(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria. On the map, show and name: (i) one cattle rearing zone (ii) three towns in the rearing zone (iii) one direction of movem...

(a) Outline map of Nigeria showing cattle rearing and movement

The principal cattle-rearing zone is the Sudan/Sahel savanna belt of northern Nigeria. The map shows Sokoto, Kano and Maiduguri within this zone, and a south-westward arrow indicating movement of cattle from the northern rearing zone to Lagos, a major consuming area.

(b) Problems of cattle rearing in Nigeria

1. Dry-season shortage of pasture and water: rainfall is low and seasonal in the far north; pasture dries up and water sources may fail during the long dry season.
2. Pests and diseases: ticks, tsetse flies and diseases such as trypanosomiasis, rinderpest and foot-and-mouth disease cause illness, deaths and reduced productivity.
3. Poor facilities and management: there are inadequate ranches, grazing reserves, veterinary services, capital, transport and cold-storage facilities. Long trekking also causes weight loss and may lead to clashes with farmers and cattle rustling.

(c) Measures being taken to solve the problems

1. Grazing reserves and ranches are being developed, with improved pasture, fodder cultivation, boreholes, dams and irrigation to provide dry-season water and feed.
2. Veterinary clinics, vaccination programmes, disease surveillance and control of ticks and tsetse flies are being provided. Cross-breeding is also used to obtain healthier and more productive animals.
3. Extension services educate herders on modern animal management, while loans and other financial assistance support ranch development.
4. Feeder roads, cattle trucks and rail transport reduce long-distance trekking. Refrigerated vehicles, abattoirs and cold stores help preserve meat and dairy products.
5. Designated grazing routes and reserves, together with security measures, help reduce farmer-herder conflict and cattle theft.