CONTENT
Sub-Topic 1: DISTRIBUTION OF CROPS
Distribution of crops refers to region where each particular crop is mostly adapted in
Nigeria. Successful adaptation of crop to the climatic and soil condition of an area is
known as Adaptability. Different crops require different climatic and soil conditions
for their normal growth and development.
THREE ECOLOGICAL REGIONS IN NIGERIA
Coastal Region of Nigeria is where the mangrove forest occurs, paddy rice and
rubber can profitably be grown.
Rain Forest region of the South, the crops adapted to the environment are mostly
oil-palm, cocoa, banana, kola-nuts, rubber, tuber crops and root crops of various
types.
Savanna Region areas of the North, the crops grown are mainly cereals and legumes
because they do not require high rainfall.
EVALUATION
- What are the requirements of all crops?
- State reasons why rubber and cocoa cannot be grown in Northern parts of
Nigeria
Sub-Topic 2: Factors Affecting Distribution Of Crops In Nigeria:
A . Climate: The climatic factors that determine where a particular crop is found are
i. Rainfall
ii. Temperature
iii. Relative Humidity
iv. Sunshine
RAINFALL: Crops depend mainly on rainfall for their water supply. Although this
water can be got from underground and by irrigation. Water requirements of crops
vary from crop to crop. E.g. Banana requires much water , it is grown in the South.
While Millet or Sorghum requires low water and it is grown in the North.
TEMPERATURE: There is a temperature range within which a crop can attain it
maximum yield. They have minimum or maximum temperature, therefore those crops
that can survive high temperature are majorly grown in the northern parts while
those that thrive under low temperature are grown majorly in the southern parts.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY: Some crops require very cool temperature , e.g. Irish Potato
which is grown in cool Northern areas like Jos.
SUNSHINE: Sunshine is very necessary for the growth of all crops. It is an essential
element in the photosynthetic activity of the plants . Some crops like cereals require
long hours of sunshine while others like cocoyam require shorter hours to produce
well.
B. SOIL FACTOR(SOIL CONDITIONS) : Soils vary in physical as well as chemical
properties. Some crops require sandy to loamy soils, e.g. Groundnuts while some
require clay soil, e.g. Swamp Rice.
Soils also vary in pH levels and some crops do well in soils of low pH level others
require high pH.
C. HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON LAND: Man has also influenced crops distribution by
supplying water through irrigation and damming, therefore making production of
crops that require a lot of water possible in drier areas . Fertilizers have been applied
to poor soils to improve their fertility , while organic manures has been applied to
clay soils to improve water retention
EVALUATION: - Outline four climatic factors affecting the distribution of crops in Nigeria.
Which regions in Nigeria can these crops be grown? Rubber, Millet, Kola-nut, Oilpalm, Sorghum. - In what ways has man influenced crops distribution ?
Pre-Reading Assignment: Read about forms of farm animals .
Student Activity: Draw the map of Nigeria showing distribution of crops.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT : 5 OBJECTIVES AND 2 THEORIES.
REFERENCE TEXTS: - Junior Secondary Agriculture For Nigerian Schools By Anthony Youdeowei et
al - Intensive Agricultural science For JSS 1-3 By E . U Okaro
- Essentials Of Agricultural Science For JSS And Colleges By Earnest Chukwudi