a L METROPOLITAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY TOURISTIC GEOGRAPHY AND MAP INTERPRETA TION For CTHM NAMES sesssessssestsetnnessnsnvetneiesneeessnennennonsnssestsiestnssnst OFFICIAL SIGNS .......sessesscssesesssesss snateceessnses seeanissesee eee seeaeea 2023 TOURISTIC GEOGRAPHY AND MAP INTERPRETATION Introduction to Uganda v Uganda is a country that lies in East Africa in the interior of the continent of Afric a. Itis located astride the equator (02) and extends approximately 4° N to 1°S and 3008 to 3508. Uganda covers a total area of 241,038KM? and itis the smallest with in East Afric an countries of Kenya and Tanzania. It is boarded by South Sudan in the north, Democratic Republic of Congo in the w est, Rwanda in south west, Tanzania in the south and Kenya in the east. This mak es Uganda landlocked. Uganda's population is 34.8m people according to 2015 population census, with t he population growth rate of 3.5% per annum and 2.9% death rate. Ithas a population density of 120 persons per square Kilometer and 51% of Ugan da's population consists of children with females greater than males The country depends on a few exports dominated by agricultural products. | mem ber of UN, A.U, Common Wealth, PT.A, COMESA, KBO, EAC, etc. Tourism and wildlife resources Tourism is the practice of travelling for purpose of either pleasure or curiosity. Touris m involves movement from one area to another within or outside the country. Uganda's tourist potentials The potentials for Uganda's tourism industry are categorized as; 1. Mountain and drainage scenery (landscape). This include physical features o f Uganda such as; Great rift valley/ western rift valley and its associated features of escarpments like Butiaba and kicwamba, Rwenzori horst, rivers like Mubuku, lakes like Geor ge and Edward. These attract tourists to western Uganda. ® Volcanic features of Mt. Muhavura, Elgon, and Moroto, Napak caldera, explosi ve craters of Nyungu, Katwe, hot springs of Kitagata and geysers. © Glacial features of Pyramidal peaks like Margarita, arétes, glacial troughs like Lac du Speke, Lac Catherine, all on Mt. Rwenzofi with activities of ice skating and mountain climbing © Coastal features such as spits, cliffs and caves like on Kasenyi landing site on L. Victoria, beaches such as Lutembe, Lido, Aero and Botanic, on L. Victoria. © Blue water lakes of Victoria and Kyoga where swimming activities take place, game fishing, boat rides, etc. * Rivers such as Nile, Katonga, Aswa with spectacular attractive waterfalls of O wen falls, Karuma and Bujagali on R. Nile, Sezibwa falls, Siipi falls Kisiizi falls, ete. ; -a 2. Wildlife (fauna and flora). These include; © Fauna, Uganda has a variety of wild animals which are gazetted into National parks and game reserves. Such parks include Mt. Rwenzori N.P, Queen Elizabe th NP, Kidepo NLP. L. Mburo N.P. Mgahinga NP, Bwindi Impenetrable N.P, Semu liki N.P Kibale N.P and Toro N.P. The game reserves include Pain-upe, Bukora, Karuma, Matheniko, Bugungu, Kigez i, etc. there are also sanctuaries in Uganda such as Jinja sanctuary for hippopota mi, Entebbe sanctuary, Bwindi impenetrable forest for Mt. golliras, Mt. kel in Arau f or white Rhinos. Also zoos like Entebbe Wildlife Education Centre. Uganda has got avi-tourism ie. bird watching with various bird species along Kazi nga channel, Queen Elizabeth N.P, Semulik NP. etc. * Flora, Uganda has got an impressive vegetation cover which attracts tourists f rom abroad. These include the dense tropical rain forests like Mabira in Mukon 0, Budango, Kalinju, etc, Also the swampy vegetation along rivers like Mpologoma and Katonga, the dry sa vannah of Kitgum, Kaabong, Morote and savannah grass land in the western rift v alley all attract tourists. 3. Climate, the tropical climate of Uganda in districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi has attracted tourists from abroad for sun bathing activities on beaches of Na binonya, Aero on L. Victoria. Also tourists during NovemberFebruary come for ‘refugee in Uganda due to the winter season thus benefiting from Uganda's tro pical climate. 4, Culture potential, Uganda is rich in cultural heritage of traditional dances of B aganda, dressing style of Banyankole, traditional dishes like'Oluwombo’, buria | grounds like Kasubi tombs of Buganda kingdom which all attract both local and foreign tourists. Other heritages include Namugongo martyrs shrines in Wakiso, Nyero rock paintin gs in Kumi, artifacts, wood carvings and hand crafts all attract tourists 5. Historical attractions, these include Uganda museum in Kampala, Sango bay, Oruchinga valley, Bigobyamugenyi and Kagadi in Mubende, Lugard's fort at O| d Kampala all attract tourists 6. The equator, many local tourists and foreign visit areas in Uganda where the e quator crosses for photographs and feel of the equator thus important tourist, potential Map of Uganda showing its tourist potentials.Status of Uganda's tourist industry © The sector majorly depends on wildlife of fauna and flora. ‘* More game parks and reserves have been gazetted up to over 22 in total © The sector contributes 25% of Uganda's export earnings per year and the num ber of tourists is constantly increasing per year. © The sector ha employed many people over 70,000. Factors that have favoured the development of Uganda's tourism sector ¥ Presence of a wide range of tourist attractions which ranges from physical to human aspects. These include land forms such as spectacular lakes and river s like Victoria with beaches like Lido, Botanical, and water falls on river Nile su ch as Karuma, Murchison, ete, all attract tourists. ¥ The presence of fauna and flora within the forest reserves and natural forests “] rT“] L like Mabira, national parks like Kidepo with different animal species such as giraff es, lions, zebras attract tourists thus development of the industry. Y Historical sites of Uganda museum in Kampala, kasubi tombs in Mengo, mart yrs shrines in Wakiso, Kinyankole dressing style, Baganda dances, all attract t ourists to Uganda leading to development of the industry. The climate of Uganda being warm and wet tend to attract people especially from European countries during winter seasons between November and Febru ary each year contributing a lot of income for the development of the industry. Y Improved transport network of roads like from Kampala to Kasese, air transpor tof Entebbe intemational air port to Kotido air strip help to transport tourists to tourist potentials. Y Well developed and maintained hotels and lodges like Mweya Safari lodge in Rwenzori NP hotels in Kampala like Africana, Sheraton, Equatorial, et, which provide accommodation services to the tourists. ¥ Awide capital base provided by the government of Uganda and foreign invest ors for establishment and maintenance of modem tourist facilities like accom modation, advertisement and transport facilities. ¥ Well established advertisement network over lacal TVs like Bukedde TV, radios like Simba, news papers like Monitor and in magazines so as to inform tourist, s of what Uganda can offer. ¥ Hospitality of local people to foreign tourists who come into Uganda for touris m purpose. The Baganda and Basoga are hospitable which encourage tourist, to visit Uganda again and again. ¥ The prevailing peaceful political atmosphere especially in central, East and so uthem Uganda which has attracted tourists from abroad and within to visit all tourist potentials throughout the whole country. ¥ Availability of skilled labour produced by Makerere and other Universities and semi-skilled labour in the tourism industry to work in the hotels like Africana, g ame guides like in Kabalega N.P, transport tourist, etc. Importance of the tourist industry to the economy of Uganda ¥ Uganda has earned foreign exchange in form of invisible export from thousan ds of tourists who visit the country from Europe, Asia and from other continent s due to her tourist potentials. Such income has been used to rehabilitate road s, set up heath units, etc. ¥ The industry has provided employment opportunities to many Ugandans such as those working in Hotel ike Serena, tour and travel agencies, game guides lik € in Queen Elizabeth N.P. This has earned income to workers and thus improve d standards of living. Y Ithas|ed to conservation of wildlife of flora and fauna through gazetting and r estricting of areas such as Bwindi impenetrable, Semulik NP, forest reserves, e tc. this has helped to modify Uganda's climate by forests and protecting her he ritage for future generation. ¥ Tourism facilitate the devel opment of important infrastructure such as air field s like Kasese air field to link Queen Elizabeth N.P roads like Kampala-Gulu-Kitg um to access Kidepo N.P health units, lodges like Mweya Safari lodge in Semu 5 [lik N.P fortourist accommodation. These have led to the development of Uganda Y Ithaspromoted andreflected the cultural heritage of Uganda ie. historical site s like Bigobyamugenyi, museums like Uganda museum in Kamwokya‘Kampal a, cultural sites like Kasubi tombs, all protect Uganda's image abroad. ¥ Tourismhas led to development of the craft industry and agricultural sector th rough providing market to the products of such sectors like at the source of th e Nile. This means provision of more jobs and income from craft industry thus improved living standards of Ugandans. Y Tourism has led to diversification of Uganda's economy from over dependenc e on the agricultural sector. This has resulted into increased foreign exchange used to set up schools and health centers thus Uganda's development. It has improved on international relations hip between Uganda and the countrie s like Norway, Germany and Britain, where tourists come from. This has helped Uganda to become politically stable. Training of skilled man power like hotel attendants, game guides, ete. Government revenue through taxing tourist transport companies, tourists hotel s, etc. Growth of urban centers like Kasese town Promoted environmental conservation through forest reserves, gazzetting of n ational parks like Kidepo ¥ thas promoted education and research in botany and zoology. Negative importance includes; ¥ Foreign tourists bring in Uganda social evils like homosexuality, promotes pros titution in small towns like Kayabwe and Nakasero which hinder Uganda's cult ural heritage. Tourism promotes terrorism as such people pretend to be a tourist leading tod eath of people as it was at Lugogo bombings Profit repatriation caused by foreigners like Madhvan group who invest in Mw eya Safari lodge Displacement of people to reserve parks and forests likein Kiruhura due to L Mburo The wildlife in parks destroys peoples property and leads to loss of lives. Conserved areas for tourism habour and multiplies tsetse flies like in Queen Eli zabeth Park, The overgrazing in parks has led to environmental degradation Encourages smuggling out of rare animal species and birds like parrots and m onkeys from Bwindi Problems facing the tourist industry in Uganda ¥ Political instabilities experienced in Uganda for a very long time. Foristance th e LRAand ADF scared away tourist from visiting Kabalega N.P and Queen Eliz abeth NP respectively. This also reduced on the total number of tourists in Ug anda since they were scared of visiting the country. Y Increased poaching in national parks and game reserves like Kibale N.P and L Mburo N.P which has led to reduction and depletion of some animal species li ke white thinos, elephants and hippos. ‘ [ S SSNS SNONN ONSL Y Population encroachment like in Masindi and Luwero on Kabalega N.P. the cat tle keepers like in Kiruhura has encroached on L. Mburo N.P in search for water and pasture for their animals especially during dry seasons. All this affect the well being of wildlife and yet it's the major tourist attraction of Uganda ¥ Inefficient transport network especially air and road transport, roads during rai n seasons are impassable like a road linking to Kidepo N.P in north eastern Ug anda, the air strips like Kasese have limited handling facilities thus affecting t he industry. Y Insufficient accommodation facilities of hotels, lodges and the well establishe d ones like Sheraton and Serena are located far away from major tourist attrac tion. The available resorts are also too expensive discouraging local tourists. ¥ Inadequate advertisement to outside world of the tourist potentials available i in Uganda for visiting. Also there is inefficient local advertisement rate thus ma hy people are green about the tourist potentials in the country. ¥ Insufficient support from the government of Uganda to the Uganda Tourism B card (UTB) which is responsible for advertisement of Uganda's tourist potentia Is both to local and abroad, which explain the low development of the tourist i ndustry, ¥ Low domestic tourism due to poverty and ignorance of the locals, this has left ‘tourism in Uganda dominated by foreign visitors like British, Germans, thus its low development. ¥ Hostility of some tribes in Uganda like the Karamajongs who are un friendly to Whites and this has continued to scare away visitors to Kidepo N.P making th e industry to lose. ¥ Competition for foreign tourists with other African countries which has relative ly similar tourist potentials like those of Uganda like Kenya has got relatively si milar fauna, flora and climate. This claims a lot of tourists Measures to curb down the above problems ¥ Reequipping and rehabilitation of existing tourist lodges such as Mweya, Cho be and Paraa. Other resort centers shauld be constructed with modem facilitie to attract more tourists into Uganda. ¥ More training of labourers employed in the industry such as game wardens to fight poaching, hotel attendants to offer excellent service to tourists, so as toa ttract more tourists. Y Extensive advertisement to the international world about the existing tourist po tentials with an aim of making the outside people aware of such existing pote ntials. This will fetch a lot of visitors into Uganda Y The government has encouraged the development of the private local tour ope rations so as to provide efficient and modern reliable facilities in transportatio a. ¥ Massive campaign and education has been launched targeting local people es pecially encroachers and poachers to avoid their acts and protect wildlife reso urce ¥ Privatization has resulted into an increased capital flow resource into the touri st industry. Also private Tours and travel agencies have helped to improve on t -| L he industry. ¥ There has been a check on political instabilities in Uganda. Today the LRA and ADF rebel groups no longer exist and now tourists access the once affected ar eas of North West and westem Uganda parks like Mt. Rwenzori NP. Y Anti-poaching units in the major parks in Uganda have been established like in L. Mburo N.P and also strict laws dealing with encroachers on existing gazette areas have been enacted. Y Population pressure which has caused encroachers on fauna and flora has be en checked through family planning awareness especially to local rural people and also resettlement of people from densely populated areas to sparsely pop ulated areas. Relief and landform development in Uganda ¥ Uganda lies on the African plateau at an average altitude of 1200m above sea lev el. In Uganda, the lowest altitude is found along L. Albert i.e. 620m above sea leve land the elevated areas are found in Rwenzori Mountains i.e. 5000m above sea le vel ¥ Other elevated relief areas are Elgon, Muhavura, and Moroto and much of the wes. ‘tem Uganda i.e. Kigezi highlands of between 900m -1500m above sea level Uganda's relief is divided into related divisions i.e. © Relief below 900m above sea level which constitutes 9% of the total land area of Uganda mainly found around L. Albert in the western rift valley arm. « Relief between 900m-1500m above sea level which constitutes 84% of the tot al land area of Uganda majorly found in central, north and north east of Ugan da. « Relief between 1500m-2000m above sea level which constitutes 5% of the tot al land area of Uganda mainly foundin the foot hills of Mt. Elgon and the Kige zi and western Uganda hills. * Relief above 2000m above sea level which constitutes 2% of the total land are a of Uganda majorly found at the peak of Mt. Rwenzori, Elgon Muhavura and Moroto. The rift valley This is an elongated trough or depression which is boarded by in facing fault scarps on either side. The western rift valley branch in Uganda covering Kanungu, Rukung sese, Nabi, Masindi, etc was formed by faulting process. i, Bushenyi, Ka The block/horst mountain Ahorst is formed due to faulting process. It is an upland which is boarded by fault lin es on one or more sides and which stands above the general surrounding land. Mt. Rwenzori in Uganda is an example of a horst andit is sometimes referred to as. “] 5 rTL mountains of the moon due to its high altitude. It has its peak at Margherita i.e. 5110 m above sea level Escarpments/fault scarps. This is a steep slope where the land falls from high to low level. itis a wall of a rift va lley Examples of escarpments in Uganda include; Kyambura and Bunyaruguru fault scar psin's. western Uganda, Butiaba scarp along and near L. Albert. Fault guided valley These are formed due to displacement of racks alonga fault line. The rocks are erod ed by the river to create its own valley and channel R. Aswa in the north and R. Manafa in the eastern are the best examples of fault gui ded valleys Riftvalley lakes and grabens. Grabens are formed due to secondary faulting with in a rift valley. The former sift vall ey is shaped to become a more defied depression know as a graben When grabens are filled with water, they become rift valley lakes. These lakes in Ugan da include; L, Albert, L, Edward and L. George. Crustal warping /Down warping and Up-warping ¥ The down warping and up-warping of the landscape in Uganda occurred due t 0 an increase in the lateral compression force which af fected the earth crust o vera wide area. ¥ Down warping led to the formation of a great basin ie. Victoria-Kyoga basin a nnd the uplift led to the formation of uplands/plateau. ¥ Crustal warping also led to a general reversal in the drainage system of Ugand a. Rivers such as Katonga, Kagera, Kafu, Mayanja which were originally flowin g towards Atlantic Ocean reversed their water due to uplift of westem Uganda t 0 over flood the central basin. This led to formation of L. Victoria and Kyoga. V Other rivers like Ruizi, Nzoia also reversed their flow due to uplift of the easten Uganda. Other lakes formed include Wamala, Kachera and Kijanabarora. Folding (Anticlines and synclines) This is the process through which rocks of the earth's crust are forced to bend d ue to lateral compression forces Falding process led to formation of anticlines and synclines. It also led to form ation of monoclonal folds, asymmetrical folds, and simple folds and over fold s. Falding mainly affected the central, west Nile, Kigezi and Northern Uganda -a Volcanoes. This is a hill or mountain which is formed when lava flows through a vent and builds around it into successive layers to form a cone-shaped feature with a cra ter on top. Examples of volcanoes include Mt. Elgon, Muhavura and Moroto Caldera and caldera lakes This is a large rounded depression which is formed when the upper part of a vo Icano is destroyed by a violent eruption. When a caldera is filled with water it becomes a caldera lake like Napak caldera in Karamoja. Explosion crater Itis a shallow flat floored depression which is surrounded by a low rim of pyro clasts (ash and lava) and rock. This is formed as a result of its vent being blow noff, When craters are filled with water it forms crater lakes like L. Katwe, Nyungu, N yamusingira, Kyamwoga, Nyamunuka, ete in sw Uganda. Volcanic plugs. This is a cylindrical volcanic feature which is formed by lava which is so viciou sand therefore forced to cool and solidify quickly within the vent. Examples inc lude Tororo rock in eastern Uganda, a plug around L. Katwe explosion crater. When a volcanic plug is destrayed by denudation processes such as erosion, w hat remains is called a volcanic neck. Lava plateau/lava flows. This is upland with a generally level summit which is made up of successive la yers of lava, They are formed due to basic lava Lava dammed lakes. These are formed when flowing lava blocks part of the river valley, forcing it to over flood its valley like L. Bunyonyl in Kabale. Volcanic hot spring. This is formed when water come into contact with heated rocks underground a nd they result into a spring of hot water on the earth's surface. Examples includ e sempaya hot sping in Bundibugyo, Kitagata in Bushenyi, Rubaale hot spring i nNtugamo. Geyser. This is formed when hot water and steam are ejected out of the earth crust per iodically in a violent form. Sill. Itis formed when flowing lava flows along the bedding planes of sedimentary r cocks by forcing them apart. Examples include Mubende hills in western Ugand a, sukulu hills near Tororo in eastern Uganda. L 10 [~a. Dyke. This is a wall like structure which is vertically inclined rack sheet. Examples are found in Mubende hills and Sukulu hills b. Batholiths This is formed when flowing lava cools and solidifies at a great depth within th ecrust forming a massive voleanic rock. When batholith rocks are exposed to the surface by denudation forces of weat hering and erosion, they form granitic tors or inselbergs Examples of batholiths include Mubende hills, Kikandwa and Kawungere batho liths in central Uganda, Singo batholiths, Laabowr ranges and Parabong ranges in Northern Uganda, Nakasongola batholiths, ete. c. Laccolith This is a dome shapped intrusive volcanic feature with a flat topped floor. It is f ormed when vicious lava fails to spread out and therefore accumulates in a lar gemass and solidifies very quickly. A pyramidal peak is a steep sided feature which is surrounded by a seties of radiatin garétes. It is formed by head ward erosion of cirques from all sides. In Uganda hos on Mt. Rwenzor include Margherita peak, Albert peak, Speke peak, Alexandria peak a nd Baker pyramidal peak. An aréte is a narrow steep sided rocky ridge that separate two cirques. It is formed by back wall recession of cirques into the mountain side. Examples on Mt. Rwenzori can be traced in Mugusu and Bujuku valley. A cirque is a semicircular steep sided rock basin which is cut into the valley head on mountain side by the flowing glacier. Examples on Mt. Rwenzori are Lac du Speke in Bujuku valley, Lac Catherine and Lac Noir. A glacial trough is a broad flat bottomed steep sided valley with a roughly u-shaped cross section. Itis formed due to over deepening of the original valley by an advancin g strong glacier. Examples on Mt. Rwenzor! include Mubuku glacial trough, Kamusos 0, Bujuku and Lusilube glacial trough. A hanging valley is an in-facing steep sided feature which is facing the glacial troug h. Examples on Mt. Rwenzori are found in Bujuku, Mubuku and Mugusu Glacial troug hs. ARoche montaneis a resistance rock mass which rises above the general plain. It is found on the foot hills of Mt. Rwenzori along Mubuku valley. Accragand tail is an elongated rock mass which is formed when the flowing glaciers meet a resistant rock out crop protecting a soft rock on its lee side. This can be traced in the Rwenzori mountain Bujuku glacial trough. “] h rT| L The structure of some glacial erosion features on Mt. Rwenzori Glacial deposition features. During glacial erosion, glaciers transport their eroded materials through the following ways; * Lateral moraine, which is materials which are transported on the sides of theg lacier. © Medial moraine, that is when two adjacent glaciers join together ta form a mid dle moraine on top of the glacier. © Basal moraine, this is where certain prop ortion of englacial moraine may reac h the bottom bed of the glacier. © Englacial moraine, this is where materials which fall into crevasses are enclos ed within the glacial Terminal moraine, this is materials transported using the snout which it uses t © push the debris When a glacier transports and deposits the moraine , it leads to formation of glacial d eposition features. Such features includetill plains, moraines and erratic, out wash p lains, eskers, kame and kame terraces and kettle holes. Atill plain is an extensive area of monotonous relief which is formed asa result of co nstant deposition by the glacier as its retreats. Moraines refer to all materials carried by the flowing glacier and later deposited. Erratic are boulders which originally were being transported by the flowing glacier an dlater deposited all together in a different area Exfoliation domes are formed as a result of fracturing of the rock surface and eve ntually peeF-off to leave a dome. The fracturing is caused by expansion and contr action of the rock due to changes in temperature. Examples of exfoliation domes can be traced in Mubende, Nakasongola, Kitgum, Karamoja and Soro Granitic tors are formed due to pressure release process. Granite rocks which cont ain cracks or joints are easily broken down to leave behind a dome known as gran itie tor. Examples in Uganda are found in Mubende, Kachumbala tor in Kumi, Ntungamo granitic tor, etc. Lakes Alakeis a body of water contained ina hollow with in a basin. The size, depth and permanence of a lake depend largely on the nature of the b asin on which it's located. In Uganda, there are various lakes like Victoria, which is the largest, Kyoga, Wamala, Albert, George, Edward, Mburo, Bisiina and other volcanic lakes found in south western Uganda. Lakes can be classified as; a. Depression/crustal warped lakes. These include L. Victoria, Kyoga, Wamala and Bisiina They are formed due toc -| L tustal warping in down warped basins Such lakes are generally large and irregu lar in shape, shallow in depth, surrounded by swamps and their shorelines sho w influence of drowning inform of numerous inlets b. Tectonic lakes/ fault lakes. Y These are located in the rift valley occupying gradens formed by secondary fa ulting which was initially caused by tension and compression forces Y Fault lakes are narrow and elongated in shape, boarded by steep sides or fault scarps, their waters are usually saline and inlets and outlets tend to be confine d at theirextreme end. ¥ Such lakes include Albert, George and Edward. c. Volcaniclakes. These are formed by volcanicity and occupy craters and calderas formed as a result of eruption When the created craters or calderas are filled with water they form crater lakes or cal dera lakes. These include Lakes like Katwe, Nyungu, Nyamurangira, Nyamunuka, Kyamwoga, Mu nyanyange, and Nyamusingira all in south westem Uganda Lava dammed lakes are formed where lava flow blocks the flowing river and floods a valley to form a lake such as Bunyonyi in Kabale, L. Mutanda, Butera, Muhondo, Mule he, Ndalaga, all in south western Uganda d. Glacial lakes. These occupy cirques on high mountains of Rwenzori formed by glaciations process The constant erosion caused by glaciers on this snow capped mountain of the moon, shallow steep sided depression are created known as cirques. When these are filled w ith water, glacial tams are formed. Examples include Lac du Speke, Lac Catherine, La cNoir and Lac Vert all on slopes of Mt. Rwenzori in western Uganda e. Weathered lakes. Chemical weathering act on some rocks especially limestone and make them break. | n such places large pits are created/formed, when the pits are filled with water small | akes known as solution lakes are formed like in Nyakasura south westem Uganda f. Manmade lakes. These are lakes made where man digs large depressions like Kabaka's lake in Rubag a-Kampala and L. Kibimba in eastem Uganda. Other lakes were formed through digging fishing ponds like in Mawogola and Kapch onva in eastern Uganda. Others were formed as valley dams like in Nyabushozi, Kash ari and Isingiro in south westem Uganda g. Deposition lakes or ox-bow lakes. These are formed asa result of erosion and subsequent deposition along the lower c ourse of a river. Such lakes are usually shallow and small and sometimes temporary. “] 8 rT| L Rivers Uganda is drained by various rivers almost the entire landscape of the country. They are majorly nine rivers which include; 1._R. Nile which include Victoria Nile and Albert Nile. It has its source in L. Victori a andits mouth in Mediterranean Sea. 2. R.Katonga which flows from L. George to L.. Vietoria 3. Mpologoma-Manafa River, which originates from Mt. Elgon to L. Kyoga. Mayanja-Kato River, which has its source in L. Victoria and its mouth into Kafu e. Aswa-Moroto River, it originates from north eastern Karamoja areas to R. Nile. R. kafue which originates from L. Kyoga to L. Albert R. Kagera, it originates from Rwanda hills to L. Victoria 8. Depeth-Okoth which originates from Karamoja hills to Kyoga 9. R. Semulik and Mubuku Other rivers in Uganda include R. Rwizi, R. Sezibwa, R. Okere, Birira River, Nyamwamb a, etc. Major rivers in Uganda During the erosion and deposition of a river there are different features formed i.e. Waterfalls such as Owen falls, Bujagali falls and Muchison falls on R. Nile, Sezibwa f alls on R. Sezibwa, Kisiizi falls, etc are formed by river erosion. River deposition especially in its lower stage form ox-bow lakes as at R. Rwizi, deltas, etc. WETLANDS IN UGANDA ¥ Wetlands develop swampy vegetation in Uganda. Wetlands are water logged area s with plant life adapted to the environment. Y Wetlands are grouped as lacustrine i.e. those along lakes such as along L. Victori a like Lutembe, Nabugabo, Lambu, etc, along L. Kyoga like Galiraya, Kagwara and Lwampanga wetlands. Riverine wetlands i.e. those on river banks such as along R. Nile, Katonga, Kagera, Kafu, Mayanja, Sezibwa, Mpologoma, etc. and Dombos wetlands which exist in open valleys such as Busega in kampala, kiruhili in Kabal e, nyaruzinga in Rukungiti, Lubigi in Kampala, etc.a) L THE CLIMATE OF UGANDA Climate refers to average weather conditions of a place which is measured and recor ded for a very long time usually between 35 and 40 years. Climatic belts of Uganda. Uganda is supposed to have an equatorial climate by virtue of its location astride the equator, but because of its relief and other factors it experiences; Equatorial climate Modified equatorial climate Tropical climate Mountain climate Semi-desert climate atic regions of Uganda_ Equatorial a Biss [J Topical ‘Savanna Ilsemi deser Equatorial climate This is experienced around Victoria shores i.e. Kampala, Kalangara, Entebbe, etc. Ith as got the below characteristics; ‘* Heavy rainfall over 1250mm per annum. This rainfall is reliable and well distri buted throughout the year because of breezes * Hot and humid temperatures ranging between 220C-300C due to thick cloud co ver in the region High humidity throughout the year due to high evaporation rates in the region. Small annual temperature range between 0°C-3°C due to hot and humid tempe ratures received throughout the year. © Thereis little or no dry season with one rainfall peak, although areas away fro - 15a m L. Victoria can experience two distinctive rainfall peaks, this is due to high humi dity received throughout the year. © The climate is warm and wet and leads to growth of equatorial rain forests of Mabira and Ssese. Modified equatorial climate This is experienced in West Nile, Kigezi highlands and some parts of central Uganda, with the below characteristics; © Relatively heavy rainfall between 1000mm and 100mm per annum mainly rel ief rainfall There is alternating dry and wet seasons High humidity during the wet season and low humidity during dry season. High temperatures are experienced above 259C throughout the year Rainfall received is of two rainfall peaks © Mostly the climate leads to growth of savannah woodlands Tropical climate This covers the most parts of Uganda more especially in the northem region with the following characteristics; © Ithasa clear distinct wet and dry seasons © Moderate rainfall is received between 750mm-1000mm per year due to mader ate humidity received in the region. * High temperatures are experienced ranging between 259C-329C throughout the year. * High humidity during the wet season and low humidity during the dry season * The climate leads to growth of savannah vegetation dominated by grassland s. Semi-desert This is experienced in north eastern Uganda i.e. Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong and in Alber teastem shores i.e. Kabalega park and in AnkoleMasaka corridor. It has the followin g characteristics; © Very low rainfall is received between 325mm-620mm per year due to low humi dity in the region. It has one rainfall peak © Vety hot temperatures are experienced over 350C due to cloudless skies * Very low humidity in such areas and the skies are cloudless thus hot days and clold nights * The climate leads to the growth of shrub and thickets due to low rainfall Factors which influence the climate of Uganda Relief, highland areas like Mt. Rwenzori block moving moist air masses resulting into the formation of relfef rainfall on the wind ward side of the mountain while little or no rain is received on the lee ward side due to descending dry winds as illustrated, “| 16“] ae BSED comtcate pone meine aie =a This explains why some parts of Kasese receive little rainfall well as Semulik valley r eceives heavy rainfall Flat areas like Karmoja receive little rainfall because of lack of obstacles to make the winds rise Altitude hasan effect on temperature in Uganda. Places of high altitudes like Rwenz ori peak, Elgon, experiences low temperatures while lower altitudes of Albert shores a nd rift valley areas experiences high temperature. This is because the higher you go u pslope, the cooler it becomes. Water body effect, large lakes such as Victoria and Kyoga are source of water vapour in atmosphere through the high rates of evaporation. This results into high humidity c content in atmosphere thus convectional rainfall as illustrated, Gonvectnnel 1 ras Ga Uiippri gfe Such lakes also influence rainfall formation on their crescent due to land and sea bre eze. Latitudinal effect, Uganda is located astride the equator and this makes it to receive high temperature throughout the year. The high temperature received warm up air ma ses on the ground causing them to rise, condense and form convectional rainfall. Th isis experienced around I. Victoria, western and south westem and northern parts of Uganda. Nature of vegetation cover, areas covered by forests like Mabira, Kalinju influence co nvectional rainfall formation due to the process of evapo-transpiration. On the other h and areas with shrubs and thickets vegetation such as Karamoja and Ankole Masaka dry corridor receive very low rainfall since such vegetation provide limited water vapo ur in the atmosphere for rain formation. : rT_ L The prevailing wind system effect, Uganda is affected by two main wind systems i e. the north east trade winds and the south east trade winds. These winds are caused by the apparent movement of the sun north and south of the equator. When the sun moves to the tropic of Capricorn, the north east trades blow with a lot o f emphasis over Karamoja and make it dry due to no obstacle to make them rise. The y pick moist air from L. Kyoga and cause rainfall at the foothills of Mt. Rwenzori in F ort Portal As they reach the equator, are deflected to the left and help to dry up AnkoleMasaka corridor as it also lack physical obstacle to make them rise. When thesun moves to the tropic of Cancer, the south east trades blow and pick moi st air from Victoria and causerainfall on the northern shores of L. Victoria. They also blow over AnkoleMasaka corridor and dry it further and cause rainfall in westem Uga nda. ‘As they reach the equator, are deflected to the right, moves through L. Kyoga and help to dry up Karamoja again. However a section of these winds bring about rainfall form ation on Mt. Elgon and Moroto in eastern Uganda When the sun is on the equator, the winds Le. NE and SE trades converge and cause c yelonic rainfall Map of Uganda showing wind systems. The effect of westerlies, these winds blow from Congo basin towards Kasese, Bundi bugyo, Kabalore, Kisoro and Bushenyi. These warm and moist winds are blocked by t he highlands of south western Uganda, rise, condense and form relief rainfall Position of the sun overhead, since Uganda is located astride the equator, it experien “] ‘ rT_ L ces the periods of equinoxes i.e. March and May and also September to October. Thr oughout these periods the country experiences heavy rainfall due to inter-tropical con vergence zone (TCZ) Man's activities, which effect climate positively and negatively Le. activities such as deforestation, monoculture, swamp reclamation, settlement, overgrazing, tend to affe ct vegetation thus less water vapour in the atmosphere and less rainfall Man has tried to improve on the climate of the area by programs such as aforestatio and reforestation as in Kabale, Nugamo and Mbarara. This Increases the chances of rainfall formation and climatic modification. Rainfall patterns in Uganda. Rainfall refers to tiny droplets falling on the earth’s surface from the atmosphere und er the influence of gravity. There are mainly two rainfall types received in Uganda i. Relief or orographic rainfall characterized in mountainous or hilly areas of Uganda lik eRwenzori Convectional rainfall commonly received in areas of water bodies of Victoria and Kyo ga and dense forests like Mabira and Kalangala forests. Rainfall distribution in Uganda The rainfall received in Uganda is generally grouped as; Rainfall above 2000mm experienced in equatorial climatic regions like on L. Victoria crescent Rainfall ranging between 1500mm-2000mm (heavy) experienced in modified climati cregions of Uganda. Rainfall ranging from 1000mm-1500mm (medium) experienced in tropical climatic re gions like in northern Uganda. Rainfall ranging between 750mm-1000mm (low) experienced in semi-arid climatic re gions like in Lyantonde, Kiruhura, Lwengo, ete. Rainfall ranging below 750mm per annum experienced in dry climatic regions like in Karamoja districts of Kaabong, Kotido Kitgum, etc The distribution of rainfall in Uganda Raina in ei ‘Kasese Entebbd I 600-s00%mm| L Factors for the variation in rainfall distribution in Uganda ¥ Relief, in mountainous areas like Rivennzori in Kabarole, Bundibugyo receive heav y fainfall of about 1500mm per annum. This is because mountains block moist w inds on the wind ward sides which tise, condense and form rainfall ¥ The areas with dense forests like Mabira in Buikwe receive heavy rainfall due to hi gh evapotranspiration levels resulting into convectional rainfall V Areas near large water bodies like the shores of L. Victoria in Kampala, Wakiso, re ceive heavy rainfall over 1500mm per annum due to lake and land breezes ¥ Latitudinal influence/LT .C.Z, this is a low pressure belt where various winds meet resulting into heavey thunder stoms and rainfall around lake Victoria region in dist ricts of kamuli, Iganga Kampala where heavy rainfall of about 1500mm p.ais rec eived. ¥ Wind system, the northeast trade winds bring dry conditions because they origina te. from the dry desert. This has resulted into dry conditions (less than 750mm) i n kotido and moroto. The south east trade winds from the Indian ocean carry moi st winds which they drop on the slopes of mountain Elgon resulting into heavy rai nfall(1500mm) in sironko and Manafwa. Y Destruction of vegetation cover, in areas where vegetation has been destroyed the rainfall amounts have teduced eg Nakasongola with less than 750mm pa. ¥ Afforestation and re-afforestation in areas where trees have been planted the rainf all amounts have been increased such as Kabale(mafuga forest), bugamba in Mb arara ete. ¥ Swamp drainage / reclamation in areas where swamps have been reclaimed.The rainfall amounts have been reduced because of evaporation e.g in Kumi, Soroti, 8 ugiri etc. ¥ Mam made lakes/ valleys dams/ ponds, when these are constructed they increas. € on evaporation levels and therefore results into increased rainfall amounts such as kibimba ¥ Govemment policy of conservation Vegetation of Ug anda. Natural vegetation is the total sum of all plants that have grown naturally on the eart fis surface. The natural vegetation that grows in an area mainly depends on the clim ate of such a region Types of natural vegetation in Uganda. Equatorial rain forests/ tropical rain forests. Savannah vegetation Dry region vegetation Montane vegetation/ highland heath and moorland “| 20 [a) Swampy vegetation The distribution of natural vegetation in Uganda Kei Tropical rain forests This is found in Mabira-Mukono, Budongo-Masindi, Kalinju-Bushenyi, etc and has the following characteristics; The forest is thick and luxuriant with much foliage due to heavy and reliable ra infall received in the region throughout the year. The forest contains a variety of tree species like Mvule, Msizi, Mahogany, Ebon y, etc. therefore do not grow in pure stand. Trees have got broad leaves and the forest is ever green because they receive r eliable well distributed heavy rainfall throughout the year. Trees form canopies and haveno under growth due to less lights penetrating t hrough the forest because of the dense canopies. Trees have buttress roots to support the heavy tree stems and many climbers which move from one tree to another. Forests have hard wood trees with a long gestation period and such trees grow up to 50metres high due to competition for light and fertile soils in such region s. NB. Lumbering, forest exploitation, growing of subsistence crops, wildlife conservatio n, tourism dev elapment, settlement, are the major land use types in tropical rain fores ts “] Problems of land use types in the tropical rain forests of Uganda. Heavy rains cause pest multiplication such as mosquitoes and tsetse flies whi ch transmit human diseases. This affects settlement in areas of Mabira, Sses e, Ete. Impassable roads caused by heavy rains which destroy roads creating pothole -| L s. This affects lumbering like in Kibale forest since logs and timber transportation is limited. The humid conditions within the forests and dangerous animals such as snak es limit forest exploitation as it is in Budongo forest. © Trees do not grow in pure stand which hinder their selection, felling and transp ortation of logs. * These forests experience fire out breaks during dry seasons and uncontrolled f arming has cleared much of the tropical rain forests * Animals from such forests like Ssese forests destroy crops grown near the for ests thus hindering crop growing Savannah vegetation Savannah covers much of Uganda's total land area. It is divided into savannah grass and and woodland. Also dry savannah sometimes known as range lands. Savannah woodlands This is found mainly in Kei, Otze, Timu, in northern Uganda, West Nile and some part sof central region Savannah grasslands These are well developed in the fringes of savannah woodlands. It exists in Nakason gola, Luwero, Hoima, Sembabule and in therift valley areas of western Uganda The dry savannah or rangelands are found in Albert flats, Semulik zones, Kotido, Mo. roto, Kaabong and in Ankole Masaka dry corridor. Savannah vegetation has got the following character istics. © Combination of trees and grasses but the trees are not so close like in forests Trees are umbrella shaped and shed off their leaves during the dty season. © The grasses are very tall up ta Imetre like elephant grass due to moderate rain s received in the area. * It should be noted that different forms of savannah have got different charact eristics. NB. Crop growing, animal rearing, settlement, wildlife conservation in National Parks | ike Queen Elizabeth, Kabalega, wood collection, hunting are some of the land use typ es in savannah, Rangelands/ dry savannah These are dry savannah rangelands which receive 750mm of rainfall and below. In U ganda they include; © North eastem Uganda in Karamoja regon of Kaabong, Moroto, Kotido, etc. North Acholi in Maracha district Westem rift valley in Albert flats Around L. Edward and L. George in Queen Elizabeth national park Ankole-Masaka dry corridor Bululi-Nakasonglo areas.a) L Distribution of dry savanna vegetation in Uganda rae) S2Vanna groodland. wwermna, Cogzassland tics of rangelands in Uganda * Low and unreliable rainfall of less than 750mm per year which leads to growt h of short grass, scrub and thomy thickets ‘* High daily temperature throughout the year of over 30°C which has led to grow th of thorny trees with thick barks and needle shaped leaves to store enough w ater for use during drought seasons ‘* Low temperatures at night and high during day which has discouraged settle ment in the region and the areas have been left for national parks like Kidepo i 1 north east, Kabalega in Albert flats and Queen Elizabeth in western rift valle y © There is low humidity, cloud less skies and rains received is erratic. The forestry A forestis a close stand of trees that form a canopy of canopies on top. Forestry refers to the management and harvesting of forest resource. The forests in Uganda play a major role in protecting the environment and in the economic develop ment of the country. Uganda has got two types of forests i.e. natural and artificial forests. The natural for ests in Uganda are sub-divided into; tropical rainforests, mountain forests, woodland sand riverine forests. The natural forests include; Mabira in Mukono district, Bugoma and Budongo in Masi ndi and Hoima, Kibale, Kalinju, Kitomi, Maramagambo, Mgahinga, Bwindi impenetrab le, all in south and western Uganda, Zoka, Wiceri, Mt. Elgon forests, Mt. Rwenzori fore sts, ete. “] rT_ L Artificial forests include; Lendu in Nebbi, Kateera in Kiboga, Muko in Kabale, Ayere in Gulu, Rwomo in Ntugamo, Mafuga, Agwata, Abera, etc. There also savannah woodlands especially in northern Uganda. Distribution of forests in Uganda GO) TUB] Tropicat rien FIDL Riverine forest [Man-made fou Planted) ntane forests savanna woodien Status of the forestry industry Most of the countrys forest cover com prises natural forests. Savannah woodland forests are the most widespread forest types in the country. Most Uganda's forests exist outside protected areas and on private land, Theres high rate of deforestation of the natural forests like in Kyenjojo district. Some forests have been de-gazatted up to 23.6% like Namanve. The common planted tree species are pine and eucalyptus trees. All protected forests in the country are managed by National Forestry Authority (N FA) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The most deforested areas are those which are heavily settled and cultivated Uganda loses her forest cover at a rate of 1.8% per year. Much of the deforestation occur in well stocked high forests and woodland forest sata rate of 2% per annum. ¥ The country's forest cover now covers 7.4 million hectares, down from 50 million hectares in 1900 only 9% down from 11% in 1995 Y¥ Government encouraging afforestation under Agro-forestry. Importance of forests in Uganda The importance of forests in Uganda can be categorized into two i.e. productive impo rtance and protective importance. ¥ Forests protect against erosion i.e. the leaves of the trees break the farce of rai n drops before they reach the ground. Also the fallen leaves help to mulch the “] rT SSNSNSNN SSNsoil hence protecting it from erosion like those on Elgon slopes. L Y Tree roots bind the soil particles together making them less liable to erosion. A Iso tree branches act as wind breakers hence reduce the strength of wind that would have carried the top soil like on Mt. Rwenzori ¥ Forests facilitate the formation of rainfall through the process of evapo-transp iration. This has led to rainfall in areas where forests are found like in Mabira- Mukono. Such rainfall has facilitated the growth of sugar canes at Lugazi sug ar estate. V Forests provide a habitat for wild animal and birds, protecting the rare species of animals such as gorillas in Bwindi that has boosted tourism industry for job s to Ugandans. Y Forests help to prevent desertification through modification of the climateas t hey form rainfall in the process of evapotranspiration like in Mabira- Mukono which in turn has favored tea growing at Kasaku. ¥ Trees provide oxygen in atmosphere and absorb carbon dioxide which reduces global warming, Forests like Mabita have absorbed pollutions from Namanve and Jinja industries ¥ Forests like Budongo and Kalinju provide fuel in form of biomass in terms of fi rewood and charcoal used for both industrial and domestic purpose. Industrie s like bakeries, brick laying factories like in Kajjansi use fire wood from Ssese f orests. ¥ Timber derived from the forests such as Ssese and Mabira is used for a variet y of purposes. Foristance making fumiture, paper and pulp, matches, construc tion purpose, all of economic importance to Uganda through job provision and revenue to the government. ¥ Forests like Aber and Agwata provide poles for telephone and rural electrificati on, Eucalyptus tree poles are usually used, and also for construction purpose. This has led to increased industrialization in Uganda ¥ Tropical rain forests of Mabira, Mgahinga and Bwindi act as tourist attraction potentials and this promotes the tourism industry thus earning foreign exchan ge for further development. Y Provision of employment opportunities as lumbermen in saw mills, forest rang ers, officials in the tourist industry, furniture makers, etc. such Ugandans ean a lot of incomes improving on their standards of living ¥ Forests contributes to the clean environment by reducing pollution of all types especially Mabira in Namanve industrial area i.e. absorbing carbon dioxide an d producing oxygen. This increases the quality of life of Ugandans Y Forests like mabira and Wiceri provide medicine in form of herbs that help toc ure several diseases like moringa tree products, cinchona and aloe Vera which all cure diseases. This has improved on the life span of Ugandans V Forests like Kibale and Bugoma are source of food products such as fruits, ho ney, mashrooms, bee wax and gum. Also wild coffeeis harvested mainly in Ki bale forests and sold for cash. This improves on the incomes. of Ugandans V Forests like Mabira and Ssese are used for research and study purpose by sch olars of higher institutions. Foristance Makerere University uses forests for res 2s [~| L earch. v Forests are catchment areas for rivers as well as contributing rainfall into river channels. Forinstance Mt. Elgon forests Support River Manafa and Masaba. T his helps to support aquatic life hence development of the fishing industry. ¥ Forests provide a good environment for recreation through picnics, hunting an d beach games like at Botanical beach forests in Entebbe. This support touris m for foreign exchange V Forests are source of government revenue as well as foreign exchange from ex portation of bamboo poles to Germany. The exchange is used for further devel opment. ¥ Summary of positive importance i.e. Contributes gross domestic products, source of energy, provides valuable timber, yields valuable medicine, raw materials for ar tand craft industry, source of food (fruits), employment opportunities, income, re venue, urban growth around saw mills, promotes industrialization, foreign exchan ge, habitat for game/wildlife, tourist attraction, research promotion, catchment ar eas for tivers, positive modification of climate, protect soils from erosion, diversif y the economy, promotes environmental purification, soil conservation through a gro-forestry, act as wind breakers, promotes infrastructural development. Short comings of forests include; Y Most forests like Malabigambo in southem Uganda do not appear in pure stan d duetoa variety of tree species they posses thus making their exploitation, fe lling and selection of logs difficult. ¥ Forests do habour dangerous pests and diseases like mosquitoes and tsetse fl ies. Also snakes and lions are a threat to forest ex ploitators. Y Thick forests like Bwindi impenetrable act as a barrier to communication espe cially in construction and maintenance of toads through the forest. This explai hs why some paits of Kisoro are remote. ¥ Summary: promotes remoteness, habit dangerous animals, habit pests and di seases, hide out for wrong doers, promotes drying of wetlands, hinder road co nstruction, accidents are common during exploitation, ete. Factors that have limited the exploitation of natural forests in Uganda ¥ Some forests like Marabigambo and Mafuga are located in remote and inacce ssible areas especially during rainy seasons. This makes transportation and la bor mobility for exploitation of the forest hard. ¥ The heavy rains received in such forests of Mabira and Budongo contribute to the outbreak of pests and diseases like mosquitoes and tsetse flies which are a threat to lumbermen. ¥ Tropical rain forests grow buttress roots which hinder effective felling of tees Also trees are inter-connected by strong creepers and tree climbers. This make s tree felling difficult like in Ssese forests ¥ The valuable tree species in forests like Maramagambo, Budongo and Mabira do not appear in pure stand. This makes it difficult in selection and felling of v aluable tree species such as mahogany, ebony and mwvule. -| L ¥ Inefficient handling facilities after the logs have been felled. Lumbermen use manual rifting of logs to the nearest transportation centre like in Budongo fore st ¥ Shortage of capital to invest in the forestry industry for purchasing modem m achines like electric saws, tractors to exploit big forests like Budongo and Bug oma. Few investors today have invested in the forestry industry since the busi ness is less profitable. Y Limited market of Ugande's timber since it is hard wood timber. These face a | ot of competition from foreign countries with soft wood products. ¥ Inefficient transport networks to transport forestry products to market centres Roads are destroyed by heavy rains within the forested areas Y Shortage of skilled labour and managerial skills in the forestry industry to expl oit forests like Kalinju and Bwindi. The unskilled labourers lead to felling of yo ung trees. Floods especially during rainy seasons like by river Sezibwe in Mabira forest make its utilization difficult. The increasing population like in kibale has encroached on forest reserves for settlement and agricultural purpose. This is evident in kibale forest reserve Political instabilities has affected exploitation of forests like the ADF affected Rwenzori forests and Mt. Kei and Otze in the north affected by LRA rebels. Steep slopes on mountains like Elgon and Rwenzor limit access to such fores ts for exploitation also forests like maramagambo located in lowlands with so ft soils limit transport facilities for exploitation, ¥ Inadequate research to identify and exploit trees of commercial value in Budo ngo, Bugoma and other forests. There is also limited modem technology to ex ploit forests and the use of primitive tools like axes cannot support commercia | exploitation. SSNS Deforestation in Uganda Deforestation is the increased extinction of the forest resource. In Uganda the forests are on a decrease. About 100 years ago, theland of Uganda was having 12% covered by forests but now is estimated at 5%. It should be noted that currently 21% of the original forests is remaining and 79% cle ared. Most of the cleared forests are found in central region and in the west. Factors/causes of deforestation in Uganda ¥ Rapid population growth, Uganda experiences a high population of 34.4 millio n people and theincreasing population in areas such as kigezi, Mbale, Bugish u has led to high demand for land for settlement thus destroying forests like M abira, Kibale, mt. Elgon forests, etc. Y Forests are major sources of biomass in form of fire wood and charcoal espec ially in rural areas. This has led to cutting down forests like Mabira, Bugongo a nd Maramagambo. ¥ The increasing demand for timber for furniture, building and construction has | ed to clearing parts of Kibale forest, Kalinju and Budongo which are accessibl “] rTL Y Burning of forests especially by hunters, farmers and grazers has destroyed M wenge forest reserve, mt. Rwenzofi forests and Luwero forests. Also many hec tares of forests of Aberand Opit in Gulu were bumt in 1982 by locals. Y Ignorance of the people especially in the rural areas like in Kibale and Kigezi, w ho have inadequate knowledge about the value of forests. Such simply destro y forests because they look at them as obstacles to more meaningful land us e. Y Corruption in the forest department in form of bribes, illegal sale of timber, ille gal lumbering, thus clearing mostly soft wood trees like Mafuga Y Political insecurity where forests have been cleared to check on insecurity like in 1980s Luwero forests were cut down, Nyamityobora forest in Mbarara, ete f of secutity reasons, / Limited resources invested in the forest department leading to inefficient equi pments used, limited rangers, wardens and other staff to monitor forests and r educe on encroachment on forests like Mabira, Budongo and others. ¥ Pestsand diseases which have led to clearing forests to destroy tsetse flies lik e in southern Busoga, Bunya forest in Mayuge and kibale forests ¥ Over grazing of both domestic and wild animals like kadama forest reserves, T imu and Morongole in Karamoja area. Also Aber and Agwata forests are facin g illegal grazing by the Iteso pastoralists ¥ The use of traditional and rudimentary tools in felling trees like axes and pang as has caused deforestation. Foristance Mafuga and Muko forest reserve hav e been destroyed by felling immature trees ¥ The need for more land for cultivation like Bugala forest was cut down by BID CO to plant palm oil trees, and Kakira and Lugazi sugar estates cleared part of Mabira forest for sugar cane plantations ¥ Industrial establishment where forests are cut down to provide land for indust, rial set up like in Namanve and to get fire wood for tea pracessing in Ankole te a estate, firing bricks in Butende and Uganda clays in Kajjansi. Y Mining activities foristance gold mining in kitaka-kamwenge, Buhweju-Bushen yihas led to clearing of forests in such areas forthe activity Effects of deforestation in Uganda V Deforestation has led to the decreased amount of rainfall and also became un reliable. Foristance the area around Mt. Elgon have had their rain seasons cha nged simply because of forest destruction Y It increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere especially in urba n centres of Kampala and Jinja and this is responsible for increased temperat ures and global warming Y Deforestation especially on steep slopes of Mt. Elgon and Kigezi hills has led t 0 increased soil erosion and mass wasting. This has reduced soil productivity hence low crop yields Y The uncontrolled cutting down of trees has led to scarcity of wood and its pro ducts in many parts of Uganda esp ecially in Masaka, Bushenyi, and Kigezi so uth western Uganda.| L V Forests act as habitats for wildlife therefore their destruction means destructio n of wildlife. For example the white rhinos are now extinct just because its hab itant was destroyed. VY Man depend on forest for survival directly or indirectly therefore forest destruct, ion means that such people like lumbers and herbalists in Mukono and Ssese i slands will lose a base for their livelihood V Ithas affected water supply in rivers and lakes since forest destruction lowers the water table and rainfall received in areas of kigezi, Hoima and Manafa Measures to conserve forests in Uganda Y The government of Uganda has established the ministry in charge of environ ment protection. This ministry has put special emphasis on the conservation o f wildlife, wetlands and forests. There are now policies that are being followed by forest exploiters. Y The forest department has evicted many encroachers on the forest reserves lik e on Mabira and Kibale. Foristance the people who were occupaing 200ha had been evicted in Kibale. Education conceming the vitalness of forests has been carried out through ma ss media and other local authorities Reforestation programs are being carried out in vatious parts of the country. F oristance in Mbarara, Kabale, Arua, Mbale and Tororo. Afforestation programs are carried out, like planting of eucalyptus trees have b een practiced in Ruhama, Mbarara, Ibuje in Apac, ete. Developments of other sources of energy like bio-gas, HEP, etc. in addition ener gy saving stoves which use less charcoal and fire wood have been introduced The forest department through National Forestry Authority (NFA) has set up an d maintained nursery beds to provide trees to farmers for planting and all this i s intended to encourage people plant trees. ¥ Regularpatrols by forest rangers to curb down illegal cutting of forests. This is limited in Uganda due to limited resources in the forest department. ¥ Forest boundaries have been planted with fire wood tree species in densely po pulated areas. ¥ Since 1986 the security situation in Uganda has been greatly improved. This i mprovement has helped to preserve the forests especially in eastern, central, w ester and southern Uganda. ¥ Family planning programs especially in rural areas have been encouraged to re duce on the rapid population growth rate which has cleared forests for other la nd use. Y- Agro-forestty is being encouraged by farmers. SNS NNS Horticulture and Floriculture in Uganda Horticulture/market gardening is the growing of vegetables, fruits and flowers purpo sely for commercial gain. In Uganda the practice is well developed in the L. Victorias hore districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi, Mukono and other districts of Mbale, Toror o, Mbarara, Kasese, Kabale and Fort Portal - “]a) Characteri ics of market gardening Small farms which are intensively cultivated to maximize profits It is both capital and labour intensive. There is use of scientific methods of crop growing like sprays, fertilizer applica tion, ete. Individual ownership of land. Farms are located near urban centers for ready market The crops are sold while still fresh since they are highly perishable. Factors which have favoured horticulture in Uganda v QNON ONS Presence of improved transport and communication network of roads linking urban centers and air transport like Entebbe linking international markets of Eu rope Availability of heavy and reliable well distributed rainfall throughout the year f or crop growth Presence of fertile soils which are well drained for fruit, vegetables and flower growth Availability of cheap supply of labour both skilled and semi-skilled to work int he gardens. Presence of adequate capital to invest in the horticulture. Supportive goverment policy of liberalization of agriculture sector allowing fo reign investors into market gardening especially in floriculture. Floriculture involves the growing of flowers for commercial purpose. Today in Ugand a floriculture has increased greatly on the exports of the country, majorly carried out i n Wakiso, Mpigi, and Mukono. Factors favouring floriculture in Uganda v SSN 08 v Presence of a cool and warm tropical climate which allows growing of various flower types mainly Rose type. An increased demand for flowers from Uganda by western European countrie s Availability of cheap labour to work in the flower fields Presence of cheap water supply for irigation of flower fields. Improved transport and communication network especially Entebbe intematio nal airport which has played a vital rolein promoting flower growing in Ugand a Presence of adequate financial assistance especially by foreign investors and organizations such as USAID. Supportive government policies of liberalization of agriculture thus encouragin g foreign investors in floriculture. Problems facing flower growers in Uganda v v “] Un-predictable weather conditions especially strong winds and too much rainf all Inefficient transport network and yet flowers are perishable which needs to rea ch market immediately. Limited storage cold rooms for the cut flowers and this make flowers wither a -| L nda general loss Y¥ Competition for market with other flower producing countries such as Kenya a nd Zambia. Y The cost of irrigation of flower gardensis high limiting floriculture expansion, Y Shortage of labour to workin flower gardens due to little wages paid. Also far mers have limited skills in growing flowers. General contribution of plantation farming in Uganda Cash crop growing has got both positive and negative contribution towards the devel opment of Uganda. These include; Y Provision of employment opportunities to Ugandans like engineers in kakira s ugar processing factory, tea pluckers in Ankole tea estate, etc. this has eamed farmers income and thus improved standards of living. Y Cash crops have increased on Uganda's exports especially coffee and horticult ure products. Uganda exports maize, s ugar, banana to south Sudan, flowers to Europe eaming foreign exchange which has helped to set up important infrastr ucture like roads. Y Through exportation of cotton tea and coffee, Uganda has improved on her int ernational relations with countries like Britain, Kenya, etc. this has helped Ugan da to become politically stable. ¥ Plantation farming has led to development of important infrastructure like sch cols, health units and roads. The availability of SCOUL in lugazi led to set up © f Lugazi primary school Y The government of Uganda has earned great revenue from licenses given to pl antations such as Kakira sugar estate in Jinja, Igara tea factory of Bushenyi, a nd taxing plantation workers. Such revenue has been used to set up schools a nd hospitals Y Plantation farming has led to growth of industries in Uganda like BAT due to t obacco from west Nile, freedum/Nytil in Jinja due to cotton growing, BIDCO d ue to palm growing in Kalangala, etc. such industries have provided jobs to Ug andans, source of revenue, etc. Irrigation farming in Uganda Irrigation refers to a process of application of water to the growing of crops. It is most suitable in the areas which receive little and unreliable rainfall The major irrigation schemes in Uganda include; Doho irrigation scheme, kibimba tic e scheme and mubuku irrigation scheme. Otherareas where irrigation take place are Kakira, Lugazi sugar estates and in flower farms Reasons for irrigation farming in Uganda ¥ Some areas in Uganda like westem rift valley areasin Kasese receive little and un-reliable rainfall and this cannot support crop growing thus a call for irrigati on farming ¥ The need to increase on food production to feed the increasing population mai nly in drier areas of Uganda. “]L In some areas of Uganda like in Kasese there is high rate of evaporation and t his water loss is replaced by irrigation farming Irrigation farming helps to maintain water in soil which keepsiit fertile and less degraded by soil erosion. Some crops while growing require much water and this can be supported thro ugh irigation means. ation scheme Doho is located on R. Manafa in Tororo district eastern Uganda. Themain crop grow nis tice and other food crops. Also cotton is grown as a cash crop. Benefits of Doho irrigation scheme v v NNN It has increased on rice production and other food crops are available for cons umption to the local people and this has reduced on famine, The scheme has availed the locals with employment opportunities as farmers, transporters of rice, etc. this has earned them incomes thus improved standar ds of living Farmers have acquired better farming skills from the scheme and this has incr eased on out growers output The scheme has provided settlement opportunities for the local people and ab out 1500 local farmers are settled around the scheme. The scheme has provided rice for export which has earned Uganda foreign exc hange used for further development. It has increased on goverment revenue through taxing the scheme farmers; th € revenue has been used for setting up infrastructure like roads and health unit, s The main problems facing the scheme “] NSN ON NSN ONS There birds which destroy the growing rice Use of poor farming methods outside the stipulated guidelines Sometime R. Manafa over floods its valley during rainy seasons resulting in d estruction of rice fields. Bilharzia is a common disease on the scheme which attacks the local farmers Competition for market with other foreign countries which produce and import rice into Uganda like Pakistan. Price fluctuation for rice both domestic and on intemational scene and this lea ds to losses. Limited capital to invest in growing of rice and carrying out irrigation. The canals usually silt which block water transfer system, Kibimba rice scheme This was started by the goverment of Uganda and Peoples Republic of China in 196 5. Itis located on river Kibimba in Bugiri easten Uganda. The schemes well known f or rice production, Mubuku irrigation scheme The schemeis located in Kasese district on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains -_ L The scheme is located along Kasese-Fort portal road on R. Sebwe a tributary of R.M ubuku. Itis well known to grow food crops like maize, onions, vegetables, sweet potat 0¢s, ete. There is also introduction of animal keeping especially the milk yielding types. Co-operative farming in Uganda This involves pooling together of resurces by individual farmers in order to overcome some scarcity of such resources Uganda had co-operatives before their collapse due to political instabilities which incl uded; Toloyang co-operative farming society in Acholi West Nile master growers tobacco scheme in West Nile Kigezi vegetable grower's co-operative union in Kigezi East Mengo co-operative growers union in Buganda. Nyakatonzi co-operative society in Kasese. Masaka grower’s co-operative union in Masaka Banyakole kweterana grower's co-operative union in Mbarara. Bugishu grower’s co-operative union in Mbale. MAP READING Definition of a map What isa map? Amap is defined as a representation to scale of the features of the whole earth or par tof it on a plane surface Amap can also be defined as a special drawing of the earth's surface showing featur es in aplan The size of a map is however very small as compared with the size of the earth it repr esents. It therefore represents only very important features of the earth Natural and man-made features, district, state and international boundaries are depic ted on maps by symbols such as dots, circles, colors and shading, A key explaining al | the symbols used on a map is appended to it parallel of latitude and meridians or lo ngitudes are also drawn on a map. These lines are drawn on all maps except those which show distributions. In the case of distribution maps, the lines of latitude and those of longitude are marked just on t “] rT| L he marginal lines bounding the maps and not continued into the interior of the map. Thetitle of the map and the scale on which it is drawn are also given on it It may be pointed out here that, a plan anda chart are also maps. Distinction is howe ver made between a map, plan and chart. Aplanis a large scale map on which every object of the ground is drawn to scale e.g. on a topographical map, the conventional signs representing roads, railways, well, temple etc, are not drawn to scale, whereas o na plan, they are drawn to scale. Maps used for air and marine navigation are called charts. A map showing weather conditions is called a weather chart in some countrie s ‘An air navigation chart also called aeronautical chart delineates landing grounds, till s,peaks and high towers which may prove dangerous to aero planes. The sea naviga tion charts depict coastlines, depth of the seas, light houses, ete. a weather chart sho ws weather conditions such as atmospheric pressure, wind direction, precipitation et c. The importance of maps 1) Maps are very important in geography because they 2) Can help to tell direction 3) Gan help to tell distance 4) Help to store geographical information for a long time. 5) They are important analytical tools for understanding spatial forms and spati al relationships e.g, physical and human features. 6) Maps are important for communication 7) Actas predictive tools 8) Location 9) Weather forecasting 10) They summarize geographical information found in a region| L 11) They provide a basis for an orderly geographical description of a region. 12) They provide much information on the nature and distribution of geograph ical phenomena e.g. population distribution, nature of vegetation, drainage an d others. 13) They provide a basis for the study of geographical problems 14) They are essential to the study of any field work Types of maps Earth's features whether natural or man-made are numerous and it is not possible to r epresent all of them on one map. If we do so, the map will become unintelligible and r ather purposeless even if it is drawn on a large scale; Maps are made for a great varie ty of uses, They are used not only by geographer but also by military personnel, economists, pla ners; air and marine navigators and a host of other users, many types of maps are t herefore drawn for various kinds of users. They are drawn on various scales to suit v arious requirements. Many maps therefore have only selected information. Attempts have been made to classify maps either on the basis of scale or om the basi sof their usefulness Scale basis Maps are categorized as small-scale and large maps. The former are wall maps and atlas maps. A wall map is used asa teaching aid in classraom. Its size is larger than that of an atlas map. itis more detailed representing relief, climate, vegetation, soil types, transport routes e tc. an atlas on the other hand is a bound volume of different types of maps arranged in a systematic order. Large-scale maps are topographic maps, cadastral maps and plans Categorization by usefulness Topographic maps “] “]| L These are multipurpose maps that generally show the natural and man made feature s such as relief, vegetation, villages, towns, roads, railways, canals ete. respectively in sufficient detail. They are generally coloured e.g. blue to represent lakes, rivers, etc, re dto show roads, cart-tracks, villages, towns ete, yellow to show trees, forested arease te Topographical maps are of immense value for the armed forces in planning defenses attack and for geographers for a detailed geographical study of some areas. They als. oused for planning Hydro-electric projects, laying roads, railways, etc. Other categories of maps are based on these maps. Topographic maps should have f allowing features: title of a map, drawn to scale, compass direction, key or labeling, m ust be framed. Cadastral maps. These maps are drawn for showing individual landed property and are important for r egistration. They show the record of ownership of land and they are not printed publi shed for sale. They are also used for determining the revenue due from the land owne rs. Ocean and air navigational charts. Each of these two charts is single-purpose but of special use. Ocean navigational art s give details of the positions of reefs, cliffs, sub-marine ridges, ete which can hazard to navigation The relief of the ocean floors, depth of water and information regarding tides and oce an currents are given on these charts. The lines of latitude and longitude are also aw non these charts in a special way and they are drawn close to each other These lines help in determining the courses of the ships. Air navigational charts arep repared on maps showing relief features elaborately. They show flight lanes, landing grounds, restricted areas etc. Commercial maps These are based on official, topographical maps. They are generally singlepurpose a nd include maps showing the network of roads, railways, air routes, tourist maps, tow nmaps, and production and distribution maps “| ‘ iDi ition maps These maps show various distributions by symbols, lines or shadings. Amap showin g the distribution of a commodity without indicating its quantity is called a non-quant itative distribution map e.g a map of Uganda showing area under cotton, tea and tob acco shaded differently is an example of such a map If a map shows not only the distribution of a commodity or a weather element but als oits quantity, itis called a quantitative distribution map. Maps showing rainfall by is ohyets, temperatures by isotherms, density of population by different shades of colou rare examples of these maps Tourist maps These clearly define tourist routes and attractions in an area. Weather maps These maps show weather conditions of the day at a particular time. Atmospheric pr essure, wind velocity, wind directions, cloudiness, precipitation (rainfall, drizzle, snow fall and hail) and sea conditions are shown on it. Geological maps These show therock structure of the area they represent. Political maps Based on topographical maps, they show political boundaries. The counties or states. of a country are shown in bright contrasting colours. Capital towns, other important t owns, railways and high ways are given on these maps. Relief maps ‘Are also based on topographical maps but show boldly relief features and drainages ystem. They are included in atlas as well as wall maps and are used mainly for classr oom teaching Climatic maps These maps are used as well as atlas maps. They show seasonal atmospheric press ure, temperatures and rainfall. Annual rainfall maps are also given. Agricultural maps These include maps pertaining to soil conditions; land utilization, agricuttural land cl “] rT| L assification maps ete. The language of maps Thelanguage of maps is normally of value only to those people who take part/ intere st to learn it. The language of the maps is in form of words letter like T.C, Ce ete * symbolseg © Colors eg blue for water * Representative lines and features e.g. if its’ a river, line can be made and sha ded blue MARGINAL AND BOARDER INFORMATION ON TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPS This is the information found on the margin of maps, such information include the fo llowing; 1. Heading This tells us thename of the map 2. Scale This shows the relationship between the distances on the map as represented by the actual distance on the ground 3. Compass This is important in determining the true North as well as telling the positions/directi ons of things on the map 4. Vertical Interval (V.1) This indicates the difference in altitude between any two nearest contours e.g. V.I=10 Oft. Ithelps us to know the units in which the altitude is measured 5. Graticules (latitude, longitude) and Grid reference system. Anetwork of parallels of latitudes and the meridians is called a graticule. The latitudes, longitudes and grid references help to tell whether the map was drawn on the basis of graticule system or grid reference system Latitudes and longitudes are used for locating places on maps. Greenwich meridian prime meridian-002 longitude line is a starting point for all longit “] rT| L ude readings, 6. Reference information. This is useful in case one needs to visit the map again or in case one needs to refer s omeone to that map e.g it can be series 4782, sheet 84/12, edition 4. USD. 7. Key This is very important in interpretation e.g green on a map May symbolize vegetation; compact contours indicate the mountainous/ hilly areas, blue for water. Thisis called the dictionary of map reading. The key must be carefully consulted by anyone who wants to become a good map interpreter. However, keys on most maps are general and not every information on the key is fou nd on the map. 8. Date This tells us when the map was drawn and one can be able to determine whether he/ shes using an old or current map THE MAKING OF MAPS Maps are normally made from vertical (the view according to point from which they were taken) Aerial photographs (taken from the ai). In addition, they can also be mad e by surveyors on the ground. Vertical means direct from up depending on camera an dle. MAP SCALES Map scale can be expressed in different ways. Such different ways of expressing the scale are called types of scales.which ever way itis stated the scale can assist you i nusing the map. The size of the map is very small compared with the size of the earth it represents. Before preparing a map of the earth or part of it, we decide how much ground distanc e should be represented by a map distance. le. we establish a relationship between map distance and ground distance, The relation between the map distance and ground distance is called a scale andit is defined as the proportion between a distance on a map and the corresponding distan ce on the ground e.g. 1em: Skm “] rTa L Scale is normally represented in 3 different ways 1. Stated in words/statement 2. expressed as a fraction 3. Shown as a line divided into certain parts. When stated in words it is called statement scale. Evidently, it is the simplest way of expressing a scale e.g 1¢mto2.5km, 2cm to | kin, 1 inch to 4 miles. Map distances are represented by a centimeter, centimeters, an inch/inches and the g round distance is represented by a kilometer/ kilometers, mile/ miles When expressed as a fraction, the scale is called representative fraction (R.F) E.g Jeng The numerator indicates the length on the map and the denominator indicates th elength on the ground Distance between two points onthe map. Distance between the same two points onthe ground RF= It should be known that the numerator and the denominator are in the same measure 1 700,000" ance of lcm on the map represents 100,000cm or 1km on the ground. It can alsobe re of length (denomination). If a scale map is appended as—*—t will mean that a dist presented in form of a ratio e.g 1: 100,000. Example Find out the R.F of a map which is drawn to scale 2em: Ikm Map Distance " Ground Distance 2cm on the map represent 1 km on the ground rf =—— or iooa0e OF Sco08 C) When shown as a line, the scale is called linear graphic/ plain scale. This is the RE cale with a graduated straight line, showing ground distances in kilometers, metres, miles ete. ground distance can readily be f ound out from a plain scale and thus math ematical calculations avoided. Therefore, every map has a plain scale USE OF SCALE * Basis of drawing maps “] wo rT| L © Enables us to represent correctly the features of the ground on a map of acon venient size © The distances between various objects on the map correspond to those on the ground * Wecan calculate ground distances and ground areas from the map with theh elp of scale CATEGORIES OF SCALE Ascale may be termed large, medium or small Large scale- 1:50,000 and larger Medium scale- 1:50000- 1 :250,000 Small scale- smaller than 1:250,000 Amap drawn on a large scale is known asa large scale map and the one drawn ona medium scale is called the medium scale map. That one drawn on a small-scale is k nown as a small-scale map. Small scale maps represent more ground area than large scale maps e.g a map on the scale 1 :250,000 will represent more ground area than t he map on the scale of 1 :50000 THE GRID REFERENCE SYSTEM This is a network of horizontal and vertical lines printed on the face of the map to hel pin locating and determining the location of various geographical features. The verti cal lines are called the Eastings and are normally numbered Eastwards in ascending order while the horizontal lines are normally called the Northings and are numbered i nascending order North wards. Using the grid system, one must identify where the Eastings line meets the Northings line and describe that location/intersection using numbers of the two lines To describe the location of any geographical feature, one must start with the Easting line and follow that line horizontally and next, follow the North line vertical The formula is EN. Note that when talking of latitudes and longitudes, itis customary to give the latitude first whereas when giving the grid number, you take the vertical lin es first (the Eastings) “] » rT| L DEGREES These are angular measurements from the centre of the earth and these measureme nts are done either from the equator moving northwards or southwards or from the pr ime Meridian (Greenwich meridian moving either westwards or Eastwards. All degree lines parallel to the equator are called latitudes and all degree lines which are East or west of Greenwich meridian are called longitudes. ILLUSTRATION UTM ZONE NUMBERS ee oe a za ea eee ae a re err 2 & 1 oi E | = & a 4] a Zhu Za f a i + wt C we a 2 ‘of eG er & & tr 3 te ith Sie m é LATITUDES When a map of the world or part of the world is made, special lines are drawn on it so that the position of any place can be fixed. A line called the equator, which passes thr ough all places which are equal distances from the North and the South Pole, is draw a. Those places which are nearer to the North pole than the south pole are north of thee quator and those nearer to the south pole than the north pole are south of the equato © All places north of the equator arein the Northern hemisphere andall places south of the equator are in the southern hemisphere. Other circles or lines drawn parallel to the equator are called parallels of latitude. “| a -| L Illustration The World Wi i ial Rati tea jel eae ’ lnotey RY MS * 1 Nai ‘ Shermer vines ¢ a Acircle is divided into 3609. The E equator is 09, the North Pole is 90°N of the equator and the South Pole is 900S of the equator. Therefore, it is not possible to have more t han 900 of latitude. The parallels of latitude join all points which are the same number of degrees from th e equator. E.g. 600 means that every point on that parallel is 600 North of the equator. 30°S means that every point on that parallel is 309 south of the equator. 4508 is half way from the equator to the South Pole. 6005 is two thirds of the way an 30° isa third of the way ‘As well as saying that a place is so many kilometers e.g. 3300km, south of the equat of, we can say that it is 30°S of the equator and its position is written as 309S. By stating the latitude, we will have given its position and distance. LONGITUDES Lines or circles passing through the North and south poles are also drawn on a map. These lines are called lines of longitude or meridians. The line called Greenwich meri dianis a line running through both poles and passes through London and Acera in hana. ‘The Greenwich meridian is called 0. Any place which is east of the line has an east | ongitude while any place west of the line has a west longitude. Instead of saying 50k “] ws rT| L m west of Greenwich meridian, one can say 709 west of it and can be written as 709 W. The east longitude and West longitude extend half way round the world and they mee tat point 180%. Therefore, while a place cannot have greater latitude than 902 It can have up to 180° of longitude. By stating the latitude and longitude, we are able to fix the position of any place in the world, the degrees are also important in determi ning whether an area is in South or Northern hemisphere. There are 3 major types of Northings. There is the true North which is based on the North pole, Grid North, determined by the Grid system of the map and the magnetic North which is based on the direction in which a compass needle points? At any give ntime, the magnetic north varies from place to place time to time and year to year. BEARING You can also describe the position of a feature or place from another using their distance apart in the form of an angle. The angle is measured clockwise from th enorth line. The angular distance is called bearing Bearing is the direction measured in terms of an angle. This method is used when a more accurate direction reference is needed. Itis usually measured from the 900N-So uth line in a clock wise direction from the North not from the south eg the bearing of Y ftom x lustration