Logical (Critical) Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 75

The Horn of Africa is facing a significant crisis due to drought, rising global prices, conflict, and extreme weather brought on by climate change. According to the United Nations, the ongoing drought has resulted in the death of around 9.5 million animals and has pushed 26 million people into food insecurity. This drought surpasses the severity and length of those in 2010-11 and 2016-17. In Kenya, consecutive failed rainy seasons have left the land dry, causing crop failures and livestock deaths. The Kenya Red Cross is actively responding, assisting over 215,000 people and aiming to help an additional 500,000 in the most affected areas. Their efforts focus on providing water, supporting farmers in growing drought-resistant crops, and diversifying incomes—critical actions as the climate crisis rapidly affects agriculture. Caleb Kibet, a county coordinator for the Kenya Red Cross, emphasizes the organization’s long-term focus on risk reduction. This includes teaching farmers irrigation techniques independent of rainfall and training communities to prepare for and respond to disasters like extended droughts or floods. 

Community preparedness is showing progress, with communities adapting to new livelihoods, according to Kibet. However, drought conditions have forced many to leave their homes in search of resources like water, increasing the need for access to essential services. In Taita-Taveta county, farmers such as those in Kizaro have benefited from the Red Cross’s integrated food security project, funded by People’s Postcode Lottery players. The project provides seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and training, helping farmers sell their produce and improve their economic situation.

In addition, a Red Cross initiative in Taita-Taveta has connected over 17,000 people to water sources, reducing the need for long-distance travel for water. Laura Chow from People’s Postcode Lottery highlights the positive impact of player funding in improving access to clean water and enhancing lives like those in Kizaro. The Kenya Red Cross also operates mobile health clinics, providing critical medical services, vaccinations, and nutritional support, particularly in areas where healthcare is scarce. The organization also provides financial aid to families affected by recent emergencies, giving them the means to meet their needs with dignity and autonomy. Andra Gulei of the British Red Cross underscores the importance of this cash assistance in allowing people affected by disasters the freedom to make their own choices.

Despite the challenges, the Kenya Red Cross remains committed to ensuring that essential needs, such as food, water, and healthcare, are met. This work involves close collaboration with affected communities, respecting their needs, and employing community-driven solutions for effective intervention.

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the Kenya Red Cross’s efforts in the Horn of Africa, according to the passage?

A) Providing immediate food and water aid to communities in urban areas.
B) Developing long-term strategies to reduce the impact of droughts and other natural disasters.
C) Training people to migrate to regions with more stable climates.
D) Expanding healthcare services in metropolitan cities across Kenya.

Question 2: Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the effectiveness of the Kenya Red Cross’s focus on growing drought-resistant crops?

A) Research reveals that drought-resistant crops fail to thrive during excessively hot seasons.
B) Local farmers are unwilling to try new irrigation techniques due to a lack of trust in the government.
C) Drought-resistant crops require more labor than traditional crops.
D) The Red Cross reduces its training efforts in other sectors like healthcare and community resilience.

Question 3: Which assumption underlies the Kenya Red Cross’s strategy to provide cash assistance to families affected by recent emergencies?

A) Families are more likely to misuse cash assistance than other forms of aid.
B) The primary need of families affected by emergencies is medical assistance rather than financial support.
C) Cash assistance is a more cost-effective way of distributing aid than providing physical resources like food and water.
D) Financial aid empowers families by allowing them to make independent decisions about how to meet their needs. 

Question 4: If a study found that Red Cross projects connecting communities to water sources led to a sharp increase in agricultural productivity, which of the following conclusions would be most supported?

A) The Kenya Red Cross’s primary focus is on increasing food production for commercial export.
B) Improved access to water can significantly boost agricultural yields, even in drought-affected areas.
C) Agricultural productivity is unaffected by access to water in drought-prone regions.
D) Providing clean water is not as important as addressing healthcare needs in these communities.

Question 5: What can be inferred about the role of community-driven solutions in the Kenya Red Cross’s strategy?

A) Community-driven solutions are ineffective in addressing large-scale natural disasters.
B) The Kenya Red Cross relies entirely on external organizations to guide its intervention strategies.
C) The Kenya Red Cross emphasizes working closely with communities to create tailored, effective interventions.
D) Communities are resistant to the Red Cross’s attempts to introduce new solutions to climate-related problems.