A. Large Scale Crop Farming In East Africa
- Farming is the growing of crops and keeping of livestock.- Large scale farming is the growing of crops and keeping of livestock in large estates.
- Large scale farming is also called large commercial farming.
Characteristics of large scale farming
- Crops are grown in large estates called plantations.
- One type of crop is grown in large estates.
- Crops are grown for sale or for commercial purposes.
- Some large scale farming requires use of machines like sugarcane, wheat and maize.
- Chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers are used.
- It requires large capital to operate.
Contributions and Benefits of Large Scale Farming
- Creates job opportunities to many people.- Products from large scale farming are exported and earn the country foreign exchange.
- It is a source of income to the farmers.
- It earns the country domestic revenue through taxes.
- Some of the crops are sources of food. This creates food security.
Different crops are grown in large scale in the following countries
- Sugarcane - Sudan
- Coffee - Kenya and Ethiopia
- Tea - Kenya
- Wheat - Kenya
- Maize - Kenya and Tanzania
- Sisal - Kenya and Tanzania
B. Beef farming in Eastern Africa
- Beef farming is the keeping or rearing of cattle for meat or beef production.- Beef cattle includes; Abadeen Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Zebu, Boran.
- Beef farming can be influenced by;
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1. Presence of large grazing land:- Beef farming requires large land.
2. Absence of tsetseflies and other pests.
3. Availability of pasture
4. Flat land which enables easy movement of cattle while grazing.
5. Favourable climatic conditions:- Moderate rainfall that can enable grass to grow.
Contributions of beef farming to the economy of Eastern Africa
- Beef farming provides beef as food.- Creates job opportunities to many people.
- It is a source of income for many people.
- Earns the country foreign exchange.
- It is a source of revenue to the government through taxes.
- Has led to the improvement of transport and communication.
Challenges facing beef farming in Easern Africa
- Lack of water and pasture due to prolonged drought.- Attacks by pests and diseases.
- Lack of capital to purchase the modern facilities.
- Cattle rustling.
- Overstocking.
- Poor means of transport and communication.
- Lack of veterinarian services.
Possible solutions to challenges facing beef farming in Eastern Africa
- Drilling boreholes and digging wells to provide water.- Investing more capital or money in beef farming.
- Providing veterinary services.
- Establishing more slaughter houses.
- Reducing the number of stock to solve the problem of overstocking.
- Improving the quality of livestock through cross breeding.
C. Fishing in Eastern Africa
- Fishing is the activity of harvesting fish from water.- An area where fishing is done is called a fishing groung.
- There are two types of fishing grounds;
- Inland fishing ground - Involves fresh lakes, rivers, dams, fish ponds and swamps.
- Marine fishing ground - Where fish is harvested from sea or ocean.
Tilapia, Trout, Nile Perch, Dagaa/Omena, Cat fish, Black bass, Salmon
- In marine fishing grounds, the fish caught are;
Parrot fish, Mullet, King fish, Tuna, Lobsters, Oysters, Crabs, Pawns
- Fishing methods used in marine fishing include;
- Purse seining
- Trawling
- Long lining
- Net drifting/ Gill net
Challenges facing fishing in Eastern Africa
- Oil spillage in the sea.- Lack of adequate facilities such as fishing and storage facilities.
- Use of harmful chemicals.
- Lack of adequate capital.
- Pollution of rivers and lakes resulting into death of fish.
- Overfishing in some fishing grounds.
D. Wildlife and Tourism in Eastern Africa
- Tourism is the activity of travelling for leisure and pleasure to places of interest.- Wildlife refers to wild animals, plants and birds in their natural habitat.
Factors that promote tourism in Eastern Africa
1. Peace and security.2. Good means of transport and communication.
3. Standard hotel and accommodation.
4. Availability of variety of tourist attractions such as wildlife, natural sceneries, historical sites and cultural activities.
5. Support from the government through funds and training of personnel.
Challenges facing tourism in Eastern Africa
1. High level of poverty.2. Poor means of transport and communication in some countries.
3. High charges and fees discourage local tourists.
4. Competition from well developed countries.
5. Insecurity and terrorism that scare tourists away.