Theory question 108
Nigeria: Physical Setting(a) On an outline map of Nigeria, locate and name: (i) the rain-forest belt (ii) one area of montane vegetation (iii) two towns important for lumbering within the forest belt. (b) Describe any four factors which have favoured the production of timber in Nigeria (c) Outline any four problems facing the lumbering industry in Nigeria
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(a) Rain forest belt across the south; montane vegetation on the Jos Plateau, Mambilla or Obudu Plateau; lumber towns such as Sapele, Benin City, Ijebu-Ode, Ondo, Calabar.
(b) Heavy rainfall and high temperatures supporting big trees; valuable hardwood species (iroko, mahogany, obeche, abura); demand at home and abroad; rivers for floating logs; sawmills and ports (Sapele, Lagos); labour.
(c) Trees of one species scattered, making extraction costly; poor roads especially in the rainy season; depletion of forests and slow regeneration; heavy logs difficult to move; inadequate equipment and capital; illegal felling.
Mark the montane area clearly in a key.