Geography & History Notes | KCSE, NECTA, ZIMSEC & GCSE

In 1980, Malaysia accounted for 45% of the world`s natural rubber. However the first consignment of  rubber (hevea) seedlings (0.6m) from Brazil reached Malaysian peninsular in 1876 but until the end of  the 19th century, rubber was only grown on experimental basis. During the early 20th century however,  the area covered by rubber expanded rapidly and today rubber accounts for 35% of the cultivated area  of Malaysia and probably provides the most organized plantation in the entire world. Rubber is also cultivated on small scale by out growers who are local people while state owned farms  are basically owned and run by the Chinese. Most of the labour is provided by the Indian coolies and the  Vietnamese. Rubber plantations are mainly found on the western side of the peninsular and to a less  extent on the eastern side of the Island (state). FACTORS FAVOURING RUBBER GROWING IN MALAYSIA The factors involved here are physical, economical and political. Ho...

  FIELD WORK is  Scientific study of geography using the environment as a laboratory or source of information. Types of Field Work 1.     Field Excursion -Visiting an area near or far from the school to see geographical phenomena then note down and discuss later in class. Aim a)     Reinforce what has been learnt in class b)    Gain more geographical knowledge c)     Identify and appreciate geographical features d)    Identify problems of geographical interest 2.     Field Research -Systematic problem solving done by experts in which scientific methods of collecting, recording and analysing data are used. 3.     Field Study -Study conducted within a neighbourhood in which one theme is pursued e.g. ‘A study of a local farm’. Importance of Field Work 1.     Reinforces what has been learnt in class. 2.     Enables one to gain m...

URBANIZATION This is the process by which people are attracted to live in towns or large settlements.  An urban centre is any area with a human population of 20,000 people or more.  Early Urbanization. Some of the early urban centres in Africa included Cairo, Meroe/Merowe and Kilwa.  Factors that influenced development of urban centres in Africa. Existence of transport routes-Meroe/Merowe located at an intersection of transport routes.  Availability of water for irrigation which increased food production and influenced growth of towns e.g. Cairo.  Industrial development –areas of industries grew up as towns since they attracted laborers e.g. Cairo. Commercial activities like trade-location along trade routes.  Strategic location which ensured security and thus ample growth e.g. Kilwa.  Growth of religion –some grew rapidly because they were religious centres.  Mining –led to development of towns’ e.g. Meroe, Johannesburg.  Cairo. This is th...