ZIMSEC O Level · Geography · Form 3, Form 4
Modes of transport
- Road: flexible, door-to-door; carries most goods and passengers. Problems: accidents, potholes, congestion.
- Rail (National Railways of Zimbabwe): cheap for bulky goods over long distances, such as coal and minerals.
- Air: fast, for passengers, perishable goods (flowers, fresh produce) and high-value goods. International airports at Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
- Water: limited inland (Lake Kariba ferries); exports go through foreign seaports.
- Pipeline: the Beira–Feruka pipeline carries fuel to Zimbabwe.
Choosing a mode
Consider the nature of goods, distance, cost, speed and reliability.
Communication
Postal services, telephones, mobile networks, the internet, radio and television. Mobile phones and mobile money have transformed business and banking, even in rural areas.
Importance
Transport and communication link producers to markets, support tourism and trade, and help regional integration (SADC transport corridors).
Exam tip: When asked to compare transport modes, give an advantage AND a disadvantage for each.
Check yourself
- Why is rail suitable for transporting coal?
- Give two goods usually transported by air.
- State two ways mobile phones have helped rural people.
Show answers
- It is cheap for heavy, bulky goods over long distances.
- Any two: flowers, fresh vegetables/fruit, medicines, mail, high-value goods.
- Any two: mobile money/banking, market prices, contacting family, weather and farming information.
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