273/1

GEOGRAPHY

Paper 1

2024 2 ½ HOURS

GEOGRAPHY

Paper 1

                                                   YAAKA EXAMINATIONS

INSTRACTIONS TO CANDIDATES

• This paper consists of two sections. A and B. It has six examinations items.
• Section A has two items, 1 and 2 which are compulsory.
• Section B has two parts, I and II, one item is to be chosen from each part.
• Answer four examinations items in all.
• You may use diagrams where applicable to illustrate your responses.
• No additional item(s) answered will be scored.
• All answers must be written in the answer sheets provided.

Section A: Compulsory Items

Map Skills

Item 1

The map of Jinja region highlights areas of rapid industrial growth, especially along the Nile River. The increasing number of factories and industries has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding water pollution and loss of green spaces. A team from the Ministry of Environment is visiting to assess the situation and provide recommendations for sustainable industrial practices.

Tasks:

(a). Use the map extract to identify the main industrial zones and their impact on surrounding areas.

(b). Calculate the area affected by industrial expansion.

(c). Write a 400-word report suggesting sustainable practices for industrial management near the Nile River.

Item 2

The photograph shows a rural area where people have cut down trees for agriculture, leading to environmental degradation. The community is facing declining agricultural productivity, prompting government intervention to promote sustainable land use practices.

Tasks:

(a). Identify the visible signs of environmental degradation in the photograph.

(b). Write a 300-word advisory note to the community on how to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

Section B: Part 1 – Physical Geography (Choose one)

Item 3

A group of international researchers is planning to study the unique ecosystems of Uganda’s mountainous regions, including the Rwenzori and Elgon ranges. These areas are known for their rich biodiversity but are also facing threats from human activity.

Tasks:

Write an essay of 250-300 words that provides an overview of the biodiversity and the conservation challenges in Uganda’s mountainous regions.

Item 4

Uganda’s wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, but they are under threat from encroachment and pollution. The government is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands.

Tasks:

Prepare a 400-word speech explaining the functions of wetlands and the steps being taken to protect them.

Section B: Part 2 – Human and Economic Geography (Choose one)

Item 5

As Uganda’s urban areas expand rapidly, city planners face challenges in managing infrastructure, housing, and environmental sustainability. Kampala, the capital city, exemplifies these challenges, with traffic congestion, slums, and waste management issues being prevalent.

Tasks:

Discuss the key challenges of urban growth in Kampala and propose solutions in a 250–300-word essay.

Item 6

A significant number of young people are leaving rural areas for cities, seeking better employment opportunities. This trend is changing the demographic makeup of rural communities, leaving behind aging populations and underutilized land.

Tasks:

Write an essay of about 300 words discussing the causes and effects of rural-urban migration in Uganda and propose measures to address these issues.

MARKING GUIDE TO THE ABOVE TASKS

Item 1: Map Skills

(a). Use the map extract to identify the main industrial zones and their impact on surrounding areas.

Answer: The main industrial zones are located along the banks of the Nile River, where factories are concentrated. The proximity to the river allows for easy access to water resources but has resulted in environmental degradation. The most significant impacts include:

• Water pollution: Waste from factories is being discharged into the river, contaminating water sources used for domestic and agricultural purposes.
• Deforestation: Green spaces are being cleared to accommodate industrial expansion, leading to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity.
• Air pollution: Industrial activities generate emissions that pollute the air, affecting human health and contributing to climate change.

(b). Calculate the area affected by industrial expansion.

Answer: Using the scale provided on the map, it is estimated that approximately 25 km² of land along the Nile River has been converted into industrial zones.

(c). Write a 400-word report suggesting sustainable practices for industrial management near the Nile River.

Answer: To mitigate the environmental impacts of industrial activities along the Nile River, it is essential to adopt sustainable industrial practices. These practices include:

• Waste Management: Factories should be required to treat their waste before releasing it into the river. Installing wastewater treatment plants will reduce the amount of harmful substances entering the water, improving water quality and protecting aquatic life.
• Green Zones: The creation of buffer zones with vegetation between industrial areas and the river can reduce pollution runoff and help absorb emissions, acting as natural air filters.
• Renewable Energy: Encouraging industries to adopt renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of industrial activities.
• Environmental Audits: Regular environmental audits by independent bodies will ensure that industries comply with environmental laws and best practices. Penalties should be imposed on companies that fail to meet these standards. Implementing these practices will lead to cleaner production methods that benefit both the environment and the community, ensuring the sustainability of industrial activities.

Item 2: Photograph Analysis

(a) Identify the visible signs of environmental degradation in the photograph.

Answer:

• Deforestation: Trees have been cleared for agriculture, leaving the land bare and vulnerable to erosion.
• Soil Erosion: The removal of vegetation has led to visible gullies and soil loss, especially near the rivers.
• Siltation: Sediments from eroded soil have been deposited into nearby rivers, leading to water pollution and reduced water flow.

(b) Write a 300-word advisory note to the community on how to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

Answer: To combat soil erosion and promote sustainable agriculture, the community should consider adopting the following practices:

• Agroforestry: Planting trees alongside crops helps prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and provide shade for crops.
• Contour Farming: Terracing on slopes can significantly reduce water runoff, preventing soil erosion and conserving moisture in the soil.
• Cover Crops: Growing cover crops during off-seasons helps to protect the soil from erosion and adds nutrients back into the soil, promoting healthier crop growth.
• Reduced Tillage: Minimizing soil disturbance helps retain soil structure and reduces the risk of erosion. Adopting these practices will lead to more sustainable farming that conserves the land and enhances long-term productivity.

Section B: Part 1 – Physical Geography (Choose one)

Item 3: Overview of Uganda’s Mountainous Regions’ Biodiversity and Conservation Challenges

Answer: Uganda’s mountainous regions, particularly the Rwenzori and Elgon ranges, are rich in biodiversity. These areas host unique flora and fauna, including endemic species like the Rwenzori turaco. The high-altitude zones feature montane forests, alpine vegetation, and glaciers, contributing to the ecological diversity.

However, these ecosystems are under threat from deforestation, agricultural encroachment, and climate change. Human activities, such as logging and farming, are leading to habitat destruction, threatening the survival of wildlife. Climate change is causing glaciers to melt, altering water availability and affecting both biodiversity and local communities.

Conservation measures such as reforestation, creating buffer zones, and enforcing national park regulations are necessary to protect these ecosystems. Community-based conservation programs that involve local people in sustainable land use practices are also essential to preserving these unique environments.

Item 4: Functions of Wetlands and Protection Measures

Answer: Wetlands are essential for ecological balance as they provide numerous benefits:

• Water Filtration: Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants from water before it enters lakes and rivers.
• Flood Control: By absorbing excess rainfall, wetlands reduce the severity of floods and prevent waterlogging.
• Biodiversity: Wetlands are home to a variety of species, including birds, fish, and amphibians, contributing to Uganda’s rich biodiversity.
• Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands store carbon, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

To protect wetlands, the government is raising awareness through campaigns, restoring degraded wetland areas, and enforcing laws against encroachment. Communities are being educated on the importance of wetlands and are encouraged to engage in sustainable land use practices.

Section B: Part 2 – Human and Economic Geography (Choose one)

Item 5: Challenges of Urban Growth in Kampala

Answer: Kampala faces several challenges due to rapid urbanization, including:

• Traffic Congestion: The city’s road infrastructure is unable to handle the growing number of vehicles, leading to traffic jams and increased pollution.
• Housing Shortages: The demand for housing has outpaced supply, resulting in overcrowded informal settlements with poor living conditions.
• Waste Management: Kampala struggles with waste disposal, leading to health hazards and environmental degradation.

Solutions include expanding public transport to reduce traffic, constructing affordable housing to alleviate overcrowding, and improving waste management systems through recycling programs and proper disposal facilities.

Item 6: Causes and Effects of Rural-Urban Migration in Uganda

Answer: People are leaving rural areas for urban centers in search of better employment opportunities, education, and healthcare. As a result, rural areas are left with aging populations, reduced agricultural productivity, and underutilized land. Meanwhile, urban areas face overcrowding, unemployment, and increased pressure on infrastructure.

To address this issue, rural areas should be developed by improving infrastructure, providing access to quality services, and promoting agricultural modernization. Additionally, creating job opportunities in rural areas will encourage people to stay and contribute to their communities.