Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumAgricultural Systems and Land Use Practices

In West Africa, nomadic pastoralism is extensively practiced in the northern savanna regions rather than the humid southern forest belt. Which factor primarily restricts large-scale cattle rearing in the southern forest zone?

  1. Prevalence of tsetse flies carrying animal trypanosomiasis (nagana) in humid forest vegetationAnswer
  2. B
    High concentration of coastal linear settlement patterns that restrict grazing land expansion
  3. C
    Extensive cultivation of drought-resistant northern cash crops like groundnut and cotton in southern soils
  4. D
    Reversal of regional vegetation zones placing arid Sahel grassland pasture along the Atlantic coast

Answer

Prevalence of tsetse flies carrying animal trypanosomiasis (nagana) in humid forest vegetation
The correct answer identifies the primary biological and environmental constraint: dense humid forest vegetation in southern West Africa supports populations of tsetse flies, which transmit animal trypanosomiasis (nagana). This disease causes high mortality among cattle, restricting nomadic pastoralism mainly to the drier northern savannas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the environmental requirements and biological constraints of pastoral cattle farming in West Africa.
Cattle thrive in open savanna grasslands with low vector infestation and abundant pasture.
Dense rainforest vegetation creates humid microclimates that host disease vectors harmful to livestock.
2
Identify the vector specific to humid forest environments in southern West Africa.
The tsetse fly transmits trypanosomiasis (nagana), causing high mortality in non-resistant cattle breeds.
This biological barrier naturally restricts pastoral pastoralism to the drier northern savanna zones where tsetse fly density is minimal.

Key Concept

Environmental constraints on pastoral farming systems
Rate this question

Topics

Agricultural Systems and Land Use Practices

More questions from this topic