TOPIC 1: CONCEPT OF GEOGRAPHY

The word geography can be divided into two parts, ‘geo’ and ‘graphy’. Geo comes from the
Greek word ‘ge’ which means the earth and graphy comes from ‘graphein’ which means to
describe. Therefore geography describes the earth.
Geography is the study of physical features of the earth and human activities as it relates to
these. Or Geography is the study of physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of
human activity as affected by these including social and economic activities industries, land use,
distribution of population and resources. Or Is the science of distributions and is concerned with
spatial variations in any physical or cultural features.

BRANCHES OF GEOGRAPHY
There are three main branches of geography namely;
 (a) Physical geography
 (b) Practical geography
 (c) Human and economic geography

 A. Physical geography

 Is concerned with land formation processes, and pattern in natural environment such as
atmosphere. Also is the branch of geography that studies all physical features e.g mountains, rift
valley

 B. Practical geography

Is the branch of geography concerned with field study of photograph interpretation, map work,
statistics and research.

 C. Human and Economic geography or Regional geography.

 It deals withal activities of human on the earth’s surface, which includes mining, agriculture,
transportation, settlement etc.

 IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING GEOGRAPHY

 i. It helps u to understand basic physical system that affects everyday life e.g water cycles, wind
and ocean current.
 ii. To gain skills of observing, measuring, recording and interpreting phenomena
 iii. To understand interaction between our country and other countries and share idea of solving
problems.
iv. To acquire skills for combating environment problems in order to conserve and manage the
environment in the sustainable way.
 v. To develop awareness and knowledge about natural resources (Land, natural forests, mineral
deposits, water etc) wild animals climatic regions and other natural resources.
 vi. It provide base for specialization career for example cartographer, climatology, geologist
etc.

PREPARED BY MACDONALD RICHARD

 vii. It helps to learn on how other countries in the world solve different problems like fire
outbreak diseases, environmental problems etc.
viii. To gain the knowledge of employment opportunities.

PREPARED BY MACDONALD RICHARD