Why is the question of labour important in deforestation?

Correct answer: Because clearing forests, establishing plantations and extracting resources required large numbers of workers

Large amounts of labour were needed to clear forests and to develop plantations, railways, mines and agricultural land. For colonial governments and plantation owners, recruiting and controlling workers was therefore important. Option B is incorrect because forest clearing and plantation work were largely labour-intensive at the time. Exam tip: mention plantations, resource extraction and the need for a large workforce.