FORESTRY

2008: Give the difference between softwood forests in Kenya and Canada under the following Sub
headings
a) Distribution of softwood forests (2 marks)

 In Kenya, softwood forests are found mainly in the highlands while in Canada they are
found both in highland and lowland areas.
 In Kenya, softwood forests cover a small percentage of the total land area while in
Canada they cover large tracts of land.
b) Transportation of the logs (2 marks)

 In Kenya, logs are transported by road/trucks while in Canada transport is mainly by water
by rivers.
 In Kenya, transportation is expensive while in Canada it is cheap.
2007: (a) (i) What is forestry

 It is the science of planting, caring and using trees/ forests and their resources
 It is the practice of managing and using trees/ forests associated resources
ii) Explain three factors that favor the growth of natural forests on the slopes of Mt. Kenya. (6
marks)

 Explain three factors that favour the growth of natural forests on the slopes of Mt. Kenya.
 The area receives high rainfall 1000- 22000 mm throughout the year which encourages
continuous growth of trees.
 The area has deep fertile volcanic soils that allow the roots to penetrate deep into the
ground to support the trees
 The area has well drained soil thus there is no water logging which can choke plants and
interfere with their growth.
 The area has moderate cool condition/ climate are ideal for the growth of a variety of trees.
 The area is a gazeted forest reserve/ settlement and cultivation are prohibited hence
allowing forests to grow without interference
 The steep slopes discourage human activities thus enabling forests to thrive well

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iii) State five factors that have led to the reduction of the area under forest on the slopes of Mt.Kenya.(5
marks)

 The illegal encroachment of human activities

 The illegal cultivation has led to clearing of parts of the forest
 Prolonged droughts have caused drying of some forests
 Plant disease/ pests destroy some trees in the forest
 Outbreak of forest fires/ charcoal burning destroy some trees in the forest
 Over exploitation of certain species of trees.
(b) Explain four measures that the government of Kenya is taking to conserve in the country

 Registering/ recognizing the efforts of NGOs like the green Belt Movement which have mounted
campaigns on planting of trees.
 Gazeting forested areas to reduce encroachment of the public.
 Creating public awareness through mass media/ public bazaars on the importance of conserving
forest resources .
 Enacting laws to prohibit the cutting of trees without a license/ protecting indigeous tree species.
 Establishing NEMA/ ministry of environment and natural resources to coordinate environmental
management and conservation activities.
 Setting aside national tree planting day to encourage people to plant more trees Advising people
to practice agro- forestry so as to avoid cutting trees from the forests
 Employing forest guards to protect forests form fires/ other illegal human activities
 Encouraging recycling of paers/ wood based products/ use of other sources of energy to reduce
demand of trees
 Carrying out research through KEFRI and ICRAF in order to come up with ways of controlling
diseases/ pests/ develop species suitable for different ecological regions
(c) Give the differences in the exploitation of softwood forests in Kenya and Canada under the following
sub- headings;
(i) Period of harvesting

 In Kenya it is harvested throughout the year while in Canada it is harvested in winter and early
spring.
(ii) Transportation.

 In Kenya it is mainly transported by road in Canada it is mainly transported by water.

2004: a) List two factors that determine the distribution of forests in Kenya. (2 marks)

 Climate / rainfall / temperature

 Altitude
 Relief
 Aspect
 Soils / edaphic factors
 Animals
 Human Activities
 Government policy (Any 2x1 = 2 mks)

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b) Give three economic uses of mangrove forests. (2 marks)

 Provide poles for construction / furniture making

 Source of fuel
 For aqua – culture
 For export / earn foreign exchange / income
 The bark / fruits are a source of tannin (Any 3 x 1 = 3mks)
2002: Study the photograph below and answer the questions

a) i) Identify the type of photograph.

 Ground / close up photograph
ii) Describe the appearance of the forest shown on the photograph.


The trees have straight stems

The forest has tall trees

The trees are close to each other/thick forest

The trees are almost the same height.

They are of the same species.

There are some scrubs/undergrowth

Some trees are conical shaped

Trees are thin

b) i) What is Agro –Forestry?

 Agro forestry is a land use system, which enables the production of trees, crops and livestock on a
given unit of land either in spartial arrangement or/over time to maximize productivity and
sustainability of the land.

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 (ii) Give five reasons why afforestation is being encouraged in Kenya

 To ensure continuous supply of wood fuel/timber/herbal/medicine/raw material for paper making.

 To protect the soil from erosion.
 To protect the water catchment areas/create microclimates/maintain hydrological cycle.
 To create scenic beauty.
 To expand the habitat for wildlife/conservation of wildlife.
 To create employment opportunities.
 To reduce importation of forest products/save foreign exchange.
c) Compare forestry in Canada and Kenya under the following sub –headings.
i) Tree harvesting

 In Canada, harvesting is done through clear cutting while in Kenya it is selective logging.
 In Canada logging is done in winter while in Kenya cutting takes place throughout the year.
 In both countries, commercial logging is mechanized. N.B. Comparisons must be complete.
(ii) Transportation of logs.

 In Canada, logs are transported using melt water/rivers while in Kenya transportation is by road.
d) Explain two problems that affect forestry in Canada.

 Accidental fires which consume large tracts of the forests reduce the area under the forests.
 The cold climate leads to trees taking too long to mature which delays harvesting time.
 Rugged landscape especially in the mountainous areas hinder smooth exploitation of the forests.
 Northern parts are inaccessible in winter due to very cold climate conditions.
 Overexploitation in some areas have created a shortage in some of the true species while taking a
long time to mature.
2000: State four characteristics of softwood forest in Canada. (4 marks)

 The trees are conical in shape

 They occur in pare stands
 They grow tall and straight
 They have needle- like leaves
 They bear cones
 The forests are evergreen
 The forest has no undergrowth
 The trees have thick barks
 They have shallow roots
1998: Study the photograph below and answer question (a)

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(a) (i) Draw rectangle 16cm by 10 cm to represent then area of the Photograph
(iv) Describe the distribution of the vegetation in the area shown on the photograph

 There are shrubs in the right foreground

 There are herbs/ grass along the railway line
 There are shrubs/ tree hedges separating farms
 There are patches of three/ forest in the centre middle ground
 There is a stretch of forest in the background
(b) Explain five factors that limit the exploitation of tropical rain forest in Africa.

 Trees are in mixed stand hence hinders exploitation of the desirable tree species.
 Thick undergrowths hinders penetration/ road construction.
 Climbers obstruct the felling of trees.
 Buttress roots slow down the felling operations.
 Wild animals in the forests attack people.
 Trees take long time to mature delaying harvesting period.
 Humid and hot conditions are uncomfortable to work in the forest.
 Humid conditions create suitable environment for disease attack.
(c) Explain three measures being taken to conserve forests in Kenya.

 Tree planting/ re- afforestation/ -NGO’s planting of indigenous species is being encouraged to
preserve the endangered species.
 People are required to seek permits if they have to cut tree. This reduces the rate of tree felling/
unlicensed people do not cut down tree.
 Forest reserves have been set aside to conserve indigenous species. Forestry department of the
Ministry of Natural Resources carry out research to produce and distribute seedlings/ to en sure
the extension of forests.
 People are being educated through mass media education on the importance of forest
conservation
 People are being encouraged to use alternative sources of energy saving jikos.

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1996: a) Give two reasons why hardwood tree species in Kenya are in danger of extinction. (2 marks)

 High demand for hard wood has led to over – exploitation.

 Population pressure on land has led to increased cutting of trees to provide land for farming and
settlement.
 The time taken for the hardwood trees to mature does not match the rate at which they are being
exploited.
b) State two ways in which softwood forest in Kenya differ from those of Canada. (2 marks)

 Softwood forest in Canada are more extensive than those in Kenya

 Softwood trees species in Kenya are Exotic while those in Canada are indigenous.
 There is a wider variety of softwood tree species in Canada than is in Kenya. (Any 2 x 1 = 2 mks)
2010: (a) Name two forest reserves found in the coastal region of Kenya.
- Shimba hills forest
- Arabuko Sokoke forest reserve
- Boni / Dodori forest
- Mangrove forest
- Kenya forest
(b) State three ways in which the clearing of forests has affected the natural environment in
Kenya.
- It has led to reduced volume of water in the rivers / caused drying up of rivers.
- It has led to the destruction of the natural habitat for the wildlife. It has
endangered some of the wildlife species.
- It has led to changes in the rainfall pattern/ Desertification.
- It has interfered with the beauty of the environment / lowered the aesthetic value
of the environment.
- It has disrupted the ecosystem
- It has accelerated soil erosion.
2009: (a) Name two exotic species of trees planted in Kenya.
- Pine - Jacaranda
- Cypress - Bomb ax
- Blue gum /eucalyptus - Grevilea
- Wattle - Cedar
- Kei-apple

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b) State three reasons why it is necessary to carry out Afforestation programmers in Kenya.
- To protect water catchment areas
- To protect soil from erosion by wind/water
- To ensure sustainable supply of forest products
- To put more land under forest cover
- To check the extinction of indigenous trees.
- To regulate climate
2020: (a) Differentiate between forest and forestry. (2 Marks)

 Forest is continuous growth of trees and undergrowth covering large tract of land while forestry is
the practice of developing and managing forest.
(b) Explain four factors influencing distribution of natural forests in Kenya.(8 marks)
Areas that receive high rainfall have continuous forest cover than areas receiving low intermittent
rainfall which have scattered trees.
Areas which are gazzetted are heavily forested since trees grow without much human interference
Cool to warm moderate temperature conditions favour many forest tree species
Deep fertile well drained soils support growth of many tree species since they allow roots to penetrate
deep into the ground than thin sandy soils
High demand for wood, timber posts has led to massive deforestation
Increase in population is putting more pressure on the amount of land that should be cultivated for
food and general settlement
Natural forest fires caused by lightening, honey harvesters destroy forests.
Prolonged drought sometimes trees fail to completely recover when rain season resumes
Saline soils support very few tree species because of complicated physiographic process like the
mangroves
Very steep slopes are covered by trees since steep slopes don’t support human settlement
Wild animals too, are heavy consumers of trees they break them down for food, this depletes trees
(c) (i) Name three types of hardwood trees found in Kenya. (3 Marks)
Angiosperms
Deciduous
Evergreen Examples Bamboo, Camphor, Coconut, Ebony, Elgon teak, Eucalyptus, Jacaranda,
Mangrove, Meru oak, Mohagony, Nandi flame, Rosewood, Sapele, Umbrella tree.
(ii) Give four characteristics of Coniferous forests(4 marks)

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 Majority of the trees are softwoods
Mature trees produce cones with waxy barks
Most of the trees are evergreen few deciduous
Most trees have straight trunks
Most trees have very shallow roots
Species occur in pure stands
The general shape of the trees is conical shape
The trees have narrow needle like leaves
The trees have thick barks
Tree have no undergrowth due to resin
Trees take long to mature
Trunks and branches are flexible to allow snow fall
(d) Explain four factors that have led to the decline of the area under forest cover in Kenya.(8 Marks)
Elephants are heavy feeders their increase in population can clear substantial part of forest.
Emerging new diseases which require alternative drugs and management strategies.
Government policy of gazzettement has allowed settlement and cultivation in the forested area.
Human population pressure on land and forest resource has led to decline of this area.
Illegal logging of trees has led to clearing some parts of forest.
Overexploitations for firewood and timber has led to extinction of some species.
Prolonged drought makes trees to die.
2018: (a) (i) What is forestry? (2 marks)

 Forestry is the science of developing and cultivating forests and utilizing them.
(ii) Apart from tropical hardwood forests, name two other types of natural forest.(2 marks)
Temperate hardwood.
Coniferous forests/temperate softwood.
Montane forest.
Mangrove forest.
Mixed forests
(iii) State the problems experienced in exploitation of tropical hardwood forests.(5 marks)
Trees take long time to mature

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 Forests are dense/ thick.
Trees do not mature at different times making harvesting difficult and expensive.
The forest have mixed tree species making exploitation difficult and almost impossible.
Tree trunks are huge, supported by buttress roots/presence of tree climbers/lianas hence difficult to
exploit.
The trees are heavy /bulky making transportation difficult. Impassable roads/some parts of the forests
are inaccessible.
(b) List the characteristics of planted forests in Kenya.(5 marks)
Trees appear in rows.
They have same species.
There are mainly softwoods.
They have little / no undergrowth.
They take short time to mature.
They appear in blocks.
They are mainly located in highland areas.
(c) Explain three factors that favour forestry in Canada.(6 marks)
The valley bottoms/ Coasts form good sites for location of paper mil1s/ clay from valley bottoms is
used for smoothening the paper surface. There are many rivers with waterfalls suitable for generation of
hydro- electric power for use in the industries.
The low temperatures /cold climate in the highlands discourage settlement/agriculture leaving forestry
as the only land use.
The landscape is rugged with thin soils that discourage agricultural/settlement activities therefore most
of the mountain slopes are under forests.
Moderate to high precipitation throughout the year favours luxuriant growth of forests.
Presence of rivers which provide cheap water transport to transport logs to factories/presence of snow
facilitates easy movement of logs.
Thete is ready market of forest products in Canada and USA.
Rivers provide water for processing timber.
The advanced technology which facilitates exploitation of forests. The advanced scientific research in
forest management aids in forest conservation.
(d) Give five measures that the government has taken to conserve and manage forests in Kenya.(5 marks)
It has enacted /enforced law's to prohibit the cutting of trees without a licence /protecting indigenous
trees.

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 It has established forest research stations to conduct research on tree species. The NGOs/ Green Belt
Movement/NEMA/KWS/KFS encourage protection of threatened forests. It encourages people to use
alternative sources of energy.
The tree planting programmes /campaigns are drawn during rainy seasons and implemented.
Forest are protected by establishing forests guards/development of the Nyayo Tea Zones.
It encourages people to use energy saving jikos.
It has declared endangered forest as forest reserves gazetting forests
Farmers are encouraged to practice agro forestry.
Farmers are encouraged to practice agroforestry.
Encouraging recycling of wood products. Creating awareness on the importance of trees.
Establishment of training institutions in forestry.
2017: Give the differences between softwood forests in Kenya and Canada. (4 marks)
- Canada's softwood forests are mainly natural whereas Kenya's softwood are planted.
- In Kenya softwood forests are found in the highlands while in Canada softwood forests are found in
both highland and lowland areas.
- In Canada softwood forests cover large tracts of land while in Kenya softwood forests cover a smaller
area.
- In Kenya softwoods mature faster than those in Canada.
- Kenya has a low variety of softwoods while Canada has a wider variety.
2014: (a) Apart from coniferous forests, name two other types of natural forests.
Tropical hardwood forests/ Equatorial forest.
Temperature hardwood forests / tropical monsoon forests.
Mixed forests.
Montane forests.
Mangrove forests.
Temperate decidous.
Mediterenean forests.
Warm temperate evergreen.. (2 x 1 = 2 marks)
(b) State three characteristics of coniferous forests which favour their exploitation.
The tree are light in weight.
The trees occur in pure stand

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 There is little undergrowth.
The trees have straight trunk.
The trees are tall.
The trees are soft. (Any 3 x 1 : 3 marks)
2011: Study the photograph below and use it to answer question (a)

(a) (i) What evidence shows that this is a ground general-view photograph?
(ii) Draw a rectangle measuring 12 cm by 8 cm (1 mark)
(iii) On the rectangle, sketch and label the following features shown on the photograph:

 planted crops (1 mark)

 tree stumps (1 mark)
 forest. (1 mark)
 felled trees. (1 mark)
 the sky. (1 mark)

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(iv) Describe the characteristics of the forest shown on the photograph.

 The forest has tall trees.

 The trees have straight stems.
 The forest has some shrubs/undergrowth.
 Some trees have thin stems.
 The trees are close to each other./dense forest
 The trees form different layers/canopies.
 Some trees are umbrella shaped.
 The forest is natural.
 The forest has mixed species. Any 5 X 1: 5 marks
(b) Explain four measures being taken by the government of Kenya to control human encroachment on
forested areas.

 Gazettement of forested areas to delimit the areas and reduce encroachment by the public.
 Evicting people who have encroached forested areas in order to rehabilitate the forests.
 Educating the public/creating awareness on the importance of conserving forests to gain their
support.
 Enacting/enforcing laws to prohibit cutting of trees within the gazetted areas.
 Employing forest guards to patrol forest reserves to ensure that illegal activities are reported.
 Encouraging people to use other sources of energy in order to reduce the demand for wood fuel.
 Fencing off forested areas/maintaining buffer zones to keep away any intruders into the forest.
 Encouraging people to practice agro-forestry to avoid dependence on products from the forests.
Any 4 x 2=8 marks.
(c) Give the differences between softwood and forests in Kenya and Canada under the following sub
headings:
(i) Tree harvesting.

 In Kenya harvesting of trees is done throughout the year while in Canada harvesting is done in
winter and early spring.

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  In Kenya harvesting is done selectively while in Canada clear/indiscriminate cutting of trees is
done. Any 1 x 2=2 marks
(ii) Marketing of forest products.

 In Kenya forest products are mainly sold locally Whereas forest products in Canada are mainly
exported. Any 2=2 marks
2012: (a) (i) What is agro-forestry? (2 marks)

 It is the deliberate growing of trees and crops/keep livestock on a piece of land.

(ii) Give four reasons why agroforestry is encouraged in Kenya.

 To ensure continuous supply of wood fuel/conserve forests

 Provide raw materials for industries
 To conserve soil
 To provide fruits/food for human consumption.
 Forest products are source of income to farmers.
 Provide folder for animals
 Trees act as wind breakers/shade for young plants.
(b) Use the map of Kenya below to answer questions (b) (i) and (ii).

(i) Name the forest reserves marked H,J and K.

H-Mt.Elgon
J-Mt.Kenya
K-Arabuko Sokoke.

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(ii) Explain four factors that favor the growth of natural forest in the area marked L. (8 marks)

 The area receives high rainfall/1000-1500mm per year which encourages the growth of trees.
 The area has deep well drained/volcanic soils that allow the roots to penetrate deep in to the
ground for uptake/absorption of nutrients.
 The area has moderate to high temperature that allow for the growth of a variety of trees.
 The area is a gazette forest hence settlement/cultivation is prohibited.
 Some areas are steep/rugged which discourages settlement and allow for forest growth.
 Enforcement of laws to allow reestablishment of forest.
(c) Explain four problems facing forestry in Kenya. (8 marks)

 Rapid increase in population has led to encroachment into forest land hence destruction of forest.
 Occurrence of forest fires which have led to the destruction of large areas under forest.
 Illegal logging has led to indiscriminate cutting of trees thereby reducing/depleting indigenous
tree species.
 Attacks by pest/diseases has led to destruction of valuable tree species.
 Some wild animals through debarking/trampling/uprooting damage trees
 At times, the government allocates land to private developers/degazettement thus reducing the
land under forest.
 Prolonged drought leads to drying up of trees.
2015: (a) Distinguish between forest and forestry. (2 marks)

 A forest is continuous cover of trees over a large area while forestry is a science of
developing/managing forests.
(b) Identify three activities that may be undertaken in your school to conserve trees. (3 marks)

 Planting trees/establishing a tree planting day within the school calendar.

 Establishing tree nurseries
 Establishing tree planting/environmental clubs to create awareness on conservation.
 Using alternative sources of energy
 Use of energy saving jikos/stores
 Using alternative sources of construction materials
 Taking care of trees/watering/mulching trees
 Pest/disease control
1992: (a) Explain five problems which are experienced in commercial exploitation of the equatorial
forests in Africa. (10 marks)

 Trees are in mixed stand hence hinders exploitation of the desirable tree species.
 Thick undergrowths hinders penetration/ road construction.
 Climbers obstruct the felling of trees.
 Buttress roots slow down the felling operations.
 Wild animals in the forests attack people.
 Trees take long time to mature delaying harvesting period.
 Humid and hot conditions are uncomfortable to work in the forest.
 Humid conditions create suitable environment for disease attack.

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(b) State five reasons why a country should conserve her forests. (5 marks)

 To ensure continuous supply of wood fuel/ conserve forest.

 Provides raw materials for industries.
 To conserve soil.
 Trees act as wind breakers/ shade for young plant.
 To protect water catchment areas.
 To protect soil from erosion by wind/ water.
 To ensure sustainable supply of forest products.
 To put more land under forest cover/ to check desertification.
 To check extinction of indigenous trees.
 To regulate climate.

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