Observation

This question was attempted by almost all of the candidates. The candidates were required to define forest resources and identify any two ways of conserving forest resources in the (a) and (b) parts of the question respectively. Candidates were expected to explain any four contributions of forest resources to the economy of a country, as well, in the (c) part of the question. Most of the candidates were able to define forest resources and identify any two ways of conserving forest resources in the (a) and (b) parts of the question respectively, the contributions of forest resources to the economy of a country was also given by a majority of them in the (c) part of the question, however few candidates simply listed and did not bother explaining their points. Candidates’ performance in this question was quite impressive. 

The candidates were expected to give the following answers to score the maximum marks:

(a)        Forest resources are part of natural resources endowed by nature on man. It includes timber products, herbs, wild animals, grassland etc.

 (b)(i)   Government must establish forest reserves where trees are preserved and can be felled under permit.
(ii)   Establishment of game reserves where wild life is kept and protected from poachers.
(iii)  Government must place felling of trees in any forest under permit. This will reduce
illegal felling of trees.           
(iv)  Government must also introduce permit on hunting of wild animals.
(v)   Government must discourage the use of firewood and charcoal by providing or encouraging the use of other cheaper alternatives to firewood.
(vi)  Government must punish offenders who encroach on forest resources.
(vii) Government, companies and individuals must embark on afforestation and reforestations
schemes.
(viii) Create fire belts around forests to protect them.
(ix) There should be public education on the need to protect forests.

 (c)(i)   It provides employment and income for a large number of people who work as hunters and lumberjack.
(ii)   It provides raw materials for industries e.g. wood for furniture industries and pulp for paper industries.
(iii)  Source of food: wild animals, fruits and herbs are used as food.
(iv)  Development of tourism: Natural habitats of plants and animals attract tourists which
helps a country earn foreign exchange.
(v)   Export of forest products serves as source of foreign exchange.
(vi)  The government generates revenue from tax imposed on lumbering activities.
(vii) Environmental protection: Trees protect the earth’s surface from direct sunlight and also prevent erosion.
(viii) It has health benefits by providing herbs, roots and barks for medicinal purposes.
(ix) It provides oxygen for the survival of man.
(x) It has a positive effect on the climate.
(xi) Forests provide the means for research and development for scientists.
(xii) Tourist attractions help a country earn foreign exchange.