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Difficulty: EasyAgricultural Systems and Practices in Africa

In West Africa, commercial oil palm cultivation is predominantly concentrated in the southern humid forest zone rather than the northern savanna belt primarily because oil palm requires which of the following environmental conditions?

  1. A
    Prolonged dry seasons and low atmospheric humidity
  2. Heavy, well-distributed rainfall and high relative humidityAnswer
  3. C
    Sandy, porous soils of the dry semi-arid regions
  4. D
    Cool high-altitude temperatures with winter frost

Answer

Heavy, well-distributed rainfall and high relative humidity
The correct answer emphasizes that oil palm requires high, well-distributed rainfall (typically exceeding 1,500 mm annually) and consistently high atmospheric humidity, conditions found naturally in the tropical rainforest zone of West Africa.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the climatic and ecological requirements of oil palm as a major West African cash crop.
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to the tropical rainforest ecosystem.
Tree crops are adapted to specific ecological zones defined by rainfall and temperature patterns.
2
Compare the climatic conditions of the southern forest zone with the northern savanna belt in West Africa.
The southern forest zone receives high annual rainfall (over 1,500–2,000 mm) with high humidity, whereas the northern savanna experiences a pronounced dry season.
Oil palm requires abundant moisture year-round to support continuous fruit bunch development.

Key Concept

Ecological zoning of cash crops in West Africa
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Topics

Agricultural Systems and Practices in Africa

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