Theory question 109
Nigeria: People and Economy(a) (i) On an outline map of Nigeria, show the area that is mostly affected by desert encroachment (ii) Locate and name two important towns within the area
(b) Describe the major causes of desertification
(c) Explain two possible ways of combating this hazard.
Show the model answer
(a) Map shading the far north (Sahel belt from Sokoto to Borno); towns e.g. Sokoto, Maiduguri (also Katsina, Kano, Nguru)
(b) Low and unreliable rainfall and recurrent drought; southward shift of the Sahara/climatic belts; deforestation for fuelwood; overgrazing; bush burning; over-cultivation and poor farming; strong dry winds removing topsoil
(c) Afforestation and shelter belts to break the wind and hold soil; irrigation to keep vegetation alive; control of grazing and bush burning; alternative fuels; sand-dune fixation
Name causes that are natural and those made by man.