Theory question 109
Nigeria: People and EconomyWrite a geographical account of irrigation farming in Nigeria under the following headings: (a) Factors that favour the type of agriculture (b) Major farming areas and associated crops (c) Problems
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(a) Low, unreliable rainfall and long dry season in the north; rivers and lakes (Sokoto, Kano, Hadejia, Lake Chad); flat land and fadama plains; dams and reservoirs (Bakolori, Tiga, Challawa); government river basin authorities; demand for food.
(b) Sokoto-Rima (Bakolori): rice, wheat, onions; Kano River Project (Tiga): wheat, rice, tomatoes; Hadejia-Jama'are: rice, wheat; South Chad Irrigation Project: wheat, rice, cotton; Bida/Badeggi and Niger valley: rice, sugarcane (Bacita).
(c) High cost of dams and canals; silting and evaporation losses; salinisation and waterlogging; water-borne diseases; displacement of farmers; poor management and maintenance; shrinking water sources.
Use named schemes and their crops.