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Analyse the data shown in Figure 11a and Figure 11b - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
Analyse the data shown in Figure 11a and Figure 11b. Figure 11a shows the cause of deforestation in equatorial west Africa, 2000–2014. Figure 11b shows national est... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse the data shown in Figure 11a and Figure 11b - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Analysis of Figure 11a
Answer
Figure 11a indicates that most of the forest clearing is primarily due to small-scale rational and semi-permanent agriculture. There is a notable concentration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which suggests that agricultural practices are significantly impacting forest cover. The data indicates that a large portion of forest clearing is attributed to agricultural expansion, emphasizing the role of smallholder farmers in contributing to deforestation.
Step 2
Analysis of Figure 11b
Answer
In Figure 11b, the data reveals the national estimates of forest loss by area across various countries in equatorial West Africa. The DRC shows the highest proportion of forest loss, while countries like Gabon have remarkably lower figures. The chart highlights that industrial logging and large-scale agriculture pose considerable threats to forest cover. Importantly, most categories of deforestation are minimal in countries such as Cameroon, indicating diverse reasons behind forest loss in different regions.
Step 3
Comparison and Trends
Answer
Combining insights from both figures, it is evident that the main factors behind deforestation in equatorial West Africa differ by country. The DRC is notably losing significant forest cover, driven mainly by agricultural practices. In contrast, Gabon shows more sustainable management practices with minimal forest loss. The analysis also notes that while industrial logging is a main contributor to deforestation in some areas, it remains less impactful in other nations, showcasing a varied spectrum of forest management and its consequences across the region.