Write a geographical account of the Chad basin under the following headings: (a) Relief and drainage (b)Agriculture (c) Problems of development

Geographical Account of the Chad Basin

(a) Relief and drainage

• The Chad Basin is a broad, low-lying inland depression in north-eastern Nigeria, extending into Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Much of the Nigerian part is a gently undulating plain, generally about 200 to 400 m above sea level, composed mainly of sedimentary sands, clays and alluvial deposits.
• Its surface includes sandy plains, old sand dunes, clay flats known as firki, and low flood plains. The land slopes gently towards Lake Chad.
• Drainage is internal: rivers flow towards Lake Chad rather than to the Atlantic Ocean. Important rivers include the Hadejia and Jama'are, which combine to form the Komadugu Yobe, as well as the Yedseram and Ngadda rivers.
• Many streams are seasonal. They carry much water during the rainy season but have little or no flow in the dry season. Lake Chad is shallow and its area has greatly reduced as a result of drought, evaporation and increased use of river water.

(b) Agriculture

• Agriculture is the major occupation. Rain-fed farming is practised during the short rainy season, while flood-recession farming and irrigation are practised along river valleys and around Lake Chad.
• Food crops include millet, sorghum, maize, rice, cowpea, beans, wheat and vegetables such as onions, tomatoes and pepper. Groundnut is an important cash crop.
• Irrigation farming, including the South Chad Irrigation Project, enables the cultivation of rice, wheat and vegetables during the dry season.
• Livestock rearing is important. Cattle, sheep, goats and camels graze on the natural grasslands, while fishing is carried out in Lake Chad and in the rivers. Agricultural products include fish, beef, milk, hides and skins.

(c) Problems of development

• Drought and unreliable rainfall: Low and irregular rainfall causes crop failure, shortage of water and poor pasture.
• Desert encroachment: The Sahara is advancing southwards, while wind erosion and overgrazing remove vegetation and expose the soil.
• Shrinkage of Lake Chad: This reduces water available for fishing, irrigation, transport and livestock.
• Poor soils: Many areas have sandy, infertile or saline soils, while some low-lying areas are liable to flooding.
• Inadequate capital and technology: Farmers have limited access to modern irrigation equipment, improved seeds, storage facilities and credit.
• Remoteness and poor transport: The basin is far from major markets and ports; poor roads increase the cost of moving farm produce.
• Insecurity and inadequate social amenities: Conflict, sparse settlement, limited health facilities and low educational levels discourage investment.