the sea level.
Loss of habitat for living organism since there are some living organisms living in cold areas or
in ice so when the climate changes due to increase in temperature those organism fail to survive
and die.
The term “environment” refer to the surrounding and the influence surroundings have on living
things. Surroundings include the living and the dead things. Thus environment include land,
water, atmosphere and living things. In the environment, human beings are taken to be the centre
because they influence the environment and in turn it influences them.
Our environment is often divided into three components. These are the physical, the living and
the cultural environment.
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1. The Physical EnvironmentIt consist of air, water, soil and rocks form the non – living or
physical environment.
2. The living Part of the EnvironmentThe second component is the habitat which is the
home of living things (all living things). The habitat provide conditions necessary for life to
prosper. The various creatures depend on each other for survival E.g. animals depends on plants
for foods, plants depends on insect for pollination and dispersal.
2. People are capable of influencing each and every other part of the environment.
Thus the cultural environment reflects the impact of human being such as:
Environment is made up of independent components and processes, hence what is part of the
environment can relate to something else. The destruction of one of these mean damaging a lot
others E.g. If we destroy a forest:
2. We are destroying natural cycles which involve the production or consumption of gases
for sustaining life.
Importance of Environment
The Importance of Environment
Explain the importance of environment
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Therefore we should note that environment is a big system of parts, in which none can work
alone. Environment is important for the following aspects:
2. The environment contains ingredients essential for live, health and human welfare.
3. Supply of raw materials and energy necessary for production and consumption.
4. Absorption of the waste products of the social and economic activities. This absorption is
done through air, soil or water
Environmental Problems
Environmental Problems
Identify environmental problems
Environment problems refer to the issue of harmful processes which are introduced or natural
occurrences to the environment and make it unsafe for the users. Environment management:
Refer to the solution of controlling or conserving or caring of environment for the future use.
2. Environment hazards which include, Floods, Drought, Desertification, Famine and loss of
Biodiversity both plants and animal (flora and fauna).
3. Global warming.
ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION
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Environment pollution these are problems which lead to pollution of environment due to addition
of unwanted product or substance, these includes Air pollution, Soil pollution, Water pollution
and Noise pollution.
WATER POLLUTION;
Water pollution is the addition of unwanted substance to the sources of water example River,
Lake, Ocean, Dams, Swamp
1. Mining activities, due to the exploitation of minerals when rain falls it sweeps the soil to
the source of water resulting in pollution.
2. Disposal of untreated sewage (effluent) into the water bodies from various sources e.g.
Industrial wastes or domestic wastes.
3. Dumping of waste from the industries into the water bodies from various sources e.g.
industrial waste.
4. Oil spills from the leaking oil containers of pipes during the transportation of such raw
materials
5. Some chemicals and other waste from the farms can get into the water bodies through the
surface run-off.
6. Volcanic eruption, Eruption of magma on the surface could lead to water pollution
because it can flow to the source of water.
7. Testing of bombs.
8. Wind.
AIR POLLUTION;
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CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION.
1. Industrial activities. These industries produce some gases which affect the atmosphere
e.g. carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide.
2. Automobiles, The presence of cars lead to air pollution due to the burning of oil which
produce gases like CO2.
4. Mining activities lead to air pollution due to the dust moved by wind.
6. Agricultural activities.
7. Volcanic Eruption.
SOIL POLLUTION;
Soil pollution refers to the introduction or addition of any substance in the soil which is
unwanted or harmful to plants and animals and having adverse effects to the soil quality.
1. Poor dumping of waste products from various sources e.g. industries, homesteads.
2. Mining activities, this lead to soil pollution due the fact that when these activities take
place they leave a hole to the land as the result of soil erosion.
3. Agricultural activities through shifting cultivation. E.g. the use of chemical fertilisers.
4. Acidic rain, this can lead to the killing of vegetation over which protect soil from
destructive means.
5. Overgrazing lead to pollution of soil as the result of erosion caused by large number of
animals kept.
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7. Monoculture which affects the fertility of soil due to the monotonous production of one
crop.
NOISE POLLUTION
Noise pollution is any disorganized loud sound. Sound is a form of energy but when it become so
loud it cause negative effects
DESERTIFICATION.
Desertification is the process by which the deserts are encroaching on potential agricultural land
OR
OR
Is the process in which the fertile land is demanded and degraded to initiate a desert – producing
cycle that feeds itself and cause long term changes.
CAUSES OF DESERTIFICATION:
2. Deforestation, meaning that cutting down of trees make the land bare and as a result
rainfall decreases because trees act in rain formation.
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4. Population explosion, this accelerates desertification due to cutting down of trees in order
to establish settlements.
5. Global warming this is the gradual increase of temperature on the earth’s surface that
kills vegetation and leads to desertification.
DROUGHT
Drought is a state of an area facing prolonged dry weather without precipitation. OR it is a long
period of dry weather when there is not enough water
CAUSES OF DROUGHT
5. Location of the place e.g. Lee ward side of the mountain therefore experience dryness
due to rain shadow effect.
6. Overgrazing, this leads to drought because the cattle will use all the water available for
consumption and lead to destruction of water sources.
FLOODS
Floods refer to the period of either high river discharge (when a river overflows its banks
because of excess water) or overflow of water along the coast due to extremely high tides and
storm waves
OR
Is the surface run-off of water from one place to another due to the influence of high rainfall.
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CAUSES OF FLOODS:
1. Earthquake below the sea tend to lead to the formation of a large waves or tsunami.
2. Blocked up drainage systems in town or cities can also trigger the problem
3. Damming of the river by human beings or by lava spewed out during volcanic eruptions
5. Clearing of vegetation accelerates flooding because of the bare surface, water run faster.
6. Shallowness of the soil due to the presence of impermeable rock layers just near the
surface.
GLOBAL WARMING
Global Warming is an unusual increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere caused by
the green house effect. Green house effect occurs when the atmosphere traps and retains heat
energy from the sun in the lower levels leading to the rise of temperatures.
3. Casual burning.
Population explosion/population pressure refer to the increase of the total number of people in a
given area compared to the resources available OR
It is the increase of the number of people in a geographical area compared to the resources
available.
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1. Soil fertility: People tend to concentrate in areas with fertile soil because of high
production than in infertile soil areas.
2. High birth rate this is due to increase of births in a given area without using family
planning
3. Immigration: Due to incoming people from various parts, this is caused by civil war,
hunger and famine.
DEFORESTATION
Deforestation is the process of cutting down trees or is the destruction of the forest through
depletion or disappearance of different trees species.
CAUSES OF DEFORESTATION
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Acidic Rain results from solution of gases like carbon dioxide that react with water to form
acids. Therefore acidic rain is rain containing more acids than the normal amount.
It is formed in the air from sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide which are emitted by thermal
power stations, Industries, Motor vehicles, burning of coals and also industrialisation.
LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY.
Biodiversity: Refers to a variety of species of living organisms both plants and animals (flora
and fauna).
Ecosystem:Is a natural system in which plants and animals interact with each other and the non-
living environment.
Bush fires, this lead to the disappearance of plants and fauna because some of the fauna will die
due to the fire and some plant also die and disappear completely.
Poaching, this is the illegal killing of wild animals eg, killing of Elephants, Rhino and Zebra for
various purposes.
Introduction of new species in a geographical unit for example Lions introduced to the place
where there are herbivorous animals.
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The Causes, Extent, Effects of Fast Rate of Population and Urban Growth on
Environment
Explain the causes, extent, effects of fast rate of population and urban growth on environment
Population can be higher in particular areas due to the availability of social services, (food,
shelter, hospital), good economic activities, agriculture, trade, good infrastructure, climatic
condition. When the population is high, it can cause the following effect on the environment.
Soil erosion. This is because when the population grows high, it leads to expansion of
settlement and residence because they will need to build houses which involves digging the land
for setting the foundation of the houses.
Deforestation when the population is higher it leads to the expansion of settlement and
residence. That people will cut trees in order to create space and for building.
Loss of biodiversity, This is due to risky human activities that endanger the life of living
organisms for instance using chemicals in agriculture and fishing and deforestation also cause
biodiversity.
Desertification is a condition where the land is bare that it allows the sun to heat directly
on the land since there is no land cover
Air pollution since the number of people increasing on the environment improve
industrialization. That will produce large amount on gases.
Causes of Desertification
Overgrazing, overgrazing was not a problem long ago because animals would move in
response to rainfall. Now, animals can graze in a single area for a long time.
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Farming of arable land. Farming of arable land is causing desertification worldwide
farmers are clearing arable land and using it takes away the richness of the soil
Destruction of plants in dry regions this is causing desertification to occur. People are
cutting down trees to use them as a source of fuel once these trees are cut down there is nothing
to protect the soil.
Incorrect irrigation in arid regions cause a build up of salt in the soil. This is commonly
used in poorer areas farmers use poor techniques because of lack of water.
Deforestation since it involve cutting down of trees without planting more trees causing
the land to be bare that the soil can be easily carried by the wind
Effects of Desertification
Soil becomes less usable, The soil can be blown away by wind or washed away rain
nutrients in the soil can be removed by wind or water. Salt can build up in the soil which make it
hard for plant growth.
Damaged loose soil may bury plants or leave their roots exposed also when overgrazing
occur plants species may be lost
Places that have war and poverty are most likely to have famine occur. Drought and poor
land management contribute to famine.
Food loss. The soil is not suited for growing food, Therefore the amount of food being
grown will decline. If the population is still growing this will cause economic problems and
starvation.
Desertification can cause flooding, poor water quality, dust storms and pollution. All of
these effects can hurt people living near an affected region.
The Impact of Poverty on Environment
Explain the impact of poverty on environment
Impact of Poverty on Environment Include:
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Poverty considered as a great influence of environment degradation in many regions of
the world, regional overgrazing has resulted in destruction of grazing lands, forest and soil
The carrying capacity of the natural environmental has been reduced, As the people
become poorer they destroy the resources faster
They tend to overuse the natural resources because they don’t have anything to eat or any
means of getting money except through the natural resources so starting to depend more on
natural resources
Due to the lack of sufficient income people start to use and overuse every resource
available to them when their survival is at stake.
Before human changes in climate, changes resulted entirely from natural causes such as
changes in Earth’s orbit, changes in solar activity or volcanic eruptions
Since the industrial era began humans have had an increasing effect on climate
particularly by adding billions of tons of heat trapping green house gases in the atmosphere.
Most of the observed warming since the mid 20thcentury is due to human caused
greenhouse gas emission.
Loss of biodiversity, since when the climate change there is occurring of drought that can
cause plants and micro-organisms die
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Causes disease such as skin cancer, when the ozone layer is destructed it can cause the
sun rays to penetrate directly to the earth surface since the ozone layer previously acting as a
blanket to prevent the sun rays is now destructed
Loss of habitat for living organism since there are some living organisms living in cold
areas or in ice so when the climate changes due to increase in temperature those organism fail to
survive and die.
Environmental Conservation
Environmental Conservation
Define Environmental Conservation
Environmental Conservation refers to the protecting of environment from being destructed
through practicing various ways of environment protection such as destocking, afforestation and
planting of cover plants.
Afforestation and Reforestation refer to the process of planting trees in bare land and re
planting trees in the presence of other trees.
Control industrial gases and industrial sewage system, industrial location should be far
apart from the water sources.
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Practicing proper irrigation skills. When irrigation is practiced improperly especially on
the land with slope the water can wear out the nutrients and cause poor production.
To control fishing activities, bad fishing method should be discouraged for example
charging and punishing for those who practicing bad methods.Control construction of road and
buildings to avoid construction of building on steep slopes because this can accelerate soil
erosion.
Responsibility of protecting our dear planet earth should starts from the domestic to international
level. Schools have a very unique role in environmental conservation. Environmental
management education should be incorporated in national curriculum. Also students should be
nurtured to preserve environment form the primary level.
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