WAEC Geography 1995 Theory question 108

Theory question 108

Nigeria: People and Economy

Give reasons for any three of the following in Nigeria (a) Market gardening is predominantly practised around major urban areas (b) Lumbering is practised mainly in the high forest belt (c) Rice is cultivated in large quantity in the Middle Belt (d) Cattle rearing is important in the Sudan Savanna Belt.

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Model answer

(a) Large market for vegetables; produce is perishable so must be near consumers; high prices make small plots profitable; good transport; water from streams/wells.
(b) Large stands of valuable hardwood trees (mahogany, iroko, obeche); heavy rainfall supports tall trees; rivers for floating logs; sawmills and ports nearby.
(c) Wide flood plains of the Niger and Benue; fertile alluvial soils; adequate water for irrigation; irrigation schemes (e.g. Bida, Badeggi); large market.
(d) Grass for pasture; freedom from tsetse fly; dry climate; Fulani pastoral tradition; open land; markets.

Explanation

Answer any three; give three or four reasons for each.