Question

Compare and contrast softwood forestry in Canada and Kenya

Answer 1

1. Comparisons
   • Soft wood forests in both countries experience the problems of pests and diseases, fires, soil erosion and overexploitation.
   • Softwood forest products are similar e.g. sawn timber, wood pulp, paper, poles, etc.
   • Softwood forests in both countries grow in places with heavy rainfall, cool temperatures, heavy rainfall and rugged terrain.
   • Forest products earn foreign exchange in both countries.
   • Tree species are similar e.g. there is pine in both countries.
2. Contrast
   • Species of trees differ e.g. in Kenya there is Kenya cedar and podo while in Canada there is Douglas fir and white pine.
   • Canada’s soft woods are mainly natural while Kenya’s are mostly planted.
   • Kenya’s softwood forests are found in highlands while Canada’s are found in lowlands due to cool temperatures.
   • Canada’s softwood forests cover large tracts of land than Kenya’s.
   • In Kenya softwood forests are propagated by afforestation while in Canada it’s by leaving some trees uncut so that they produce seeds to be dispersed naturally.
   • Canada’s softwood forests take longer to mature than Kenya’s due to severe winter temperatures.
   • Kenya’s softwood forests are planted in rows and easily exploitable unlike Canada’s which grow naturally and haphazardly