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Geography
There are two classes of geographical factors: natural and man-made
(corresponding to natural and physical capital in the DIFD framework). The most important natural factors are topography (i.e. the physical features of an area, including mountains, coasts, rivers, plains), altitude, soil, climate (i.e. temperature and rainfall) and vegetation.
People living in a fertile highland area have
very different options from those living in a semi-arid lowland area. In
highland areas, people generally pursue an agricultural pattern of livelihood,
whereas in the lowlands they grow few crops and are either pastoralists or
agro-pastoralists. Those living in a coastal or lakeside zone may follow a
livelihood based upon fishing or combining fishing with other activities, and
so on.
The most important man-made factors are those related to infrastructure (roads, railways, telecommunications). People living along a major roads may have better access to food and income options than those living in a more remote areas.
