(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...
Question 1 Report
(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]
Answer Details
(a) Reasons for the practices
(i) Southward movement of herdsmen to the rain forest zone in the dry season
- To find fresh pasture/grass for the animals, since grasses in the north dry up in the dry season.
- To obtain drinking water for the animals from the streams and rivers of the forest zone.
(ii) Preference for simple farm tools over machinery
- Simple tools are cheap to buy and maintain, while machinery is very costly.
- The farms are small and scattered on rough or fragmented land where machines cannot easily be used, and the farmers lack the skill and capital to run machines.
(b) Movement of herdsmen: problems and solutions
| Problem | Suggested solution |
|---|---|
| Destruction of farmers' crops by the roaming cattle, leading to clashes | Establish and enforce grazing reserves and cattle routes |
| Spread of animal diseases and parasites from place to place | Practise ranching/settled (sedentary) livestock keeping with regular veterinary care |
| Poor growth and low productivity of the animals due to trekking long distances | Provide pasture, water and feed at fixed ranches so animals do not trek |
| Conflict/insecurity between herdsmen and crop farmers | Enact and enforce laws and set up mediation to settle disputes, and demarcate farmland from grazing land |
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