More Hydroelectric Power projects should be constructed in Tropical Africa because

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for a reason why more Hydroelectric Power (HEP) projects should be built in Tropical Africa. The correct answer must be a favourable condition or a real need that supports building HEP.

Step 2: Recall the concept HEP works by using the force of falling or flowing water to turn turbines. It generally needs:

• Reliable, plentiful river flow (good rainfall)
• Waterfalls, rapids, or a steep gradient, or a dam that creates a head of water
• Capital and skilled labour
• A market, meaning demand for the electricity

Tropical Africa has large rivers such as the Niger, Congo, Zambezi, and Volta. Examples of HEP stations are Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro in Nigeria, Akosombo in Ghana, and Kariba on the Zambezi.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. There is scanty rainfall: Wrong. Scanty rainfall means low river volume, which works against HEP. It is a limitation, not a reason to build.
• B. There are absence of waterfalls on rivers: Wrong. Absence of waterfalls would be a disadvantage. Tropical Africa actually has many falls and rapids.
• C. Skilled labour is scarce: Wrong. Scarcity of skilled labour is a problem for such projects, not a justification for them.
• D. There is an increasing demand for power: Correct. Growing populations, urbanisation, and industrialisation in Tropical Africa keep raising electricity demand. HEP is renewable, cheap to run once built, and can help meet this demand.

Step 4: Answer

Exam tip: In "why should we build or do X" questions, eliminate options that describe problems or limitations (scanty rainfall, scarce labour, no waterfalls). The correct answer is usually the positive need or advantage, here the rising demand for power.