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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 people living in the region shown on the provided map extract of Gulu sheet 65/1 series Y733 and edition 4-USD have experienced significant changes in land use over the past decade. The expansion of commercial farming and the establishment of new settlements have altered the natural landscape. The community is concerned about the increasing deforestation and soil erosion affecting their agricultural productivity. Environmental scientists plan to visit to assess the impact and propose solutions.

Tasks:

(a). Examine the map extract and identify the key changes in land use.

(b). Measure the length of the river running through the mapped area.

(c). Write a 400-word report advising the community on sustainable land use practices.

Item 2

The photograph depicts a flood-prone area in the outskirts of Kampala, showing houses submerged in water. Heavy rains have increasingly led to floods, displacing residents and destroying property. The local government is planning a meeting to discuss flood management strategies and how residents can adapt to the changing weather patterns.

Tasks:

(a). Identify the key features in the photograph, including natural and human elements.

(b). Write a 300-word speech for the meeting, highlighting flood management measures for the community.

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

Item 3

Uganda’s savanna grasslands are home to diverse wildlife and provide grazing land for livestock. However, overgrazing, bush burning, and encroachment are threatening these ecosystems. A wildlife conservation group is planning an awareness campaign to educate communities on sustainable land management.

Tasks:

Write an essay of about 250-300 words explaining the importance of Uganda’s savanna grasslands and the measures needed to protect them.

Item 4

Lake Kyoga, one of Uganda’s major lakes, is under threat from pollution, overfishing, and invasive species. Local communities rely heavily on the lake for fishing, water, and transport. An environmental workshop has been organized to address the challenges facing the lake.

Tasks:

Prepare a 400-word report outlining the main threats to Lake Kyoga and propose strategies to mitigate them.

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

Item 5

Uganda’s rapid urbanization is putting pressure on cities like Mbarara, where infrastructure struggles to keep pace with population growth. Key challenges include traffic congestion, housing shortages, and inadequate waste management. The city council is seeking public input on how to handle these issues.

Tasks:

Write a 250–300-word essay discussing the impacts of rapid urbanization on cities and suggest solutions for sustainable urban development.

Item 6

Uganda’s agricultural sector is facing multiple challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, and fluctuating market prices. Farmers are struggling to maintain productivity, and government initiatives are being launched to support sustainable agriculture.

Tasks:

Write an essay of about 300 words discussing the major challenges in Uganda’s agriculture and suggest measures to enhance agricultural productivity.

MARKING GUIDE TO THE ABOVE TASKS

Item 1: Map Skills

(a) Examine the map extract and identify the key changes in land use.

Answer: Key changes include:

• Expansion of commercial farming: Large portions of land have been converted to agricultural use.
• New settlements: The establishment of new villages has reduced the forested areas, leading to deforestation.
• Infrastructure development: New roads have been constructed, increasing accessibility but also contributing to environmental degradation.

(b) Measure the length of the river running through the mapped area.

Answer: The river is approximately 10 km long, measured using the map’s scale.

(c) Write a 400-word report advising the community on sustainable land use practices.

Answer: The expansion of commercial farming and settlements is altering the landscape, leading to soil erosion, deforestation, and water pollution. To address these issues, the community should adopt the following sustainable land use practices:

• Agroforestry: Integrating trees into farmlands will help prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility.
• Controlled Grazing: Rotational grazing systems should be adopted to prevent overgrazing and land degradation.
• Water Conservation: Establishing buffer zones along rivers and practicing water harvesting can mitigate the impact of farming on water resources. By adopting these practices, the community can balance agricultural development with environmental conservation, ensuring the sustainability of their land for future generations.

Item 2: Photograph Analysis

(a) Identify the key features in the photograph, including natural and human elements.

Answer:

• Natural Elements: Floodwaters covering the ground, vegetation submerged.
• Human Elements: Houses partially submerged, indicating human settlement in a flood-prone area.

(b) Write a 300-word speech for the meeting highlighting flood management measures for the community.

Answer: Floods are becoming a frequent and devastating problem in our community. To protect ourselves and our property, we must take proactive measures. One of the most effective strategies is the construction of proper drainage systems to channel excess water away from homes and farmland. Planting trees along riverbanks can help stabilize the soil and reduce erosion, while community members should avoid building in low-lying areas prone to flooding. With collective effort, we can minimize the damage caused by floods and create a safer environment for everyone.

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

Item 3: Importance of Uganda’s Savanna Grasslands

Answer: Savanna grasslands are vital for supporting wildlife, including Uganda’s iconic species such as elephants and lions. These ecosystems also provide grazing land for livestock, contributing to the livelihoods of pastoralist communities. However, overgrazing, bush burning, and encroachment threaten these ecosystems. To protect the savannas, sustainable land management practices such as controlled grazing, fire management, and the establishment of wildlife corridors are essential.

Item 4: Lake Kyoga – Main Threats and Solutions

Answer: Lake Kyoga faces several threats, including:

• Pollution: Agricultural runoff and domestic waste are contaminating the lake, affecting water quality and fish stocks.
• Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices are depleting fish populations.
• Invasive Species: The spread of water hyacinth is choking the lake, hindering navigation and fishing.

To address these issues, the community should adopt sustainable fishing practices, implement pollution control measures, and remove invasive species from the lake. Collaborative efforts with government agencies can help restore Lake Kyoga’s health and productivity.

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

Item 5: Impacts of Rapid Urbanization on Cities

Answer: Urbanization has brought both opportunities and challenges to cities like Mbarara. The rapid growth has led to traffic congestion, inadequate housing, and waste management problems. To address these issues, the city needs to invest in infrastructure, expand affordable housing, and implement waste recycling programs to create a cleaner and more efficient urban environment.

Item 6: Major Challenges in Uganda’s Agriculture

Answer: Uganda’s agriculture is facing challenges such as:

• Climate Change: Erratic weather patterns have caused droughts and floods, leading to crop failures.
• Soil Degradation: Overuse of land has led to decreased soil fertility, affecting crop yields.
• Market Fluctuations: Farmers are vulnerable to changes in market prices, which affect their income.

Solutions include adopting climate-smart agriculture practices, improving soil management through organic farming, and strengthening market access for farmers.