(a) Reasons for sparse population of the West Coast of South Africa
(i) Harsh climate. Temperatures of desert type ranging from 21°C to 40°C.
(ii) The influence of cold Benguela Current leading to low precipitation.
(iii) Few rivers to encourage irrigation.
(iv) Poor development of mineral resources.
(v)The presence of Kalahari and Namib deserts discourage farming and settlement.
(vi) Poor soil discourages farming to support population growth.
(vii) The area falls in the rain shadow areas of Drakensberg Mountains.
(viii) Political instability
(ix) Poor infrastructural development.
(x) Pests and diseases
(xi) Low commercial and industrial activities.
(b) Disadvantages of the low population density of the West Coast of South Africa
(i) Low population density discourages development
(ii) Inadequate labour to run the few industries
(iii) Shortage of food
(iv) Under-utilization of natural resources
(v) Low income/low standard of living
(vi) Low level of investments / industrialisation
(vii) Low revenue to government
(viii) Low production output
(ix) Low population hampers developmental planning.
(x) Deterioration of unused facilities.
(c) Ways of increasing the population of the West Coast of South Africa
(a) The desert areas should be irrigated for food production.
(b) Encourage the establishment of industries
(c) Provision of infrastructure.
(d) Government should revolutionize agriculture.
(e) Provision of social amenities.
(f) Creation of job opportunities
(g) Development of new towns
(h) Improved transportation.
(i) Use of fertilizers to enrich poor soil.