Theory question 109
Nigeria: People and Economy(a) Explain any two of the following methods of farming as adopted in Nigeria (i) Mixed farming (ii) Intensive farming (iii) Plantation agriculture
(b) State three problems facing agriculture in Nigeria
(c) In what ways are these problems being solved?
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(a) Any two: mixed farming – crops and livestock on the same farm; animals give manure and draught power, crop residues feed animals (e.g. in the north with Fulani/settled farmers); intensive farming – much labour, manure and capital on small plots, continuous cropping, irrigation (Kano close-settled zone, Igboland compound farms); plantation – large estates of one cash crop (rubber, oil palm, cocoa), scientific methods, large capital, hired labour, processing on the estate (e.g. at Sapele, Calabar)
(b) Small farms and land tenure; simple tools; poor soils, erosion and drought; pests and diseases; lack of credit; poor storage and transport; ageing farmers and rural-urban drift; low prices
(c) Agricultural credit banks and loans; supply of fertilisers, improved seeds and tractors; ADPs and extension services; irrigation and River Basin Authorities; research institutes; better roads; guaranteed prices; land reforms (Land Use Decree)
Explain only two methods in (a).