Apart from irrigation, give four methods of land reclamation in Kenya.

KCSE Geography Paper 2 2017 Section A Question 8.

(a) Apart from irrigation, give four methods of land reclamation in Kenya.

• Draining swamps.
•  Improving soil through the use of manure and fertilizer.
•  Controlling soil erosion.
•  By afforestation
•  Through controlling pests.

(b) Explain four physical factors which influenced the location of Mwea irrigation scheme.

• Availability of extensive land which enables expansion of growth of rice.
•  Warm climatic conditions! high temperature suitable for growth of rice.
•  Presence of river Nyamindi and Thiba/murubara which provide water for irrigation throughout the year.
•  The area is gently sloping which allows mechanization flow of water by gravity.
•  Presence of black cotton) clay soil which is suitable for rice cultivation/water retention.
•  The low unreliable rainfall making irrigation the only alternative.

​(c) (i) Name three crops grown in the polders in Netherlands. 

•  Rye .
•  Wheat
•  Vegetables
•  Fruits
•  Barley
•  Potatoes
•  Oats
•  Beetroots
•  Flowers
•  Sugar -beet.

​(ii) Describe the stages of reclamation of land from the sea in the Netherlands.

•  Protective dykes/sea walls constructed to enclose the part of the sea which is to be reclaimed.
•  Ring canals are constructed on the interior sides of the dykes to carry away excess water.
•  Pumping stations are installed to pump water from enclosed area.
•  Water is pumped out of the area enclosed by the dyke.
•  Reeds ire planted to drain excess water and use up the excess salt.
•  Drainage ditches and more pumping stations are put on the land  being reclaimed.
•  Drainage pipes are laid below the soil.
•  Inner dykes and ring canals are used to divide area into regular portions.
•  Soils are treated with chemicals to lower salinity.
•  The drained land is flushed with fresh water to remove salt from the soil.
•  Water is pumped from the polders regularly to avoid its accumulation in the reclaimed land.

(d) State four benefits of land reclamation in the Netherlands.

• Reclamation has created more land for agriculture/settlement.
•  Reclaimed land has improved agricultural output.
•  Land reclamation has resulted in improved fresh water supply for domestic/industrial use.
•  Construction of dykes around the polder has helped control floods/sea invasion.
•  Construction of dykes / canals has improved transport network.
•  Reclamation has created sceneries for tourists’ attractions.
•  Reclamation and associated activities have created job opportunities.

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