Lumbering PDF

 LUMBERING IN EQUATORIAL AFRICA.
Lumbering may be defined as the sorting, felling of economic trees in

the forest and transporting them as logs to the various places where
they are processed for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes.
 AREAS OF LUMBERING IN AFRICA
Lumbering is usually an activity by which is practiced in the various

forest regions in Africa
In the equatorial forest of West Africa lumbering is done along the
coast of Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Lumbering is equally practiced extensively in the tropical forest of the
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
In East Africa forest, lumbering also thrives although in small quantity in
Kenya, Uganda hardwood like camphor and coniferous trees (cedar and
podocarp) are noticed.
The South Africa forest only produces a very small quantity of
hardwood (ironwood, sneeze wood) and softwood from yellow wood.
The Mediterranean forest can be located along the coast of Morocco,
Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. The common trees found include Cedar,
Juniler and Oak.
 GENERAL CONDITIONS THAT FAVOUR LUMBERING IN AFRICA

There are several factors affecting lumbering in Africa. They are as
follows;
1. Vegetation plays a significant role in lumbering because it can only
be practise in the forest zones where lumberable trees can be
located.
2. Climate is another factor that aids lumbering. Rainfall and
temperature plays vital roles, since lumbering can only thrives
well in areas with high amount of rainfall. Lumbering therefore is
best in areas where annual rainfall is not less than 1500mm and
temperature of 18oC – 24o.
3. Good soil is another factor that favours the growth of forest. The
forest can only thrive well in areas of loamy soil which contain a
lot of moisture content to support the tree throughout the year.
4. Good transport network is another factor which can aid the
development of lumbering. The development of lumbering relies
on good transportation for the movement of the logs to where
they can easily be processed and where they are needed as raw
materials.
5. Lumbering as an occupation is a capital intensive venture. There
are so many expenses incurred in the process of lumbering.
6. Human activities may influences the growth of lumbering in
several ways. Man may decide to protect forest reserve by
practicing afforestation. On the other hand man may subject the
forest to annual clearing and cutting down the lumberable trees
thereby bringing the forest to savannah structure.
 LUMBERING IN ZAIRE
In Zaire, rainforest occupies a larger percentage of the land which
present a lot of lumberable trees.
Lumbering is favoured in Zaire due to the following
The vegetation is of rainforest which present a lot of lumberable trees
both hardwood and softwood
The Zaire basin is equally favoured with rich alluvial soil which is
relative fertile thereby supporting the growth of trees.
The Zaire basin is equally blessed with an annual rainfall of not than
1500mm and this favours the growth of lumberable trees.
The availability of good transport network coupled with the provision of
captain makes lumbering to be much attractive in Zaire
Human activities also favours lumbering. Human beings cut down the
trees for agricultural purposes while there may be the need to conserve
the trees as forest reserves and reforestation.
Zaire has an equator climate with a mean annual temperature of
27o Since lumberable trees need this range of temperature, it therefore
plays an impact in their growth.
 METHODS INVOLVED IN ZAIRE LUMBERING
The lumbermen search for the various trees of Okoume, Limbe and
Mahogany
Long handsaws and axe are used in cutting the trees
The use of power driven engine saws are used for cutting and splitting
the logs
The logs are transported through the rails and rivers.
 IMPORTANCE OF LUMBERING
1. It is a source of employment to many people.
2. Timber is exported thereby yielding foreign exchange.
3. The wood is used for boat making.
4. Telephone and electricity poles are obtained through lumbering.
5. Planks for building construction are also obtained.
6. Timber is used for constructing (wooden) bridges across stream.
7. Other wood products are wood pulp, veneer, plywood and
particle board.
 PROBLEMS LUMBERING IN AFRICA
1. It can cause soil erosion.
2. It leads to depletion of natural forest products.
3. It can lead to leaching of the soil.
4. Most trees are not in their pure state, this makes lumbering
difficult.
5. It leads to disappearance of wildlife.
6. Most countries do not practise any extensive afforestation.
7. The use of tropical hardwoods for paper and pulp is limited.
Tropical woods are generally hard and difficult to work, unlike
temperate coniferous trees which are easy to work. This further
reduces the demand for tropical hardwoods
8. There is also the problem of capital. Most of the countries do not
have money to build enough saw mils so that more timber can be
expected sawn rather than as logs
Tropical hardwoods occur in hot and humid regions which do not
readily attract labour and capital
 SOLUTION TO LUMBERING PROBLEM IN AFRICA
1. Afforestation which is the policy of planting of at least two trees in
place of one tree cut down in any area.
2. Roads should be constructed round lumbering areas in the forest
for easy transportation of logs
3. Forest guards should be employed to check illegal falling of trees
and ensure planting of new tree
4. Improved technological system of felling trees through the use
engine – operated saws
5. Discouragement of both bush fallowing and bush burninThe use
of public enlightenment campaign to discourage illegal felling of
trees and the resultant effects on the environment.
GEOGRAPHY PRESENTATION.
GROUP NINE
TOPIC: LUMBERING IN AFRICA.
MEMBERS
Shadrach Cole
Patrick Allieu
David Bangura
Mammoud Kamara

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 LUMBERING IN EQUATORIAL AFRICA.

Lumbering may be defined as the sorting, felling of economic trees in

Lumbering is usually an activity by which is practiced in the various

 GENERAL CONDITIONS THAT FAVOUR LUMBERING IN AFRICA

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