(a) Define shifting cultivation
(b) Describe the practice of shifting cultivation in Nigeria under the following headings:
i. Three characteristics
ii. Two benefits
iii. Four disadvantages
Explanation
(a) Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily, then abandoned while post-disturbance fallow vegetation is allowed to grow while the cultivator moves on to another plot freely.
(b) i.
(*) Vegetation is cleared by slashing and burning.
(*) There is the use of little or no manure.
(*) The yields decline after a certain period of continuous use.
ii.
- It helps used the land to regain all lost nutrients, and as long as no damage occurs, this form of agriculture is one of the most sustainable methods.
- The land can be easily recycled or regenerated; thus, it receives seeds and nutrients from the nearby vegetation or environment.
iii.
1. It tends to discourage a high level of input.
2. Because the farms stay in one location for a short while, there are no incentives to invest in permanent structures such as storage sheds, irrigation and even certain pest control soil erosion or soil conservation measures that may have long-term benefits.
3. It requires a great deal of land to maintain the system.
4. Low efficiency in land utilization.