(a) In what four ways has the physical setting of the Sokoto plains of Nigeria influenced the types of econc activities in the region? (b) Highlight any four problems of development facing this region. (c) two ways in which any of the problems in (b) above could be solved.
Explanation
(a) Influence of physical setting on the types of economic activities of the Sokoto Plains — The rich (alluvial) valley plains and the fadamas, with the presence of rivers, support irrigation agriculture — Presence of vast rolling plains encouraging animal rearing in the region — Climate is suitable for cultivation of cereals hence maize, guinea corn, millet, etc are cultivated — Presence of rivers encourage fishing and tourism. — Seasonality of rainfall limits agriculture general:y to one season of cropping. — Presence of abundant pasture supports animal rearing — Long period of dry season necessitates the practice of irrigation agriculture. — Presence of mineral deposits encourages mining activities. (b) Problems of development facing the region — Low literacy rate of the population — Inadequate water supply — Inadequate rainfall — Sparsity of population makes it difficult for the region to attract major development projects — High cost of provision of infrastructure and services — Occasional flooding — Presence of diseases e.g cerebro spinal meningitis — Threat of desert encroachment. — Remoteness to major southern markets/coast. — Wind erosion / fierce winds and dust storms. — Presence of pests — High variability of yearly rainfall. (c) Ways of solving identified problems (i) Improvement of transport network (ii) Improvement in technology (iii) Afforestation (iv) Irrigation (v) Provision of infrastructure to encourage urbanization (vi) Adult and nomadic education (vii) Provision of earth dams for local water supply (viii) Provision of medicare (ix) Introduction of early maturing and highly yielding crops. (x) Public enlightenment about agricultural practice (xi) Aerial spray to kill pests.
