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

In parts of Nigeria with rugged topography, such as the Mandara Mountains and the edges of the Jos Plateau, local farmers construct stone terraces along hill slopes. What is the primary geographical reason for adopting this agricultural practice?

  1. To control soil erosion and retain soil moisture on steep slopes for intensive cultivationAnswer
  2. B
    To facilitate large-scale mechanized harvesting of commercial tree crops like cocoa and rubber
  3. C
    To protect lowland cereal crops from seasonal river flooding in major river basins
  4. D
    To create open transit corridors for nomadic cattle herds during seasonal transhumance

Answer

To control soil erosion and retain soil moisture on steep slopes for intensive cultivation
Terrace farming is an effective soil conservation practice used on steep hillsides. By breaking long slopes into a series of flat steps, it slows down water runoff, prevents severe soil erosion, and traps essential moisture and nutrients required for crop production.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the physical geography of highlands like the Mandara Mountains and Jos Plateau
These relief regions feature steep slopes that are highly vulnerable to soil erosion from surface runoff during heavy seasonal rains.
Steep gradients accelerate surface water velocity and wash away fertile topsoil.
2
Evaluate the agricultural response to rugged highland terrain
Farmers build step-like stone terraces across the slope to slow down water runoff, trap soil nutrients, and enable continuous crop cultivation.
Terracing is a classic soil conservation technique adapted to highland agricultural systems.

Key Concept

Terrace Farming and Soil Conservation in Nigerian Highland Agriculture
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Topics

Agricultural Systems, Crop Production, and Pastoralism in Nigeria

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