Discuss any TWO agricultural intensification techniques used to solve the food crisis observed in many parts of the world. Explain THREE human factors that influence the development of transport netwo

5. a) Discuss any TWO agricultural intensification techniques used to solve the food crisis observed in many parts of the world. (6 marks) Two agricultural intensification techniques are: • High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): These are genetically improved crop varieties that produce significantly more output per unit area compared to traditional varieties. Their adoption, often combined with fertilizers and irrigation, dramatically increases food production, helping to meet the demands of a growing population and mitigate food shortages. • Irrigation: This involves the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growing of crops. By ensuring a consistent water supply, irrigation allows for multiple cropping seasons, expands arable land into drier regions, and reduces reliance on unpredictable rainfall, thereby increasing overall agricultural productivity and food security. b) Explain THREE human factors that influence the development of transport network. (9 marks) Three human factors influencing transport network development are: • Population Density and Distribution: Areas with high population density and concentrated urban centers generate greater demand for efficient transport systems to move people and goods. Conversely, sparsely populated regions may have less developed networks due to lower demand and higher per capita infrastructure costs. • Economic Activities and Industrialization: Regions with significant industrial, commercial, or agricultural activities require robust transport networks to facilitate the movement of raw materials to factories, finished products to markets, and workers to their workplaces. The type and scale of economic activity directly shape the nature and density of the transport infrastructure. • Government Policies and Investment: Political decisions, national development plans, and government funding play a crucial role in the planning, construction, and maintenance of transport networks. Governments prioritize certain regions or modes of transport based on strategic, economic, or social objectives, influencing the overall structure and efficiency of the network. c) (i) Examine how the nature of transport development and market hinder the growth of the industrial sector in Cameroon. (5 marks) The industrial sector in Cameroon is hindered by: • Poor Transport Development: Inadequate and poorly maintained road, rail, and port infrastructure increases the cost and time of transporting raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets. This raises production costs, reduces competitiveness, and limits access to both domestic and international markets for Cameroonian industries. • Limited Market Access: The industrial sector faces challenges from a relatively small domestic market due to low purchasing power and a limited consumer base. Additionally, difficulties in accessing regional and international markets, often due to trade barriers, high logistics costs, and competition from imported goods, restrict the potential for industrial expansion and economies of scale. c) (ii) How can developments in the mining and communication sectors promote the growth of the industrial sector in Cameroon? (5 marks) Developments in these sectors can promote industrial growth by: • Mining Sector: A thriving mining sector provides essential raw materials (e.g., bauxite for aluminum, iron ore for steel, crude oil for petrochemicals) that can feed local manufacturing industries, reducing reliance on imports. It also generates revenue for the government, which can be reinvested into industrial infrastructure, and creates demand for industrial products like machinery, tools, and processing equipment, fostering backward linkages. • Communication Sector: Advances in communication technology (e.g., internet, mobile networks) enhance efficiency and connectivity for industries. They facilitate faster information exchange, improve logistics and supply chain management, enable e-commerce for broader market reach, and attract foreign direct investment by providing a modern business environment. This increased efficiency and market access can significantly boost industrial productivity and growth.