GEOGRAPHY HOLIDAY ASSIGNMENT

 WRITE EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE FARMING SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA

A farming system in Nigeria refers to the way agricultural production is organized and managed within
a particular area or region. It involves the combination of different components such as crops, livestock,
land, water, and other resources to achieve sustainable and efficient agricultural production. The farming
system in Nigeria is influenced by several factors, including climate, soil fertility, cultural practices,
available technology, market demand, and government policies. In Nigeria, there are various farming
systems that farmers practice to produce crops, livestock, and other agricultural products for both local
consumption and export.Farming systems in Nigeria can be categorized into three main types, which are
traditional farming systems, commercial farming systems, and subsistence farming systems. Each of these
farming systems has its unique characteristics, practices, and challenges.There are ;

1. Traditional Farming Systems: This type of farming system is common among rural farmers in Nigeria
who use simple farming methods such as shifting cultivation, mixed cropping, and fallow periods.
Traditional farming systems rely on natural resources and local knowledge, and it is characterized by low
productivity and low output.

2. Commercial Farming Systems: This type of farming system involves large-scale mechanized farming
with a focus on commercial agriculture. It is characterized by the use of modern technology and inputs
such as irrigation, improved seed varieties, and fertilizers. Commercial farming is mostly practiced by
large-scale farmers, corporate entities, and foreign investors.

3. Subsistence Farming Systems: This type of farming system is a combination of traditional and
commercial farming. It is practiced by smallholder farmers who produce crops and livestock for their
consumption and to sell at local markets. Subsistence farming is often characterized by low productivity
and low output due to limited access to inputs and technology.

In addition to the above classifications, there are specific farming systems that are practiced in Nigeria,
and they include:

1. Arable Farming: This involves the cultivation of crops such as maize, rice, cassava, yam, and
vegetables. Arable farming is mostly practiced in the southern and middle belt regions of Nigeria, where
the soil is fertile and rainfall is abundant.

2. Livestock Farming: This involves the rearing of animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry
for their meat, milk, and eggs. Livestock farming is mostly practiced in the northern parts of Nigeria,
where there is a vast expanse of grazing land and a nomadic lifestyle.
3. Fish Farming: This involves the breeding of fish for consumption and sale. Fish farming is practiced in
different parts of Nigeria, including the coastal regions, riverine areas, and inland lakes and reservoirs.

4. Mixed Farming: This involves the combination of crop cultivation and livestock rearing. Mixed
farming is commonly practiced by smallholder farmers in Nigeria, and it helps to diversify their income
and food sources.

5. Plantation Farming: This involves the cultivation of crops such as cocoa, rubber, palm oil, and cashew.
Plantation farming is mostly practiced in the southern and western parts of Nigeria, where there is a
favorable climate for such crops.

6. Shifting Cultivation: This is a traditional farming system where farmers clear a piece of land, cultivate
it for a few years until the soil fertility declines, and then move to another plot of land. The abandoned
plot is left to fallow, and the natural vegetation is allowed to regenerate, restoring soil fertility.

7. Rotational Bush Fallow: This is a traditional farming system in which farmers cultivate a plot of land
for a few years and then allow it to lie fallow for a period, usually between 2 to 10 years, to allow the soil
to regenerate. The farmer then clears a new plot of land for cultivation while allowing the previous one to
regenerate.

8. Pastoral Nomadism: This is a system of animal husbandry where livestock farmers move their animals
from one place to another in search of pasture and water. It is common in arid and semi-arid regions
where rainfall is scarce.

9. Transhumance: This is a form of pastoral nomadism where livestock farmers move their animals to
higher altitudes in the summer and lower altitudes in the winter, depending on the availability of pasture
and water.

10. Market Gardening: This is a system of intensive vegetable production where farmers cultivate small
plots of land near urban centers to supply fresh vegetables to the local markets.

11. Intensive/Mechanized Farming: This is a modern farming system that involves the use of high-
yielding crop varieties, fertilizers, pesticides, and modern farming equipment such as tractors and
harvesters. It is aimed at maximizing productivity and yield per unit of land.

12. Terrace Farming: This is a farming system where farmers construct terraces on sloping lands to create
flat areas for cultivation. The terraces help to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.
13. Irrigation Farming: This is a system of farming where water is artificially supplied to crops through
channels, pipes, or sprinklers. It is common in areas with low rainfall or where the rainfall pattern is
unpredictable.

14. Ranching: This is a system of animal husbandry where livestock is raised on a large scale in a fenced
area, where they are provided with water, feed, and veterinary care. It is commonly used for the
production of beef, dairy products, and wool.

In Nigeria, there are various farming systems, including traditional and modern practices.
Traditional systems include shifting cultivation, rotational bush fallow, pastoral nomadism, and
transhumance. These systems are often subsistence-based and aim to maintain soil fertility and meet the
basic food needs of local communities. Modern farming systems include market gardening,
intensive/mechanized farming, terrace farming, irrigation farming, and ranching. These practices aim to
increase productivity and yields per unit of land by using modern techniques, high-yielding crop varieties,
fertilizers, pesticides, and modern farming equipment. Each farming system has its unique characteristics,
practices, and challenges, and they all contribute to food security and the economy of Nigeria. A
combination of traditional and modern farming systems is necessary to ensure sustainable agricultural
development and food security in Nigeria.
THE POLITICAL MAP OF NIGERIA