(a) State three differences between rail and water transport
(b) In what four ways can transportation influence economic development in any named country in West Africa
(c) Outline three problems of rail transport development in developing countries.
(a)(i) Rail uses locomotive and coaches while water uses ships, boats and canoes
(ii) Trains run on two metal rails while water track is natural and free
(iii) Rail is faster than water transport
(iv) Water courses may go through areas not economically viable but rail lines are always constructed to link areas of economic importance.
(v) Water transport uses ports while rail uses railways stations
(vi) Water is cheaper in terms of construction and maintenance
(b)(i) Leads to specialization and therefore more production
(ii) Movement of capital
(iii) Movement of labour between locations
(iv) Linking areas of production to consumption areas
(v) Leads to increased trade between towns
(vi) Promotes international trade
(vii) Diffusion of ideas and innovations
(viii) Assists in national and international integration and peace
(ix) Opening up of inaccessible areas.
(c)(i) Inadequate capital
(ii) High cost of maintenance/spare parts
(iii) Inadequate skilled manpower
(iv) Competition from road transport (trailers)
(v) Poor management
(vi) Narrow gauge/low speed
(vii) Single line
(viii) Terrain/steep gradient affecting construction
(ix) Unstable government policy
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