(a) Give two reasons for each of the following practices undertaken by some West African farmers (i) movement of herdsmen and their flocks southwards to the rain forest zone during the dry season (4 marks) (ii) Preference for the use of simple farm tools over farm machinery (4 marks) (b)(i) Identify four problems associated with the movement of herdsmen (4 marks) (ii) Suggest a solution to each of the problems. [4 marks]
Explanation
(a) Reasons for some practices undertaken by some West African farmers: (i)Movement of herdsmen southwards during the dry season
Abundance of forage in the south but scarcity of forage in the north because of the unequal rainfall distribution in the dry season Water scarcity in the north during the dry season forces them to move their animals southwards in search of water.
(ii)Preference for the use of simple farm tools:
High cost of farm machinery/inadequate capital Low level of technical know-how on how to operate and maintain modem machines High cost of spare parts Land tenure system fragments farmlands and this discourages large-scale mechanized farming Simple farm tools are much more readily available They are also affordable Easy to maintain Easy to use Spare parts are not readily available
(b)(i) Problems associated with the movement of herdsmen:
Exposes animals to natural hazards Death of animals due to fatigue of travelling long distance Movement of animals causes destruction ofthe soil structure (compaction) New diseases are easily introduced into another area Indiscriminate mating in the herds leading to the transmission of undesirable traits Diseases spread easily within the herds Animals cause damage to cultivated crops along their route Damage to crops brings about serious conflict/clashes between the herdsmen and the local farmers It exposes the herdsmen to dangers such as extremes of climatic conditions, wild animals, diseases and armed banditry attacks New pests are easily introduced into another area It encourages cattle rustling Neglect of formal education for the children of herdsmen.
(ii) Solution to the problems of the herdsmen movement
Provision of adequate security against theft Disease/pest resistant animals should be reared Provision of nomadic schools in strategic locations Provision of irrigation facilities during the dry season in the north/savannah region to help in the artificial pastures Establishment of grazing reserves at strategic locations in the north by government/ranching Preservation of fodder which are in abundance in the south into hay and silage and transported to the north during the dry season Provision of cattle tracks/paths for easy passage of herds to prevent destruction of crops along their route Castration of animals with undesirable traits long before the journey Payment of compensation for damage caused to crops Both herdsmen and animals should be vaccinated regularly
