(a) Describe the methods of lumbering used in either Zaire or Nigeria
(b) Discuss the problems associated with the exploitation of timber in the area
(c) Using relevant examples, discuss the economic importance of lumbering in Equatorial Africa.
(a) Methods of Lumbering Used in Zaire are:
(i) The lumbermen search the forest to identify the particular tree species wanted
(ii) The trees are felled mainly by axe or hand saw or power saw
(iii) To cut a buttress tree a platform of 3-4 m above the ground is made on which the lumbermen stand to fell the tree
(iv) When the tree is felled, its branches are cut off and the trunks are carried by tractors to the nearest river, road or railway for onward movement to the sawmill of port for export.
(b) Problems Associated with the Exploitation of Timber in the Area:
(i) Heterogeneous nature of trees. Costs high amount of money to identify good ones
(ii) Difficulties in felling the trees because the trees are very close together
(iii) Trees with buttress roots are more difficult to fell
(iv) Many valuable species of trees are not felled because they are not known by the overseas consumers
(v) Rapids and fall! on the river make transportation difficult
(vi) Problem o deforestation without replacement.
(c) Economic Importance of Lumbering in Equatorial Africa Include:
(i) The timber is_exported—as sawn logs for foreign exchange
(ii) It is used for the manufacture of plywoods and veneer
(iii) It is used for building boats, making furniture, and in the construction of houses and bridges
(iv) Wood is used as fuel. e.g for drying tobacco guinea savanna and smoking of fish in riverine areas
(v) It provides raw materials for industries, e.g paper, toothpick and matches industries
(vi) It provides employment to many people.
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