Section C, question 5 cont'd
Marjorie Henry, Contributor

For the past two lessons, I have been offering some suggestions in answering question 5, the first question in Section C of the June 2009 CSEC paper. I ended the last lesson with a possible response to the first part of sub-section (c) of the question. Let me restate part (c) (ii) before I discuss it.

(ii) Explain how ANY TWO of the following factors may influence population distribution:

Presence of minerals

Manufacturing

Soils

(6 marks)

You are at liberty to use examples in this section of the question, as far as possible. This is important whenever you are asked to explain. May I encourage you to use local examples as much as you can. Please note as well that the influence of these factors may be negative or positive. It is important that you first state the factor and then indicate its influence on the population distribution. I will now offer some possible answers to this question.

Presence of minerals

Where minerals are found, invariably, workers are attracted to the area to mine and process the minerals and to provide services for the mining operations. This leads to a rise in the population. An example in Jamaica is the town of Mandeville, situated in the hills of Manchester. Bauxite mining has contributed significantly to the development of that town. With the growth of population in these mining areas comes also the development of the infrastructure.

Please note that minerals in this question is referring to the mining industry and NOT minerals in the soil as in farming.

Manufacturing

Jobs are available where manufacturing occurs and, as a result, people are attracted to these areas. Most manufacturing industries are found in urban areas and as people go in search of jobs, there is likely to be rural-to-urban migration, thus increasing the population in the urban areas. The city of Kingston provides a good example.

Soils

Fertile soils allow for agricultural activity. Moderate to high population density is usually associated with areas with good agricultural land. An example is the plains in Jamaica. On the other hand, where the soil is poor or swampy, therefore making agriculture impossible or difficult, then few people will live in such areas. An example of a swampy area in Jamaica is the Great Morass in St Elizabeth.

Question 5 ends with sub-section (d) which is as follows:

(d) Account for the population of any ONE capital city in the Caribbean.

(3 marks)

In this part of the question you must state a capital city and the Caribbean territory in which it is found. Bear in mind that there are TWO factors that influence population growth, namely, natural increase and migration. Both must be included in your response.

Here are some reasons that contribute to the population in the city of Kingston in Jamaica. Think of others.

Rural-to-urban migration

Push factors, for example, the lack of adequate job opportunities. Kingston is the largest industrial centre and there is a large, diverse range of industrial activities throughout the city. Many persons leave their homes in the rural areas and go to the city in search of jobs.

People may also be pushed out of rural areas because of the lack of social services such as schools, hospitals and recreational facilities.

Natural increase has also been a major contributor to the growth of Kingston. Along with rural to urban migration, people who moved into the city, also have children.

Marjorie Henry is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com