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Question

Difficulty: MediumAgricultural Systems, Crop Production, and Pastoralism in Nigeria

In the seasonally dry savanna regions of Northern Nigeria, intensive crop production during the dry season relies heavily on floodplain agricultural systems known as 'fadama' farming. Which of the following environmental factors primarily explains why fadama lands support successful crop cultivation when surrounding uplands are desiccated?

  1. The accumulation of fertile alluvial silt deposits and accessible shallow water tables along river channelsAnswer
  2. B
    The presence of dense, multi-layered tropical rainforest canopies that reduce evapotranspiration losses
  3. C
    The dominance of deeply leached, highly acidic red latosol soils that resist soil erosion
  4. D
    The year-round immunity of valley floors from high seasonal rainfall and flooding

Answer

The accumulation of fertile alluvial silt deposits and accessible shallow water tables along river channels
Fadama lands are low-lying floodplains along river valleys in the savanna zone of Nigeria. Annual inundations deposit nutrient-dense alluvial sediments and maintain a high water table close to the surface, enabling farmers to cultivate vegetables, sugar cane, and rice during the long dry season.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical context and agricultural system
The question focuses on 'fadama' farming in the savanna belt of Northern Nigeria.
Fadamas are floodplains or low-lying swampy areas along major river valleys (e.g., Niger, Benue, Sokoto, Hadejia-Jama'are river basins).
2
Analyze the physical soil and hydrological characteristics of fadama landforms
Flooding during the rainy season deposits nutrient-rich silt (alluvium) and recharges groundwater aquifers.
During the long dry season, the high water table allows farmers to easily draw water for irrigating crops like vegetables, rice, and sugarcane.
3
Evaluate the choices against ecological features of Northern Nigeria
The option highlighting alluvial silt and shallow water tables accurately describes fadama hydrology, whereas choices describing dense rainforests or heavily leached acidic latosols describe southern forest ecosystems.
Correctly distinguishing savanna floodplains from southern humid forest conditions leads to the accurate option.

Key Concept

Fadama Farming and Alluvial Hydrology in Northern Nigeria
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Agricultural Systems, Crop Production, and Pastoralism in Nigeria

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