(a) Discuss the relationship between rainfall and agricultural practices in the (i) tropical continental region of Nigeria (ii) sub-equatorial region of Nig...

(a) Relationship between rainfall and agricultural practices

(i) Tropical continental region of Nigeria (Guinea and Sudan savanna, the north)

• Rainfall is moderate to low (about 500 to 1000 mm) and highly seasonal, with a long dry season, so farming is limited mainly to the short wet season.
• The single, short rainy season permits only one cropping season per year, and drought-tolerant crops such as guinea corn (sorghum), millet, groundnut and cotton are grown.
• Where the dry season is severe, farmers depend on irrigation (for example rice and vegetables) to supplement rainfall.
• The grassland cover supports extensive livestock rearing (cattle, sheep and goats).

(ii) Sub-equatorial region of Nigeria (the south)

• Rainfall is heavy (over 2000 mm) and well distributed over most of the year, giving a long growing season.
• The abundant, double-maxima rainfall allows two cropping seasons and the cultivation of moisture-loving crops such as oil palm, cocoa, rubber, yam, cassava and plantain.
• Rainfall reliability makes rain-fed farming the norm, with little need for irrigation.
• The very heavy rainfall can cause leaching and soil erosion, so tree/perennial crops that protect the soil are favoured.

(b) Five ways agriculture contributes to the economy of Nigeria

• Provision of food: It supplies food for the rapidly growing population.
• Employment: It employs a large proportion of the working population, especially in rural areas.
• Raw materials for industry: It supplies materials such as cotton, oil palm and rubber to agro-based industries.
• Foreign exchange: Export crops such as cocoa and rubber earn foreign currency.
• Government revenue: Taxes and duties on agricultural produce provide revenue to government.
• Source of income: It provides income and improved living standards for farmers.