2024 WAEC GEOGRAPHY: Geography (Geo) WAEC Authentic Questions and Answer 2024 (5066)

(1a).
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Infrastructure Deficiency: Insufficient infrastructure, including inadequate transportation networks, power shortages, and limited access to water and sanitation facilities, hampers industrial growth in developing countries. The lack of reliable infrastructure makes it challenging to establish and expand industries.

(ii) Limited Access to Capital: Many developing countries face challenges in accessing capital for industrial development. Limited availability of loans, high interest rates, and lack of venture capital impede the growth of industries, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

(iii) Poor Governance and Corruption: Weak governance structures, widespread corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiencies create an unfavorable business environment. These issues lead to uncertainty, lack of transparency, and barriers to entry for industries, discouraging both domestic and foreign investments.

(iv) Inadequate Skilled Workforce: Developing countries often face a shortage of skilled labor, particularly in specialized industries. Insufficient access to quality education and vocational training programs limit the availability of skilled workers required for industrial growth.

(v) Limited Technological Advancements: Many developing countries struggle to keep pace with 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' technological advancements due to limited research and development capabilities, inadequate access to technology, and low adoption rates. The absence of technological innovation inhibits industrial growth and competitiveness.

(vi) Weak Regulatory Frameworks: Inadequate regulations, cumbersome bureaucratic processes, and ambiguous legal frameworks pose significant challenges for industries in developing countries. Unclear property rights, weak intellectual property protection, and excessive red tape hinder investment and growth.

(vii) Inadequate Market Integration: Insufficient integration into regional and global markets restricts the growth potential of industries in developing countries. Trade barriers, protectionist policies, and limited access to international markets limit export opportunities and hinder industrial expansion.

(viii) Environmental Challenges: Developing countries often face environmental issues, including pollution, deforestation, and inadequate waste management systems. These challenges not only impact the well-being of the population but also pose obstacles to sustainable industrial development and investment.

(1b)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Infrastructure Development: Investing in robust infrastructure, including transportation networks, power grids, and telecommunications systems, creates an enabling environment for industries to 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' thrive. It improves connectivity, reduces logistics costs, and attracts investment.

(ii) Access to Finance: Enhancing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through microcredit schemes, venture capital funds, and government-backed loan programs enables entrepreneurs to start and expand businesses, driving industrial growth.

(iii) Skill Development and Education: Investing in education and skill development programs ensures a competent workforce capable of meeting the demands of evolving industries. Vocational training, technical education, and entrepreneurship programs equip individuals with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

(iv) Regulatory Reforms: Implementing business-friendly policies, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and streamlining regulations can attract investment and foster a favorable business climate. Simplifying licensing procedures, reducing red tape, and promoting ease of doing business encourages industry growth.

(v) Research and Development Support: Encouraging research and development activities by providing incentives, grants, and tax breaks stimulates innovation and technological advancements. Collaborations between industries, universities, and research institutions facilitate knowledge transfer and foster innovation-driven industries.

(vi) Export Promotion: Supporting export-oriented 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' industries through trade policies, market access initiatives, and export promotion agencies can enhance competitiveness in the global market. Providing export incentives, trade facilitation measures, and assistance with quality standards can boost industrial growth.

(vii) Investment in Renewable Energy: Developing countries can promote the growth of industries by investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This not only ensures sustainable industrial development but also reduces dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating environmental impacts.

(viii) Strengthening Institutions: Building strong institutions and improving governance frameworks create a stable and transparent business environment. Enhancing transparency, combating corruption, and strengthening legal frameworks protect investments and promote industrial growth.

(2a)

[PICK ANY FIVE]

(i) Sparse population density: rural areas in tropical Africa typically have a low population density compared to urban areas.

(ii) Agriculture-based economy: most rural settlements in tropical Africa are engaged in agricultural activities such as crop cultivation and livestock farming.

(iii) Subsistence farming: rural communities in tropical Africa typically engage in subsistence farming, where they produce only enough food to meet their daily needs.

(iv) Traditional housing: rural dwellings in tropical Africa are typically made from locally sourced materials such as mud, thatch, and wood.

(v) Limited access to modern amenities: rural areas often lack access to modern amenities such as clean water, electricity, and healthcare facilities.

(vi) Strong communal bonds: rural communities in tropical Africa tend to have strong communal bonds with shared goals and values.

(2b) 

[PICK ANY FIVE]

(i) Marketing and distribution of agricultural products from rural areas to urban areas

(ii) Provision of services such as healthcare, education, and financial services by urban centers

(iii) Supply of manufactured goods and consumer products to rural areas

(iv) Migration from rural areas to urban centers in search of better economic opportunities and education

(v) Investment by urban businesses in rural areas, particularly in agriculture

(vi)  Policy decisions made 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' by urban governments that affect rural areas, such as land use policies and infrastructure development.

(3a)

(PICK ANY FOUR)

(i) Efficient Movement of Goods: Rail transportation allows for the efficient movement of goods across long distances. It can accommodate large quantities of cargo, making it an ideal mode of transport for industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing in tropical Africa. This efficiency helps stimulate trade and economic growth.

(ii) Reduced Congestion: Compared to road transportation, rail systems help alleviate congestion on major highways. By diverting a significant portion of freight traffic to rail, the congestion on roads is reduced, resulting in smoother traffic flow, decreased travel times, and improved road safety.

(iii) Lower Environmental Impact: Rail transportation is more environmentally friendly compared to road transport. Trains emit less carbon dioxide per ton of freight compared to trucks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This advantage is crucial for tropical Africa's sustainability efforts and can contribute to mitigating climate change impacts.

(iv) Enhanced Connectivity: Rail networks provide enhanced connectivity by linking remote areas and cities, facilitating economic integration and regional development. They enable access to markets, resources, and employment opportunities, boosting trade, tourism, and economic activities across tropical Africa.

(v) Increased Accessibility: Rail systems provide reliable and 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' accessible transportation for both passengers and goods. They offer a cost-effective means of travel, making it easier for people to commute between cities and towns, visit tourist destinations, and access essential services such as healthcare and education. This accessibility helps bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.

(vi) Job Creation: Developing rail infrastructure in tropical Africa generates employment opportunities in various sectors. From construction and maintenance to operation and management, rail projects create jobs for engineers, technicians, drivers, station staff, and support personnel. This job creation contributes to economic development and poverty reduction.

(vii) Long-term Cost Savings: While initial investments in rail infrastructure may be significant, in the long run, rail transport can be cost-effective. Railways have lower operating costs compared to road transport due to lower fuel consumption, reduced vehicle maintenance, and decreased road damage. These cost savings can be beneficial for both businesses and governments.

(3b)

(PICK ANY THREE)

(i) Insufficient Infrastructure: Many countries in tropical Africa have outdated and inadequate rail infrastructure. The existing rail networks often suffer from poor maintenance, outdated technology, and insufficient capacity. This results in slower speeds, frequent breakdowns, and limited connectivity, hindering the smooth movement of 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' goods and passengers.

(ii) Funding Constraints: Lack of adequate funding is a major challenge for rail projects in tropical Africa. Limited financial resources lead to delays in infrastructure upgrades, repairs, and expansion, hampering the overall efficiency of rail transportation.

(iii) Inadequate Maintenance: Due to financial constraints and lack of technical expertise, rail infrastructure in tropical Africa often suffers from inadequate maintenance. This results in deteriorating tracks, bridges, and signaling systems, leading to frequent disruptions, delays, and safety concerns. 

(iv) Lack of Interconnectivity: Many rail networks in tropical Africa suffer from a lack of interconnectivity, limiting their reach and effectiveness. Incomplete or fragmented rail systems make it challenging to transport goods seamlessly across different regions, hindering economic integration and trade. 

(v) Inefficient Operations: Inefficient operations and management practices contribute to the problems facing rail transportation in tropical Africa. Factors such as outdated technology, inadequate training of staff, and suboptimal scheduling and coordination lead to delays, inefficiencies, and reduced service quality.

(vi) Insecurity: Rail transportation in tropical Africa often faces security challenges such as vandalism, theft, and sabotage. These incidents not only disrupt operations but also pose risks 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' to the safety of passengers and cargo. 

(3c)

(PICK ANY THREE, MAKE SURE IT IS SAME WITH WHAT YOU PICKED IN 3b)

(i) Insufficient Infrastructure: Increased investment in rail infrastructure by seeking partnerships with international organizations, private sector entities, and foreign investors can provide the necessary funding for infrastructure upgrades, expansion, and modernization, thereby improving the capacity and quality of rail networks.

(ii)  Funding Constraints: Governments can offer incentives and create a conducive business environment to encourage private sector participation.

(iii) Inadequate Maintenance: Government should establish a dedicated maintenance fund for rail infrastructure, ensuring a regular and sufficient budget allocation for maintenance activities and also train and employ skilled maintenance personnel.

(iv) Lack of Interconnectivity: Improved coordination and planning are required to enhance interconnectivity between different rail lines and modes of transport.

(v) Inefficient Operations: Implementing modern management practices, training programs, and technological upgrades can address these issues.

(vi) Insecurity: Strengthening security measures, implementing surveillance systems, and increasing law enforcement presence can help mitigate these risks.

(4a)

Internal trade refers to the buying and selling of goods and services within the geographical boundaries of a country. It involves the exchange of goods and services between different regions, states or cities within the country.

(4b)

[PICK ANY FIVE]

(i) Poor infrastructure: Nigeria's poor road network, insufficient transport systems, and inadequate storage facilities make it difficult to move goods from one location to another, resulting in delays, high transportation costs, and damage to goods.

(ii) Regulatory challenges: The lack of a transparent and consistent regulatory framework for internal trade in Nigeria has led to a proliferation of informal markets and smuggling. This results in unfair competition for formal businesses, loss of government revenue, and reduced consumer protection.

(iii) Multiple taxation: The multiplicity of taxes imposed on traders, including local government levies, state taxes, and federal duties, makes trading in Nigeria very expensive, reducing profitability for traders.

(iv) Inadequate access to credit: Many traders in Nigeria do not have access to affordable credit, making it difficult for them to expand their businesses, meet their financial obligations, and access new markets.

(v) Corruption: Bribery and extortion of traders by government officials, security forces, and market leaders have been a persistent problem in Nigeria, discouraging many from engaging in formal internal 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' trade.

(vi) Insecurity: Insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violence in different parts of Nigeria have adversely affected internal trade, discouraging traders from entering certain regions, causing loss of life and property, and disrupting supply chains.

(4c) 

(i) Economic growth: Internal trade drives economic growth by promoting the exchange of goods and services between regions, stimulating competition, encouraging innovation, and creating jobs.

(ii) Poverty reduction: Internal trade provides income and employment opportunities for many Nigerians, particularly those in the informal sector, helping to reduce poverty in the country.

(iii) Regional integration: Internal trade promotes regional integration by encouraging the exchange of goods and services between different regions, enhancing economic cooperation and social cohesion.

(iv) Enhanced food security: Internal trade promotes access to food in different regions, ensuring that people have enough food to eat, no matter where they live. This is particularly important in times of food shortages or when certain foods are unavailable in a particular region.