(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria. On the map, show and name: (i) one cocoa growing belt; (ii) one groundnut growing belt; (iii) one town in 4(a)(i). (b) Des...

(a) Sketch map of Nigeria

The shaded south-western belt represents the cocoa-growing belt, and Ife is a town within it. The shaded northern belt represents a groundnut-growing belt.

(b) Physical conditions necessary for the cultivation of groundnut

1. Moderate rainfall: Groundnut requires about 500 to 1,000 mm of rainfall annually, mainly during its growing period. A dry spell is required for ripening, harvesting and drying the pods.
2. High temperature and sunshine: It grows best under high temperatures of about 25°C to 30°C with abundant sunshine.
3. Suitable soil and relief: Loose, light, sandy or sandy-loam soil that is well drained is required so that the pegs can penetrate the soil and the pods can develop easily. Fairly level or gently undulating land is favourable.

(c) Ways in which groundnut cultivation has contributed to the economy of Nigeria

1. Employment creation: It provides employment for farmers and for people engaged in processing, bagging, transport, marketing and export.
2. Source of income: Sale of groundnut and groundnut products gives income to farmers, traders and processors, thereby improving their standard of living.
3. Foreign exchange earnings: Export of groundnut, groundnut oil and groundnut cake earns foreign exchange for Nigeria and helps to diversify the economy.
4. Raw materials and food: Groundnut supplies oil mills and soap industries with raw materials, while groundnut cake is used in animal-feed manufacture. The nuts and oil also provide important protein-rich food for the population.