Theory question 106
Nigeria: People and EconomyWrite a geographical account of Cross River plains under the following headings: (a) climate; (b) economic activities; (c) problems of development.
Show the model answer
(a) Tropical wet (sub-equatorial) climate; heavy rainfall over 2,500-3,000 mm, falling most of the year; double maxima in places; high temperatures 24-30°C with small annual range (2-3°C); high relative humidity (over 80%); south-west winds dominant; cloudy skies and convectional thunderstorms.
(b) Farming of food crops (yam, cassava, rice) and cash crops (oil palm, cocoa, rubber); fishing in the river and estuary; lumbering in the rain forest; trading (Calabar port); tourism (Obudu Cattle Ranch, Calabar carnival, Cross River National Park); limestone mining and cement (Calabar); local crafts.
(c) Flooding and poor drainage; poor transport network; soil erosion and leaching; pests and diseases; inadequate infrastructure and amenities; sparse population in parts; dense forest difficult to clear; land disputes and youth restiveness; inadequate capital.
Write points under all three headings.