Photo AI
Study Diagrams Q1A, Q1B, Q1C, Q1D and Q1E - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 1 - 2023
Question 1
Study Diagrams Q1A, Q1B, Q1C, Q1D and Q1E. (a) Explain why there is a need for water management in the Niger River Basin, Mali. (b) Discuss the negative socio-econ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study Diagrams Q1A, Q1B, Q1C, Q1D and Q1E - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 1 - 2023
Step 1
Explain why there is a need for water management in the Niger River Basin, Mali.
Answer
Water management is essential in the Niger River Basin due to various factors:
-
Population Growth: The population of Mali, as indicated in Diagram Q1D, is projected to rise significantly from 40 million in 2050, which places increased demand on water resources for domestic and agricultural use.
-
Agricultural Requirements: The region relies heavily on agriculture, with 62% of the population employed in this sector (Diagram Q1E). Effective water management practices, including irrigation and flood control, are necessary to enhance crop yields and ensure food security, especially during the dry season.
-
Seasonal Variability: Diagram Q1B shows that the Niger River experiences considerable variations in monthly flow, affecting water availability throughout the year. Efficient management helps mitigate the impacts of drought during the dry months and the risks of flooding during the rainy season.
-
Climate Impact: As illustrated in Diagram Q1C, Mopti experiences a distinct climate with high temperatures and varying precipitation levels. Proper water management can support sustainable practices that adapt to these climatic changes, protecting water quality and availability.
-
Infrastructure Development: The Markala Dam indicated in Diagram Q1A is crucial for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Effective water management ensures the operations of such infrastructures are optimized, benefiting local communities and the economy.
Step 2
Discuss the negative socio-economic and environmental consequences of a named river management project that you have studied.
Answer
One river management project that has led to negative consequences is the construction of the Markala Dam on the Niger River.
-
Displacement of Communities: The dam's construction required the relocation of local communities, disrupting traditional livelihoods and social structures. People lost access to their ancestral lands, leading to increased poverty and social unrest.
-
Environmental Degradation: While the dam aimed to enhance water management, it also interfered with natural sediment flow, which is vital for maintaining ecological balance. This has led to reduced fertility of surrounding agricultural land and impacted local fisheries.
-
Water Quality Issues: Managed water systems can lead to stagnation in some areas, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases due to lower water turnover rates, adversely affecting community health.
-
Economic Inequality: Benefits from the dam, such as irrigation and electricity, have not been uniformly distributed. Wealthier landowners and agricultural businesses are often the primary beneficiaries, leaving poorer farmers without the necessary resources to improve their livelihoods.
-
Altered Hydrology: The dam affects the natural flow regime of the river, which can disrupt the migration patterns of aquatic species, leading to biodiversity loss. The changed flow can also contribute to water scarcity for regions downstream, leading to conflicts over water use.