(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria. On the map, locate:
(i) one area each for the production of cocoa, palm produce, groundnut and cotton.
(ii) three towns in any three of the areas.
(b) Highlight three major problems of agriculture in Nigeria.
i. Cocoa producing areas
South west Nigeria, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun.
a. Palm producing areas — Eastern states: Enugu, Imo, Anambra
b. Groundnut producing areas —Kano, Kaduna, Katsina states
c. Cotton producing areas —C°
d. Plateau, Kaduna states etc. ibadan Ekiti
ii. Towns in producing areas.
- Cocoa —Akure, Ondo, ljebu-Ode, Ibadan.
- Palm produce — Enugu, Awka, Umuahia.
- Groundnut — Kano, Katsina, Kaduna.
- Cotton — zaria, ,Zungeru, Gusau.
b)
1. Limited access to modern agricultural inputs and technology: Many farmers in Nigeria lack access to modern agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and mechanized equipment. Traditional farming methods are prevalent, leading to low productivity, poor crop yields, and inefficiencies in the agricultural value chain.
2. Inadequate infrastructure: Agricultural development in Nigeria is hindered by inadequate infrastructure, including poor road networks, storage facilities, irrigation systems, and market access. Limited infrastructure affects the transportation of agricultural produce from farms to markets, leading to post-harvest losses, reduced market access, and lower profitability for farmers.
3. Climate change and environmental degradation: Nigeria's agricultural sector is vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including irregular rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and land degradation. These environmental challenges disrupt agricultural activities, decrease crop yields, and threaten food security, particularly for smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture.
c)
1. Promotion of modern agricultural practices: The government and relevant stakeholders should prioritize the promotion of modern agricultural inputs, techniques, and technologies to improve productivity and enhance the resilience of farmers to climate change. This includes providing subsidies for agricultural inputs, disseminating knowledge on best agronomic practices, and facilitating access to extension services and training programs for farmers.
2. Investment in agricultural infrastructure: There is a need for increased investment in agricultural infrastructure to address the challenges of poor transportation, storage, and market access. This includes rehabilitating and expanding rural road networks, constructing storage facilities and agro-processing centers, and implementing irrigation schemes to enhance water management and crop production.
3. Adoption of climate-smart agriculture: To mitigate the impacts of climate change, farmers should be encouraged to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that promote resilience and sustainability. This includes the use of drought-resistant crop varieties, agroforestry techniques, water conservation measures, and soil conservation practices. Additionally, the government should implement policies and programs that support climate adaptation and mitigation in agriculture, such as weather forecasting, early warning systems, and insurance schemes for farmers.