Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 Geography Question 10

In a West African coastal region, a low‑lying tropical rainforest is being cleared for the establishment of an oil‑palm plantation. The original forest is characterised by multi‑layered canopy, high species richness, and a dense litter layer that contributes to rapid nutrient cycling. The conversion involves removal of the canopy, burning of the under‑storey, and replacement with uniformly spaced oil‑palm rows. Answer the following: a) Identify the original vegetation type and describe three of its key ecological characteristics. b) Analyse three major ecological impacts of converting this rainforest to oil‑palm on (i) biodiversity, (ii) climate regulation, and (iii) soil properties. c) Discuss two socio‑economic benefits that oil‑palm cultivation can bring to the local communities. d) Propose two sustainable land‑use strategies that could reconcile oil‑palm production with the conservation of forest functions, providing a brief justification for each.