(a) Explain any four factors which limit the rate of development in the southern coastlands of Nigeria (b) In what four ways can the development of the regi...

Answer Details

(a) Four factors that limit the rate of development in the southern coastlands of Nigeria (the Niger Delta and coastal creek belt)

1. Difficult terrain of swamps and creeks: the waterlogged mangrove and freshwater swamps make road and rail construction very difficult and expensive, hindering movement and settlement.
2. Poor, waterlogged soils and flooding: the low-lying, frequently flooded land is not easily farmed or built upon, limiting agriculture and infrastructure.
3. Prevalence of diseases: the hot, wet, swampy environment breeds mosquitoes and other vectors, causing malaria and water-borne diseases that reduce the labour force.
4. Environmental degradation from oil exploitation: oil spillage and gas flaring pollute farmland, creeks and fishing waters, destroying the livelihood of the people.

Also acceptable: dense forest and difficult access, restlessness/insecurity in oil-producing areas, and inadequate potable water.

(b) Four ways the development of the region can be enhanced

• Provision of infrastructure: construction of raised roads, bridges, jetties, electricity and pipe-borne water to improve access and living conditions.
• Control of pollution and land reclamation: enforcing anti-pollution laws, cleaning up oil spills, stopping gas flaring and reclaiming swampland for use.
• Diversification of the economy: developing fishing, agriculture (rice, oil palm), tourism and small industries so the people are not dependent only on oil.
• Investment in health, education and employment: building hospitals and schools, controlling disease, and creating jobs and community-development projects to raise the standard of living.