Africa – Location, Political Divisions, and Physical Features

Africa – Introduction

• Africa is the second largest continent in the world.
• It has 54 countries.
• The Equator passes through the middle of Africa.
• Most of Africa lies between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

2. Political Divisions

• Most African countries were under European rule for a long time.
• By the 20th century, most African nations became independent.
• South Africa gained full independence only in 1994 after the end of white minority rule.
• The six northern countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt) are part of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
• The larger part of Africa, south of the Sahara Desert, is called Sub-Saharan Africa.

3. Location and Extent

• Africa covers about 1/5th of the total land surface of Earth.
• It extends from 37°N to 35°S (north-south direction).
• Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point.
• It extends from 17°W to 51°E (east-west direction).

Africa – Boundaries and Exploration

4. Boundaries

• Africa is the second largest continent next to Asia.
• It is surrounded by several water bodies:
  • North: Mediterranean Sea
  • Northeast: Red Sea
  • East: Indian Ocean
  • West: Atlantic Ocean
• Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and separates Africa from Europe.
• Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb separates Africa from Arabia, linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
• Africa is connected to Asia by the Isthmus of Suez, which links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Africa is the only continent crossed by all three major latitudes:
  • Tropic of Cancer (23½° N)
  • Tropic of Capricorn (23½° S)
  • Equator (0° in the middle)

Discovery and Exploration

• Africa remained unknown to the world for a long time due to its inaccessible interior.
• In the 19th century, explorers like Sir Henry Morton Stanley, Mungo Park, and missionary Dr. David Livingstone were the first to explore Africa’s interior.
• Europeans called Africa the “Dark Continent” due to its dense forests, swamps, and deserts.
• Two main reasons for the late discovery of Africa:
  • Sahara Desert: A vast desert that hindered movement.
  • Densely forested interior: Made exploration difficult.

Major Physical Features of Africa

5. Major Physical Features

Africa has four major physical features:

1. Desert Regions
2. African Plateaus
3. Lowlands and Basins
4. Mountains

(a) Desert Regions

• One-third of Africa is covered by the Sahara Desert.
• The surface is not uniform; some plains and highlands exist.
• Oases are places where water is available.
• Africa’s deserts include:
  • Sahara Desert (North Africa)
  • Kalahari Desert (Southern Africa)
  • Namib Desert (West coast of Southern Africa)

(b) African Plateaus

• Africa is called a “plateau continent” because of its vast plateaus.
• The land is mostly flat and elevated.
• The South African plateau is made of crystalline rock.
• The highest plateaus are in Ethiopia and South Africa.
• Northern and Western Africa have lower plateaus.

(c) Lowlands and Basins

• Lowlands are narrow coastal plains.
• Major river basins in Africa:
  • Congo Basin (Congo River)
  • Chad Basin (Lake Chad)
  • Niger Basin (Niger River)

(d) Mountains

• Africa has several mountains, mainly in the east.
• The Cape Ranges are in the south.
• The Atlas Mountains are in the northwest.
• Block Mountains:
  • Formed due to land movement.
  • East African Rift Valley extends from north to south.
  • Similar to the Himalayas and Alps.
  • Example: Mount Ruwenzori.

Physical Features of Africa (Continued)

(d) Mountains (Continued)

• Residual Mountains: Found in North Africa.
• Examples include Ahaggar and Tibesti mountains.
• Volcanic Highlands:
  • Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) is the tallest peak in Africa.
  • Mount Kenya is another volcanic peak.
  • Volcanic highlands are mainly in East Africa.
  • Covered with snow despite being near the equator.

(e) Rift Valleys

• A unique physical feature of Africa.
• Great Rift Valley is about 6400 km long.
• Formed when land splits and sinks due to earth movements.
• Includes deep lakes and escarpments.

(f) Drainage (Rivers and Lakes)

• Africa has many rivers with rapids and waterfalls.
• Main rivers:

1. River Nile – Longest river in the world.
2. Other major rivers flow through different parts of Africa.

Relief and Drainage of Africa

Lowlands and Basins

• Major river basins in Africa:

1. Congo Basin (Congo River)
2. Chad Basin (Lake Chad)
3. Sudan Basin (River Nile)
4. Mozambique Basin
5. Zaire Basin (Congo River)

Plateaus

• South African Plateau (Largest)
• Ethiopian Highlands
• Drakensberg Mountains (in South Africa)

Mountains

• Block Mountains:
  • Mount Ruwenzori
  • Mount Kenya
• Volcanic Mountains:
  • Mount Cameroon
  • Mount Kilimanjaro (Tallest in Africa)

Deserts

• Sahara Desert (North Africa)
• Kalahari Desert (South Africa)
• Namib Desert (West coast of Southern Africa)

Rivers and Lakes

• Main Rivers:

1. River Nile (Longest in the world)
2. River Congo
3. River Niger
4. River Zambezi
5. River Limpopo

• Main Lakes:

1. Lake Victoria (Largest in Africa)
2. Lake Chad
3. Lake Tanganyika
4. Lake Malawi
5. Lake Tana

Rivers, Lakes, and Technical Terms

Rivers of Africa

• River Nile:
  • Longest river in the world.
  • Originates from Lake Victoria.
  • Flows north into the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The Aswan Dam is built on this river.
• River Zambezi:
  • Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls, is on this river.
  • Forms a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Other Important Rivers:
  • River Niger
  • River Congo
  • River Limpopo

Lakes of Africa

• Lake Victoria:
  • Largest lake in Africa.
  • Main source of the River Nile.
• Lake Tanganyika:
  • Deepest lake in Africa (Depth: 2500 ft).
  • Second largest in Africa.
• Other Major Lakes:
  • Lake Chad
  • Lake Malawi
  • Lake Tana

Technical Terms and Their Meanings

• Rift Valley: A valley with steep sides formed due to tectonic movements.
• Flood Plain: A flat land area near a river, formed by deposits of sediments.
• Strait: A narrow stretch of water connecting two large water bodies.
• Oasis: A fertile area in the desert where water is available.
• Atlas: A map book or a mountain range.

Answers to the Exercise (Based on Uploaded Content)

1. Tick the Correct Option:

1. River Nile originates in:
   • ✅ (b) Lake Victoria
2. The western part of Africa is known as:
   • ✅ (a) A Plateau
3. Mount Ruwenzori is a:
   • ✅ (b) Block Mountain
4. The most important physical feature of Africa is:
   • ✅ (a) Rift Valley
5. The longest river in the world is:
   • ✅ (a) River Nile

2. Give Technical Terms for Each of the Following:

1. A long narrow valley with steep sides
   • ✅ Rift Valley
2. A narrow stretch of water joining two seas
   • ✅ Strait
3. A mountain formed by the accumulation of lava
   • ✅ Volcanic Mountain
4. The Desert in North Africa
   • ✅ Sahara Desert
5. The two longest rivers of Africa
   • ✅ River Nile and River Congo

2. Answer in One Word:

1. A narrow strip of land separating two seas
   • ✅ Isthmus
2. A landform of arid areas containing tropical grass
   • ✅ Savanna
3. A region of land that drains into a river
   • ✅ Basin
4. An elongated depression in tropical Asia
   • ✅ Rift Valley
5. A waterfall falling steeply formed between two mountains
   • ✅ Victoria Falls

3. Match the Following:

1. Lusaka – ✅ (d) Zambia
2. Lake Victoria – ✅ (c) Africa’s largest lake
3. Cape of Good Hope – ✅ (b) South Africa
4. Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb – ✅ (e) Separates Africa & Asia
5. Kilimanjaro – ✅ (a) Volcanic Mountain
6. Fill in the Blanks:
7. The Nile is the ✅ longest river in the world.
8. Lake Victoria is the main source of ✅ River Nile.
9. The desert that covers most of North Africa is ✅ Sahara Desert.
10. Kilimanjaro is a ✅ volcanic mountain.
11. Nile is the tributary of ✅ Mediterranean Sea.

Instructions for Marking the Map

1. Water Bodies (Blue Color)

• Oceans:
  • Atlantic Ocean (West of Africa)
  • Indian Ocean (East of Africa)
• Seas:
  • Mediterranean Sea (North of Africa)
  • Red Sea (Northeast, separating Africa from Arabia)

2. Major Rivers (Blue Color)

• River Nile (Longest river, flowing north into the Mediterranean Sea)
• River Zambezi (Victoria Falls is located on this river)
• River Niger (West Africa, flowing through countries like Nigeria)
• River Orange (Located in Southern Africa)

3. Major Mountains (Brown Line)

• Atlas Mountains (Northwest Africa, near Morocco and Algeria)
• Drakensberg Mountains (South Africa)
• Kilimanjaro (Tallest mountain in Africa, in Tanzania)

4. Major Deserts (Yellow Color)

• Sahara Desert (Covers North Africa)
• Kalahari Desert (Southern Africa)
• Namib Desert (Along the west coast of Southern Africa)

5. Major Lakes (Blue Color)

• Lake Victoria (Largest lake in Africa, source of River Nile)
• Lake Tanganyika (Deepest lake in Africa)
• Lake Chad (In Central Africa)
• Lake Turkana (In East Africa)
• Lake Tana (Source of the Blue Nile, in Ethiopia)

How to Complete the Map

1. Use a blue pencil to mark and label water bodies, rivers, and lakes.
2. Use a brown line for mountains.
3. Shade deserts in yellow.
4. Label the names clearly.

Cocoa Cultivation in Ghana – A Case Study

1. Introduction

• Cocoa is an important cash crop of Ghana.
• It grows well in the equatorial region.
• The main cocoa belt stretches from Western Africa to South America.
• Major cocoa-producing countries: Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia.

2. Cocoa Cultivation in Ghana

• Introduced in 1879 by the British.
• Ghana accounts for about 90% of cocoa exports.
• Main cocoa-producing region: Western Ghana.
• Major cocoa-growing areas form the Cocoa Triangle, including:
  • Accra
  • Kumasi
  • Takoradi
• Ghana has modernized cocoa farming since 1957.

3. Climate Requirements

• Cocoa needs a hot and wet climate.
• Temperature requirement: 27°C.
• Rainfall requirement: 150 cm and above.

4. Soil Requirements

• Cocoa plants grow best in well-drained, porous soil.
• The soil should be sheltered from strong winds and receive filtered light.

5. Methods of Planting Cocoa Trees

• Cocoa trees grow from seeds and require shade.
• The young plants are delicate and need protection.
• Cocoa is intercropped with taller trees to shield from strong winds and direct sunlight.

6. Cocoa Harvesting

• Cocoa is a chief cash crop.
• Harvesting is done twice a year, mainly in the morning.
• The harvested beans are called “wet cocoa”.
• Cocoa beans are fermented and dried before further processing.
• Harvesting requires manual labor, using sharp blades to cut the pods.

7. Fermentation

• Purpose: Brings out flavor and color in cocoa.
• Process:

1. The beans are removed from pods.
2. The pulp of the beans is crushed.
3. The pulp ferments for 3 to 6 days.
4. Beans develop the characteristic chocolate flavor.
5. Cocoa Processing

• Beans are sorted by type at the factory.
• They are dried, packed, and exported.
• Ghana is a major exporter of processed and unprocessed cocoa.

Cocoa Uses, Problems, and Export in Ghana

9. Uses of Cocoa

• Cocoa butter makes up 45% of the cocoa bean.
• Used in:
  • Cosmetics and toiletries
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Chocolate and butter production
• Cocoa is mixed with chocolate liquor and other ingredients to produce:
  • Chocolate bars
  • Cakes and sauces
  • Cocoa powder
• Major importing countries: Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands.

10. Problems in Cocoa Production

• Decline in production due to:

1. Diseased cocoa trees affecting yield.
2. Old trees producing less cocoa.
3. Poor management practices by farmers.
4. Lack of advanced techniques for farming.

• The Cocoa Research Institute in Ghana is working to:

• • Improve farming techniques.
  • Develop new high-yielding varieties.
  • Promote better processing methods.

11. Cocoa Export

• Cocoa is Ghana’s major foreign exchange earner.
• Ghana exports cocoa in raw and processed forms.
• Major exporting countries:
  • USA
  • UK
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Belgium
• Ports in Takoradi and Tema handle cocoa exports.
• Cocoa farming provides employment to over a million people in Ghana.

Extra questions

MCQs on Africa and Cocoa Cultivation

1. What is the second largest continent in the world?
   a) Europe
   b) Africa
   c) Asia
   d) North America
   Answer: b) Africa
2. How many countries are there in Africa?
   a) 45
   b) 50
   c) 54
   d) 60
   Answer: c) 54
3. Which two Tropics pass through Africa?
   a) Tropic of Cancer and Arctic Circle
   b) Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer
   c) Equator and Prime Meridian
   d) Tropic of Capricorn and Antarctic Circle
   Answer: b) Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer
4. Which ocean lies to the west of Africa?
   a) Pacific Ocean
   b) Indian Ocean
   c) Atlantic Ocean
   d) Arctic Ocean
   Answer: c) Atlantic Ocean
5. Which strait separates Africa from Europe?
   a) Bab-el-Mandeb
   b) Bering Strait
   c) Strait of Gibraltar
   d) Palk Strait
   Answer: c) Strait of Gibraltar
6. Which sea is located to the north of Africa?
   a) Red Sea
   b) Black Sea
   c) Mediterranean Sea
   d) Caspian Sea
   Answer: c) Mediterranean Sea
7. What is the largest desert in Africa?
   a) Kalahari Desert
   b) Namib Desert
   c) Sahara Desert
   d) Atacama Desert
   Answer: c) Sahara Desert
8. Which river is the longest in the world?
   a) Amazon
   b) Nile
   c) Congo
   d) Mississippi
   Answer: b) Nile
9. Which lake is the largest in Africa?
   a) Lake Chad
   b) Lake Victoria
   c) Lake Tana
   d) Lake Tanganyika
   Answer: b) Lake Victoria
10. What is the main source of the River Nile?
    a) Lake Chad
    b) Lake Victoria
    c) Lake Tanganyika
    d) Lake Tana
    Answer: b) Lake Victoria
11. Which country is the largest producer of cocoa in Africa?
    a) Ghana
    b) Ivory Coast
    c) Nigeria
    d) Indonesia
    Answer: b) Ivory Coast
12. Which three cities form the Cocoa Triangle in Ghana?
    a) Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi
    b) Lagos, Abuja, Kano
    c) Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu
    d) Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor
    Answer: a) Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi
13. What type of climate is required for cocoa cultivation?
    a) Hot and dry
    b) Cold and humid
    c) Hot and wet
    d) Moderate
    Answer: c) Hot and wet
14. Which African mountain is the highest?
    a) Mount Kenya
    b) Mount Ruwenzori
    c) Mount Kilimanjaro
    d) Atlas Mountains
    Answer: c) Mount Kilimanjaro
15. Which African region has the highest plateaus?
    a) North Africa
    b) West Africa
    c) Ethiopia and South Africa
    d) Central Africa
    Answer: c) Ethiopia and South Africa
16. Which landform separates Africa from Asia?
    a) Suez Canal
    b) Strait of Gibraltar
    c) Red Sea
    d) Isthmus of Suez
    Answer: d) Isthmus of Suez
17. Which African desert is located in the southern region?
    a) Sahara Desert
    b) Kalahari Desert
    c) Namib Desert
    d) Thar Desert
    Answer: b) Kalahari Desert
18. What type of soil is suitable for cocoa cultivation?
    a) Clayey and compact
    b) Well-drained and porous
    c) Sandy and dry
    d) Rocky
    Answer: b) Well-drained and porous
19. Which strait separates Africa from Arabia?
    a) Bab-el-Mandeb
    b) Strait of Gibraltar
    c) Malacca Strait
    d) Palk Strait
    Answer: a) Bab-el-Mandeb
20. Which African river is famous for Victoria Falls?
    a) Nile
    b) Congo
    c) Zambezi
    d) Niger
    Answer: c) Zambezi
21. What is the largest plateau in Africa?
    a) Drakensberg Plateau
    b) Ethiopian Highlands
    c) South African Plateau
    d) Atlas Plateau
    Answer: c) South African Plateau
22. Which African country exports the most cocoa?
    a) Ghana
    b) Ivory Coast
    c) Nigeria
    d) Brazil
    Answer: b) Ivory Coast
23. What is the main export port for cocoa in Ghana?
    a) Tema
    b) Takoradi
    c) Accra
    d) Kumasi
    Answer: b) Takoradi
24. What percentage of cocoa butter is in cocoa beans?
    a) 30%
    b) 40%
    c) 45%
    d) 50%
    Answer: c) 45%
25. Which country is NOT a major cocoa importer?
    a) Germany
    b) France
    c) Japan
    d) Netherlands
    Answer: c) Japan
26. Which African river has the largest basin?
    a) Congo
    b) Niger
    c) Zambezi
    d) Limpopo
    Answer: a) Congo
27. Which is the deepest lake in Africa?
    a) Lake Victoria
    b) Lake Tanganyika
    c) Lake Chad
    d) Lake Tana
    Answer: b) Lake Tanganyika
28. Which lake is the source of the Blue Nile?
    a) Lake Victoria
    b) Lake Chad
    c) Lake Tanganyika
    d) Lake Tana
    Answer: d) Lake Tana
29. What is the main reason for Ghana’s cocoa decline?
    a) Climate change
    b) Disease in cocoa trees
    c) Lack of labor
    d) Soil erosion
    Answer: b) Disease in cocoa trees
30. What is the name of the research institute in Ghana that improves cocoa farming?
    a) Cocoa Development Board
    b) Cocoa Research Institute
    c) Ghana Cocoa Board
    d) Agricultural Research Council
    Answer: b) Cocoa Research Institute
31. Which African port is used for cocoa export?
    a) Cape Town
    b) Dar es Salaam
    c) Takoradi
    d) Mombasa
    Answer: c) Takoradi
32. How many days does cocoa fermentation take?
    a) 1-2 days
    b) 3-6 days
    c) 7-10 days
    d) 14 days
    Answer: b) 3-6 days
33. Which type of mountains are the Atlas Mountains?
    a) Volcanic
    b) Fold
    c) Block
    d) Residual
    Answer: b) Fold
34. Which African mountain is a block mountain?
    a) Mount Kenya
    b) Mount Ruwenzori
    c) Mount Kilimanjaro
    d) Mount Cameroon
    Answer: b) Mount Ruwenzori
35. Which African river has Victoria Falls?
    a) Nile
    b) Zambezi
    c) Niger
    d) Limpopo
    Answer: b) Zambezi
36. Which country in Africa is known for large cocoa production apart from Ghana?
    a) Nigeria
    b) Kenya
    c) Egypt
    d) Ethiopia
    Answer: a) Nigeria
37. Which part of Ghana is the main cocoa-growing region?
    a) Eastern Ghana
    b) Northern Ghana
    c) Western Ghana
    d) Central Ghana
    Answer: c) Western Ghana
38. What does cocoa fermentation help in developing?
    a) Cocoa color
    b) Cocoa flavor
    c) Both color and flavor
    d) None of these
    Answer: c) Both color and flavor
39. What is the chief cash crop of Ghana?
    a) Coffee
    b) Cocoa
    c) Sugarcane
    d) Cotton
    Answer: b) Cocoa
40. Which continent is called the ‘Plateau Continent’?
    a) Asia
    b) North America
    c) Africa
    d) Europe
    Answer: c) Africa
41. What is the highest peak in Africa?
    a) Mount Kenya
    b) Mount Ruwenzori
    c) Mount Kilimanjaro
    d) Mount Elgon
    Answer: c) Mount Kilimanjaro
42. What is the major problem faced in cocoa cultivation?
    a) High production cost
    b) Lack of transport
    c) Disease in cocoa trees
    d) Soil fertility loss
    Answer: c) Disease in cocoa trees
43. Which region of Africa is mainly desert?
    a) North Africa
    b) South Africa
    c) East Africa
    d) West Africa
    Answer: a) North Africa
44. Which African plateau is the largest?
    a) Ethiopian Highlands
    b) South African Plateau
    c) Drakensberg Plateau
    d) Atlas Plateau
    Answer: b) South African Plateau
45. What is the role of the Cocoa Research Institute in Ghana?
    a) Exporting cocoa
    b) Improving farming techniques
    c) Promoting tourism
    d) Increasing cocoa prices
    Answer: b) Improving farming techniques
46. Which ocean lies to the east of Africa?
    a) Pacific Ocean
    b) Atlantic Ocean
    c) Indian Ocean
    d) Arctic Ocean
    Answer: c) Indian Ocean
47. Which African country has the Cape of Good Hope?
    a) Nigeria
    b) Ghana
    c) Kenya
    d) South Africa
    Answer: d) South Africa
48. Which type of landform is the Great Rift Valley?
    a) Plateau
    b) Fold mountain
    c) Rift valley
    d) Plain
    Answer: c) Rift valley
49. Where is the Isthmus of Suez located?
    a) Between Africa and Asia
    b) Between Europe and Africa
    c) Between Africa and America
    d) Between Asia and Europe
    Answer: a) Between Africa and Asia
50. Which industry benefits the most from cocoa production?
    a) Textile industry
    b) Chocolate industry
    c) Automobile industry
    d) Construction industry
    Answer: b) Chocolate industry

Fill in the Blanks: Africa and Cocoa Cultivation

1. Africa is the __ largest continent in the world.
   Answer: second
2. There are __ countries in Africa.
   Answer: 54
3. The __ is the largest desert in Africa.
   Answer: Sahara Desert
4. The __ is the longest river in the world.
   Answer: Nile
5. The __ is the largest lake in Africa.
   Answer: Lake Victoria
6. The Strait of __ separates Africa from Europe.
   Answer: Gibraltar
7. The __ Desert is located in Southern Africa.
   Answer: Kalahari
8. Mount __ is the highest mountain in Africa.
   Answer: Kilimanjaro
9. The __ Plateau is the largest plateau in Africa.
   Answer: South African
10. The Isthmus of __ connects Africa with Asia.
    Answer: Suez
11. The __ Ocean lies to the west of Africa.
    Answer: Atlantic
12. The __ Ocean lies to the east of Africa.
    Answer: Indian
13. Cocoa is a major __ crop of Ghana.
    Answer: cash
14. Ghana’s cocoa-growing region is located in __
    Answer: Western
15. The three main cities forming the Cocoa Triangle in Ghana are __, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
    Answer: Accra
16. Cocoa requires a __ and wet climate for cultivation.
    Answer: hot
17. Cocoa farming in Ghana started in the year __.
    Answer: 1879
18. Cocoa trees are intercropped with __ trees to protect them from strong winds and direct sunlight.
    Answer: taller
19. Cocoa beans require __ days for fermentation.
    Answer: 3 to 6
20. The process of __ helps in developing the chocolate flavor in cocoa beans.
    Answer: fermentation
21. The main export port for cocoa in Ghana is __.
    Answer: Takoradi
22. __ is the world’s largest producer of cocoa.
    Answer: Ivory Coast
23. Cocoa butter makes up __% of the cocoa bean.
    Answer: 45
24. The Cocoa Research Institute in Ghana helps improve __
    Answer: farming
25. Cocoa is mainly exported to __, USA, and Germany.
    Answer: Netherlands
26. The __ Valley is a significant geographical feature in Africa.
    Answer: Rift
27. The __ River has Victoria Falls.
    Answer: Zambezi
28. Lake __ is the deepest lake in Africa.
    Answer: Tanganyika
29. Lake __ is the source of the Blue Nile.
    Answer: Tana
30. The __ Sea is located to the northeast of Africa.
    Answer: Red
31. The __ Highlands are the highest plateaus in Africa.
    Answer: Ethiopian
32. The __ Mountains are located in North Africa.
    Answer: Atlas
33. The Sahara Desert mainly covers __
    Answer: North
34. The __ Desert is along the west coast of Southern Africa.
    Answer: Namib
35. The main ingredient in chocolate production is __.
    Answer: cocoa
36. The __ Institute in Ghana researches cocoa farming and production.
    Answer: Cocoa Research
37. Cocoa trees require __ soil for better growth.
    Answer: well-drained
38. After fermentation, cocoa beans are dried and then __ for export.
    Answer: packed
39. Cocoa farming provides employment to over __ people in Ghana.
    Answer: one million
40. The __ River has the largest basin in Africa.
    Answer: Congo
41. Cocoa exports bring __ exchange to Ghana.
    Answer: foreign
42. The __ Plateau is the highest in Africa.
    Answer: Ethiopian
43. Cocoa is harvested __ times a year.
    Answer: two
44. Cocoa butter is used in making __ and cosmetics.
    Answer: chocolate
45. Cocoa production in Ghana has declined due to __ in cocoa trees.
    Answer: diseases
46. The main competitors of Ghana in cocoa production are __ and Nigeria.
    Answer: Ivory Coast
47. The __ Valley in Africa extends for about 6400 km.
    Answer: Great Rift
48. The __ region in Ghana is known for the best cocoa quality.
    Answer: Western
49. Cocoa requires a temperature of about __°C for proper growth.
    Answer: 27
50. The __ is the main river that flows through Ghana.
    Answer: Volta

Two-Marks Questions and Answers on Africa and Cocoa Cultivation

1. Q: What is the second-largest continent in the world?
   A: Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, after Asia.
2. Q: How many countries are there in Africa?
   A: Africa consists of 54 countries.
3. Q: Name the two major latitudes that pass-through Africa.
   A: The Tropic of Cancer (23½° N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23½° S) pass through Africa.
4. Q: Which strait separates Africa from Europe?
   A: The Strait of Gibraltar separates Africa from Europe.
5. Q: Name the longest river in Africa and its source.
   A: The Nile River is the longest in Africa, and its main source is Lake Victoria.
6. Q: Which desert covers most of North Africa?
   A: The Sahara Desert covers most of North Africa.
7. Q: What is the highest mountain in Africa?
   A: Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa.
8. Q: What is the largest lake in Africa?
   A: Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa.
9. Q: Name the major river on which Victoria Falls is located.
   A: Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River.
10. Q: What is the Great Rift Valley?
    A: The Great Rift Valley is a geological depression that extends about 6400 km across Africa.
11. Q: Name the three main cities forming Ghana’s Cocoa Triangle.
    A: Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi form the Cocoa Triangle in Ghana.
12. Q: What type of climate is required for cocoa cultivation?
    A: Cocoa requires a hot and wet climate with a temperature of 27°C and rainfall above 150 cm.
13. Q: What type of soil is best for cocoa cultivation?
    A: Cocoa grows best in well-drained, porous soil that is sheltered from strong winds.
14. Q: When was cocoa farming introduced in Ghana?
    A: Cocoa was introduced in 1879 by the British.
15. Q: Name the major export ports of cocoa in Ghana.
    A: The major export ports for cocoa in Ghana are Takoradi and Tema.
16. Q: What percentage of cocoa butter is present in cocoa beans?
    A: Cocoa beans contain about 45% cocoa butter.
17. Q: What is the main use of cocoa butter?
    A: Cocoa butter is used in the production of chocolates, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
18. Q: Which countries are the largest importers of Ghana’s cocoa?
    A: Netherlands, USA, Germany, and France are the largest importers of Ghana’s cocoa.
19. Q: How does the Cocoa Research Institute help Ghana’s cocoa industry?
    A: The institute works on improving farming techniques, developing high-yielding cocoa varieties, and managing crop diseases.
20. Q: Why has cocoa production declined in Ghana?
    A: Cocoa production has declined due to disease in cocoa trees, poor management, and aging plantations.
21. Q: What is cocoa fermentation, and why is it important?
    A: Cocoa fermentation is the process of breaking down the cocoa pulp, enhancing the chocolate flavor and color of the beans.
22. Q: How long does the fermentation process of cocoa take?
    A: Cocoa fermentation takes about 3 to 6 days.
23. Q: What role does Ghana play in the global cocoa market?
    A: Ghana is one of the top cocoa-producing countries and a major exporter of raw and processed cocoa.
24. Q: How does cocoa contribute to Ghana’s economy?
    A: Cocoa is Ghana’s major foreign exchange earner, providing employment to over one million people.
25. Q: Which African country is the largest producer of cocoa?
    A: Ivory Coast is the largest producer of cocoa in Africa.