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Question

Difficulty: MediumAgricultural Systems and Practices in Africa

Match each African agricultural system or scheme listed on the left with its corresponding regional characteristic or main agricultural practice on the right.

  • Gezira SchemeLarge-scale gravity irrigation for cotton cultivation between the Blue and White Nile
  • Mediterranean AgricultureSpecialized commercial cultivation of citrus fruits and grapes in the Cape region
  • Plantation FarmingMonoculture of tree cash crops like oil palm, cocoa, and rubber on large estates
  • Pastoral NomadismTranshumant livestock rearing adapted to semi-arid conditions in the Sahelian zone

Answer

The Gezira Scheme matches large-scale gravity irrigation for cotton cultivation between the Blue and White Nile; Mediterranean Agriculture matches specialized commercial cultivation of citrus fruits and grapes in the Cape region; Plantation Farming matches monoculture of tree cash crops like oil palm, cocoa, and rubber on large estates; Pastoral Nomadism matches transhumant livestock rearing adapted to semi-arid conditions in the Sahelian zone.
Each agricultural system is accurately paired with its primary geographic zone, ecological adaptation, and dominant farming practices across Africa.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the Gezira Scheme's geographical location and primary production system.
Gezira utilizes gravity-fed canal irrigation between the Nile rivers in Sudan to produce cotton on a commercial scale.
Irrigation infrastructure overcomes arid climate constraints in eastern Sudan.
2
Examine Mediterranean agricultural output in Southern and Northern Africa.
The Mediterranean climate zone (e.g., South Africa's Cape region) supports viticulture, olives, and citrus fruit farming.
Mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers favor specialized orchard and vine crops.
3
Identify the organizational features of plantation farming in tropical Africa.
Plantations operate as large estates growing single cash crops like rubber, oil palm, or cocoa for international trade.
High capital investment and labor force are centered on permanent tree crop monoculture.
4
Determine the survival strategy for livestock farmers in dry belt regions.
Pastoral nomads move herds across the Sahel to adapt to scarce rainfall and seasonal pasture growth.
Mobility (transhumance) prevents overgrazing and responds to erratic precipitation pattern distribution.

Key Concept

Spatial distribution and operational characteristics of major African agricultural systems
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Topics

Agricultural Systems and Practices in Africa

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