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?
- The latitudinal gradient of total annual rainfall and duration of the rainy seasonCevap
- BThe spatial distribution of crystalline basement complex rocks across highland areas
- CThe presence of navigable river networks for bulk crop transportation
- DThe variation in soil texture from heavy clays in the north to sandy loams in the south
Cevap
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.
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Anahtar Kavram
Climatic controls on agricultural zonation in Nigeria