Examkin

Question

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

Agricultural land-use in Nigeria exhibits a distinct spatial variation between the humid South and the dry North. While tree-crop plantation agriculture dominates the southern rainforest belt, nomadic pastoralism and grain crop farming prevail in the far northern Sudan and Sahel belts. What fundamental ecological factor primarily dictates this regional agricultural specialization across Nigeria?

  1. The latitudinal gradient of total annual rainfall and duration of the rainy seasonAnswer
  2. B
    The spatial distribution of crystalline basement complex rocks across highland areas
  3. C
    The presence of navigable river networks for bulk crop transportation
  4. D
    The variation in soil texture from heavy clays in the north to sandy loams in the south

Answer

The latitudinal gradient of total annual rainfall and duration of the rainy season
The correct answer identifies the latitudinal rainfall gradient as the main ecological factor. Nigeria's moisture regime varies significantly from the humid coast to the dry northern border. Southern rainforest zones receive heavy annual precipitation over an extended period, supporting moisture-demanding tree crops like oil palm and rubber. Conversely, northern savanna zones experience low annual rainfall concentrated into a short rainy season, favoring short-season grains (millet, sorghum, cowpeas) and extensive pastoral livestock grazing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the spatial distribution of agricultural systems in Nigeria from South to North.
Southern Nigeria relies on perennial tree crops (oil palm, cocoa, rubber) requiring high moisture, whereas Northern Nigeria features grain farming (millet, sorghum) and pastoralism adapted to arid conditions.
Identifying spatial agricultural patterns is essential to evaluate underlying environmental drivers.
2
Evaluate the primary environmental variable controlling crop moisture availability across Nigeria.
Annual precipitation decreases systematically from over 3,000 mm at the southern coast to below 500 mm near the northern border, accompanied by a shorter wet season.
Water availability dictates crop survival and agricultural system viability.
3
Select the option that correctly identifies the climatic rainfall gradient as the principal determinant.
The latitudinal gradient of total annual rainfall and duration of the rainy season is the primary ecological control.
This climatic gradient directly creates the distinct agricultural zones across Nigeria.

Key Concept

Climatic controls on agricultural zonation in Nigeria
Rate this question

Topics

Agricultural Systems, Crop Production, and Pastoralism in Nigeria

More questions from this topic