NECO GCE 2023 GEOGRAPHY (ESSAY) ANSWERS (15th december)

(1aii)
Migration: Migration refers to the movement of individuals or groups of people from one place to another. It can be either internal (within a country) or international (between countries). Migration can have a significant impact on population size and distribution. It can affect both the areas of origin and destination in terms of their population growth, economic development, and social dynamics.

(1aiii)
Growth rate: Growth rate refers to the rate at which a population increases or decreases over a specific time period. It is usually measured as a percentage. Population growth rate is affected by several factors, including birth rate, death rate, and net migration. A high growth rate indicates a rapidly increasing population, while a low or negative growth rate indicates a declining population.

(1aiv)
Movement: Movement refers to the physical relocation of individuals within a population or between different populations. It can occur due to various reasons, such as seeking better employment opportunities, education, or living conditions. Movement can impact population dynamics by influencing population distribution, resource allocation, and social interactions.

(1b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Age structure: The age structure of a population refers to the distribution of individuals across different age groups. A population with a balanced age structure, including a proportionate number of young, working-age, and elderly individuals, is considered to have a better quality.
(ii);Education and skills: The level of education and skills possessed by the population can significantly impact their quality. A population with a high level of education and skills tends to have better job prospects, higher income levels, and improved living standards.
(iii) Health and healthcare: The health status of a population, including access to healthcare services, plays a crucial role in determining its quality. Population with good health and access to quality healthcare has higher life expectancy, lower mortality rates, and overall better well-being.
(iv) Social infrastructure: The presence of essential social infrastructure, such as housing, water supply, sanitation, transportation, and communication facilities, greatly affects the quality of a population. Access to basic amenities and services enhances the living conditions and overall quality of life.
(v) Social cohesion and inclusivity: A population characterized by social cohesion, inclusivity, and equality tends to have better quality. A society that values diversity, promotes equal opportunities, and fosters social cohesion is likely to experience higher levels of well-being and overall satisfaction.
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(3a)
localization industry refers to the sector that focuses on adapting products, services, and content to meet the specific cultural, linguistic, and functional requirements of a particular target market or region. It involves modifying various aspects of a product or service, including language, design, imagery, and functionality, to ensure that it resonates with the local audience and meets their expectations.

(3b)
(i) Economic Growth: Localization helps stimulate economic growth by promoting local industries and businesses. When industries are localized, it creates job opportunities and boosts the local economy. It reduces dependency on imports and encourages domestic production, leading to increased revenue and improved living standards.

(ii) Cultural Preservation: Localization of industry allows for the preservation and promotion of local culture and traditions. It enables the production of goods and services that are specifically tailored to the preferences and needs of the local community.

(iii) Environmental Sustainability: Localization reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of goods. By producing goods locally, companies can minimize the environmental impact of transportation, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

(iv)Resilience and Security: Localization enhances the resilience and security of a region by reducing its dependence on external sources for essential goods and services. When industries are localized, it ensures a stable supply chain and reduces vulnerability to global disruptions such as natural disasters, political conflicts, or trade disputes.

(3c)
(i) Steel Industry: This industry involves the production of steel and its various components, such as bars, rods, sheets, and structural steel.

(ii) Automotive Industry: The automotive industry encompasses the manufacturing of automobiles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and their components.
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(5a)
(i) Climate: Cotton requires a warm and dry climate to thrive, and the Zaria area has a suitable climate for cotton production. It experiences hottemperatures during the growing season, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, creating optimal conditions for cotton growth.
(ii) Soil: Cotton plants thrive in well-drained soils with good fertility. The Zaria area has soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients, which provides a conducive environment for cotton cultivation.
(iii) Water availability: Cotton requires adequate water for proper growth and development. The Zaria area receives a moderate amount of rainfall, which is sufficient to meet the water needs of cotton plants. In addition, the area has an irrigation system in place, which ensures a steady supply of water even during dry spells.
(iv) Topography: The Zaria area has a relatively flat topography, which facilitates irrigation and mechanized farming practices. This enables farmers to effectively manage their cotton crops and implement efficient farming techniques.

(5b)
(i) Export revenue: Groundnut is one of Nigeria’s major agricultural exports. The production and export of groundnut generate significant revenue for the country, which contributes to foreign exchange earnings and helps to strengthen the economy.
(ii) Employment generation: Groundnut production provides employment opportunities for a large number of people, particularly in rural areas. It creates jobs in various sectors, including farming, processing, packaging, and transportation, thereby reducing unemployment and poverty.
(iii) Food security: Groundnut is a nutritious crop that contributes to food security in Nigeria. It is a valuable source of protein, fats, and other essential nutrients, making it an important component of the local diet. The availability of groundnuts ensures a stable food supply and improves the nutritional status of the population.
(iv) Industrial applications: Groundnut is used in a wide range of industrial applications, including the production of vegetable oils, livestock feed, and confectionery products. The processing and utilization of groundnuts in industries contribute to economic diversification and industrial development in Nigeria.
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(6a)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Access to Ports: The western industrial zone, particularly Lagos and its environs, is strategically located close to major ports such as Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports. This proximity allows for easy importation and exportation of goods and raw materials, reducing transportation costs and ensuring efficient supply chain management for industries located in the area.
(ii) Infrastructure: The western industrial zone has better infrastructure compared to other parts of Nigeria. It has well-developed road networks, airports, and railway systems that facilitate the movement of goods and people.
(iii) Availability of Skilled Labor: The western industrial zone is home to several higher education institutions, technical colleges, and vocational training centers. This concentration of educational institutions has created a pool of skilled labor in various fields such as engineering, technology, and management. Industries in the area benefit from this availability of skilled human resources, which contributes to their growth and success.
(iv) Market Access: The western industrial zone has a large consumer market due to its high population density and urbanization. Lagos, as the economic center of Nigeria, attracts people from all over the country, creating a demand for various goods and services.

(6b)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Poor Infrastructure
(ii) Inconsistent Government Policies
(iii) Poor Access to Finance
(iv) Inadequate Skills and Workforce Development