Geography Grade 10

Weather and climate
Read the note given to you on this topic and do the following assignment in you geography note book.
Please note it as assignment 1

1. What is weather?
2. List the for measuring wearher.
3. Describe the attributes of weather.
4. Describe with the aid of diagram a rain guage and how it is used.
  b. What are some of the precautions that need to taken when using a rain guage?
5.  Lost the major element of weather and climate.
6. Distinguish between weather and climate.
7.  Draw the map of Nigeria and draw the locate the different types of climate we have
      In Nigeria.
8. Explain the influence of
    a. Wind
    b. Ocean current
    C. Altitude
    D. Latitude
 On climate.
9. State the importance of weather and climate on physical and human activities.

GEOGRAPHY OF NIGERIA

(Location and Position)

Position of Nigeria

Nigeria is in West Africa and centrally located in Africa. It is bounded to the south by the Atlantic ocean, to the west by Benin Republic, in the north by Niger Republic, in the east by Cameroun Republic and north east by Chad Republic these are all francophone countries (French speaking countries).

                      

Map of Nigeria showing its position and boundaries

Location of Nigeria

Nigeria is located between 4⁰North and 14⁰North of the Equator and between 3⁰ East and 15⁰ East of the Greenwich Meridian. Therefore the latitudinal extent or stretch of Nigeria is about 10⁰ (14⁰ - 4⁰) while longitudinal extent or stretch of Nigeria is about 12⁰ (15⁰ - 3⁰).

  

Size of Nigeria

Nigeria is the fourth largest country in West Africa in terms of land area after Niger, Mali, and Mauritania. The total land area of Nigeria is approximately 923,768 square kilometer.

          The total distance from east to west is approximately 1,300km while from north to south is about 1,100km         

Map of Nigeria showing its Location

 Points to Note as Geography Nigerian students

1.   .     Every students must be able to draw the map of Nigeria perfectly
2.           Be able to note the location of state and towns in the country
3.        When sketching the outline of Nigerian map,

-         It must have orientation (the four cardinal points i.e. north south east and west)

-         Must have a title

-         Must have a scale (not always as we may not be trained to draw maps to scale at this level yet).

Political divisions of Nigeria

1. 1.     Nigeria came into existence in 1914 as a result of the amalgamation of the Northern and southern protectorates by Lord Lugar.  
2. 2.     Nigeria got her independence in 1960
3. 3.     As at 1960 Nigeria became a republic and had three regions North, East and West with the headquarters in the north was Kaduna, in the east was Enugu and in the west was Ibadan.
4. 4.     The forth region mid-west was later created from then western region with its headquarter at Benin city.
5. 5.     At 1967 it was further divided in to 12 states
6. 6.     At 1976 it was further divided in to 19 states
7. 7.     At 1987 it was further divided in to 21 states
8.         Presently, Nigeria has 36 states with headquarters at federal capital territory (FCT) Abuja.

      

Map of Nigeria show the 36 states and their capitals

Other notable features about Nigeria

1.   Nigeria has ethnic groups of over 250

-         The Yorubas, Ijaws, Igbo, Efik, and Edo live in the south

-         Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri etc are in the north

1.   Nigeria is the giant of Africa because of its leadership position among other African countries.
2.  Nigeria is one hour (1hr) ahead of the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
3.   Nigeria is located in the tropics due to its location between latitude 4⁰ and 14⁰ North of the equator. Here the winds blow and reverse direction within the year.
4.   There is the dominance of the rainy season and the dry season
5.   Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources like agriculture, forest, minerals and human resources
6.   Nigeria has 774 local governments.

Map of Nigeria show the different tribes in the different states

 Assignment 2

1. 1.     Describe the location and position of Nigeria with reference  to her latitudes, longitudes, boundaries and neighbors
2. 2.     Describe Nigeria by size and distances.
3. 3.     Draw the map of Nigeria with the 36 states and capitals on a cardboard paper for submission when school resumes and show the Gulf of Guinea. 
4. 4.     State

-         Your state and your local government

-         Two notable physical features in your local government  

-         State the “abc” alphabet system in your tribe.

-         State two unique traditions of your people.

Note:

1. 1.     Notes should be copied into you not books
2. 2.     Assignment should be done in your note books apart from the map of Nigeria.

 

PHYSICAL SETTING OF NIGERIA

In our last notes we looked at the position, location, size and some facts about Nigeria. Here we will be discussing the physical setting of Nigeria. This will cover the Relief of Nigeria, Drainage of Nigeria, climate of Nigeria vegetation of Nigeria and soils in Nigeria.

RELIEF OF NIGERIA

This refers to the surface features of the land above sea level. Relief of Nigeria can be grouped into two main classes which hare low lands and highlands.

A.     Lowlands in Nigeria: 

They include all places in Nigeria that is 300 meters below sea level. Such places in Nigeria include:

i.                    The Sokoto plains in the north western Nigeria (200m-300m)

ii.                  The Niger-Benue trough/valley (100-300m)

iii.                The Chad basin or Bornu plain (100m – 300m)

iv.                The Niger Delta (0 – 100m).

v.                  The Cross River basin (120-180m)

vi.                The interior coastal lowland of western Nigeria (100 – 300m)

vii.              The Coastal plain (0 – 100m)

Rocks generally associated with low lands are sedimentary rocks such as

i.                    Coastal plains: Sedimentary of alluvial deposits

ii.                  Niger-Benue trough: sedimentary rocks of lime stone, sand stone and shale.

iii.                Sokoto plain: sand, clay sand stone and limestone

iv.                Chad plain: sand and clay

 Importance of low lands

1.      Plains are good for human habitation

2.      Some plains are rich sources of minerals like petroleum.

3.      Plain like depositional plains are very fertile for crop cultivation.

4.      Plains favour communication such as roads, rail ways, airports construction because they are leveled.

5.      In areas with low rain fall plains favour the growth of pasture for animal rearing.

6.      Rivers in plains provide water for drinking and transportation

7.      Rivers in plains (basins) provide jobs e.g. fishing.

Disadvantages of plains

1.      Some plains especially in Delta areas are easily flooded water and thus reduce human activities.

2.      Some plains may pose barrier to communication especially those that are always water logged. They increase cost of development in terms of fly over construction.

B.     Highlands in Nigeria      

It refers to areas over 300m above sea level.

            Areas of highlands in Nigeria:

i.                    The North-Central Highland

Lies in the center of northern Nigeria around Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Jigawa and Plateau state. Jos Plateau (200-1500m) is found in this highland and is a great hydrological center or water shed with radial pattern in which rivers like river Hadeija, Kaduna and Sokoto take their sources. The highest point of Jos plateau or its zenith is Shere Hills (1650m).

ii.                  The Western highlands:

Found in the western part of Nigeria around Ondo, Oyo, Kwara and Osun State.

Important hills in this area include:

(i.)                Idanre hill (highest point) 950m

(ii.)              Apata hill 400 – 700m

(iii.)             Epeme hill (350 – 600m)

Three important rivers in this area include: rivers Ogun, Osun and Osse have their sources from these highlands

iii.                The Eastern Highlands:

Found in the borders between Nigeria and Cameroun. They represent the highest zones in Nigeria. Among them are:

a.       Mandara mountain (1200-1500m)

b.      Biu plateau (800 – 1000m)

c.       Adamawa mountain (1800 – 2400m)

d.      Alantika and Shebshi hilss (1600 – 2000m)

e.       Obudu and Uban hills (1200m)

The area has rivers like Gana, ngoda and Yedseram which flows to lake chad.

iv.                The Eastern Scarpland:

Found in eastern region of Nigeria especially in places like Enugu, and Nsukka. Major highland in this area are: Udi-Nsukka plateau (300 – 600m)

River Anambra, Imo, and Cross River have their sources from this scarpland.

Major rocks types in highland areas

They are composed of basement complex rocks (old rocks of combination of igneous and metamorphic rocks), volcanic rocks and carboniferous sedimentary rocks.

Importance of highlands

1.      They sever as sources of minerals like tin, gold, diamonds which are useful to man.

2.      They aid in the formation of Orographic or relief type of rainfall especially in the windward areas.

3.      They provide pasture which aids transhumance

4.      Some mountains are climatic barriers i.e. a mountain with two sides may have different mountains

5.      They are used for defence in times of war.

6.      The serve as tourist centers.

7.      They are source of rivers and streams.

8.      Used in the construction of hydro-electric power (HEP) especially their steep slope side which aid fast movement of water with great energy and turns turbines which generates electricity.

9.      They serve as wind breakers.

10.  Some highlands serves as site for human habitation e.g. Jos Plateau.

11.  They moderate climates.

12.  They serve as site for erecting communication mast for proper reception.

13.  Some highlands serve as site for growing of some special crops like tea, apple in Mambila plateau.

14.  They serve as source of building materials.

Disadvantages of highlands

1.      They are barrier to communication i.e. they prevent road, rail etc. construction

2.      They prevent human habitation

3.      Mountain promotes soil erosion due to speed of water from steep sloped mountains.

4.      Mountains occupy good lands for agriculture and settlement.

5.      Mountainous soils are poor in nutrients due to erosion and leaching. Makes the soils difficult to work on.

DRAINAGE OF NIGERIA

This refers water bodies in Nigeria like rivers and lakes.

RIVERS IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is drained by two main rivers River Niger and River Benue.

            River Niger is the largest river in Nigeria and has its source from Guinea highlands in Guinea. It passes through Mali and Niger Republic to Nigeria.

            River Benue has its source from the eastern highland in Nigeria known as hydrological centers. The hydrological centers have been covered (eastern highland, north central highland, eastern highland and eastern scarpland).

Characteristics of Nigerian River

1.      Nigerian rivers changes with season

2.      Presence of rapids and cataracts

3.      Presences of debris like dead leaves, mud, wood etc. as they pass through the forest.

4.      Short course and have high speed

5.      Nigerian rivers flow in a specific direction i.e. from the south flow in the north south direction while rivers in the north flow in radial pattern i.e. different direction.

6.      Most Nigerian rivers are shallow full of silt and water seepage into the soil.

7.      Most Nigerian rivers are seasonal i.e. changes with season (rainy season its high and dry season low).

Importance of Nigerian Rivers

1.      it serve as a medium of transportation

2.      it is used for the generation of hydro-electric power (HEP)

3.      It is used for irrigation purpose. i.e. in agriculture.

4.      It is used for domestic activities like washing, drinking, cooking bathing etc.

5.      It is used for industrial activities like cooling of machines etc.

6.      It provides employment for fishermen, canoe and ship builders.

7.      It is a source of sea food for man like fish, prawns, crayfish and crabs etc.

8.      It serves recreation and tourism purposes.

9.      Some rivers are good sites for port construction.

10.  Some rivers aid in the formation of flood plains with alluvial soil which are fertile for agricultural purposes.        

Problems encountered in the utilization of Nigerian Rivers

They include:

1.      Seasonal fluctuation of the water volume

2.      Rapids and falls on the rivers

3.      Growth of water weeds

4.      Narrow channels

5.      River pollution

6.      Inland drainage into lakes

7.      Silting at river mouth

8.      Shallow channels

9.      Shortness of river

RIVER BASIN

This referred to an area generally drained by a river and its tributaries. It is a depressed lowland area collecting water. It is also known as catchment area.

            In Nigeria, there are five major river basins. These are:

i.                    the Niger Basin

ii.                  The Benue basin

iii.                The Chad Basin

iv.                The Cross River Basin

v.                  The South Atlantic Basin

The rivers in this basin are classified into three namely:

a.       Long rivers with large basins e.g. river Benue and Niger. The flow for long distances and into the sea.

b.      Short rivers with small basin. They flow into the sea but are very short e.g. rivers Osun and Ogun.

c.       River in basins of inland drainage. These rivers do not reach the sea but flow into lake Chad e.g. rivers Yobe, Hadeija, Yedseram and Gana.

Importance of river basins       

1.      Good site for settlement

2.      Have suitable lands for agricultural purposes.

3.      It serves as a medium of transportation.

4.      River basins serve as deposits of minerals.

5.      They serve as sites for water supply

6.      They are used for fishing.

LAKES IN NIGERIA

A lake is a body of water surrounded by land. They only receive water but do not flow. The lakes in Nigeria are grouped into:

i.                    Man-made lakes or artificial lakes: these are constructed by man e.g. Kainji lake on river Niger and Shiroro on river Kaduna.

ii.                  Natural lake: this type of lake is not constructed by man e.g. Lake Chad

Lake Chad

Lake Chad is a large water body with no outlet to the sea. It is the largest endorheic basin in Africa. It extends from Chad Republic into the north eastern part of Nigeria. It is fed by rivers Hadeija, Gana, Yobe, Yedseram in Nigeria. Its has however become shallow in the present times compared to what it used to be before. This is because:

a.       The nature of the rivers flowing into the lake: these rivers are five and they are shallow. They are exposed to evaporation in the desert, percolation into the soil etc. this reduces the quantity of water flowing into the lake.

b.       Tapping of some of the river by river Benue: river like river Lagone (outside Nigeria) is tapped by river Benue as such reduces the water it supplies into the lake

c.       Location of the lake in the Sahara desert exposes it to evaporation which causes the lake to reduce

d.       Underground drainage: Lake Chad is experiencing underground seepage to nearby oasis hence causing its shallowness.

Importance of lakes           

i.                    Create employment.

ii.                  Provision of sea food e.g. fish

iii.                Used for irrigation purposes.

iv.                Generation of HEP

v.                  Development of the area.

vi.                Industrial uses

vii.              Tourism

viii.            Domestic uses

This is Lake Chad at different points and its shallowness. (If you are copying the notes leave this out)

CLIMATE OF NIGERIA

Climate is the average weather condition of a place over a long period of time say 35 years. Element of that affect Nigerian climate include:

1.      Temperature:

The temperature across Nigeria is not uniform due to the following:

i.                    It varies from place to place like in the south its 24⁰C while in the north; its high 28⁰C due to is distance from the sea.

ii.                  It varies with altitude: places on high altitude like Jos, Obudu, Adamawa etc have lower temperature of 20⁰C than neighbouring lowlands with temperature of 27⁰C.

iii.                It varies with season: temperature are usually higher during the rainy season in the north but low during the dry season in the south due to influence of hamattan.

iv.                Variation in annual range of temperature in the south it ranges from 2 -3⁰C and in the north its 9⁰C

           

2.      Wind

Referred to as air in motion. There are four types of local wind in Nigeria. These are:

i.                     Tropical maritime air mass (south west trade wind): it’s a trade wind responsible for rainy season in Nigeria. It blows across the Atlantic Ocean towards coast of Nigeria.

ii.                   The tropical continental air mass (north east trade wind): this trade wind is responsible for dry season (the harmattan) in Nigeria.

iii.                  Equatorial Easterlies: blows around the equator from the east. It influences the N.E and S.W trade winds when they meet. They meet on a surface called intertropical front. While the area above this surface where the two air mass meet and mix as a result of the rubbing is called intertropical convergence zone. This zone is not fixed. It can move from the north to south depending on the air mass that is stronger among the two.

     

When the equatorial easterlies cut below the S.W. trade wind the cause torrential rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunder. This is called Line Squall.

when the easterlies cut below the N.E. trade wind they cause a whirling wind carrying dust pieces of paper this is called Dust Devil.

Other types of wind include the land sea breezes which are restricted to coastal areas of Lagos, Warri, Port-Harcourt etc.

3.      Rainfall distribution in Nigeria     

i.                    Rainfall is higher in the south due to its nearness to the sea and the effect of the south west trade wind while its lighter in the north

ii.                  Rainfall decreases from the south (3000mm) towards the north (300mm)

iii.                Highland areas like Jos, Adamawa, etc. receives higher rainfall than the neighboring areas as a result of relief rainfall or orographic rain type.

iv.                Rainfall varies with the season. Rainfall is heavier during the rainy season (March - October) than in dry season (November – February)

  

v.                  In the south, there are two peaks of rainfall (also called double maxima) which are around June/July and September/October while the north has only one peak of rainfall (also called single maxima)

Seasons in Nigeria

There are two:

1.      Wet or Rainy season: occurs between March and November.

Characteristics of wet season

i.                    High temperature north 33⁰C and south 27⁰C

ii.                  Low pressure

iii.                Prevailing wind which is the tropical maritime air mass or the south west trade wind

iv.                Heavy rainfall especially in west Africa southern Nigeria and decreases towards the north

2.      Dry season: occurs from November to February.

Characteristics of Dry season

i.                    Low temperatures in the north because the sun is overhead in the southern hemisphere and higher in the south.

ii.                  High pressure

iii.                Prevailing wind which is the tropical continental rainfall or the north east trade wind.

iv.                Absence of rainfall

v.                  Brings Harmattan which is experienced from December and January. It is cold, dry, dusty and hazy.

Types of climate in Nigeria   

There are four types which are:

1.      Sub-equatorial climate found in the south around Warri, Lagos, Calabar, Port-Harcourt etc. rainfall is over 2500mm per annum and has no month without rainfall temperature range is 2 – 3⁰C

2.      Tropical Hinterland (wet climate) found around forest areas like Ibadan, Ilorin, Akure Oshogbo, Enugu etc. rainfall is about 2000mm – 3000mm per annum. Has 6 – 7 month of rainfall and temperature range of 6⁰C

3.      Tropical continental climate. It is also called the Sudan. Found in Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano, Bornu etc. has rainfall of 500mm – 1000mm per annum dry season is about 4 – 8 months. Experiences little rainfall of about 2 - 3 month

4.      High plateau climate. Found in high land areas like Jos, Adamawa, Obudu etc. has heavy rain fall of about 2000mm and temperature of 21 – 26⁰C

VEGETATION IN NIGERIA

Nigeria’s vegetation can be grouped into three major zones

(a.) Forest Zone or Vegetation

Contains mainly trees and has the following belts

i.                    Mangrove swamp forest (salt and fresh water swamp)

Location: found mainly in delta state, Warri, Port Harcourt etc.

Characteristics

-          Tall woody trees \

-          Has aerial roots

-          Has evergreen trees with broad leaves

-          Trees are raffia palm, white mangrove, red mangrove etc.

Importance

-          Raffia palm is used for making bags, chair, brooms, cane etc.

-          Used for boat building and fire wood

-          Aid swamp rice cultivation.

ii.                  Rain forest

Location: found in southern part of Nigeria like Benin, sapele, Akure, Ibadan etc.

Characteristics

-          Tall trees with buttress roots

-           Trees exist in different height and layers

-          Presence of undergrowth due to canopy of trees

-          Presence of climber and creepers

-          E.g. mahogany, iroko, Obeche, African walnut

Importance

-          It provides tropical hard wood timber for construction

-          Lumbering these trees provides employment

-          Aids farming activities like tree crop plantation e.g. rubber, cocoa and oil palm

-          Provides woods as source of fuel.

(b.) Savanna zone of vegetation further sub-divided into

i.        Guinea savanna

Location found in Enugu, Lokoja, Ilorin, Makurdi, Oshogbo etc

Characteristics

-          Largest of all vegetation belts in Nigeria

-          Tall trees

-          Few scattered trees

-          Presence of gallery forest along river banks

-          Have long tap roots

-          Tree types are oil palm, dum palm, shea butter, isoberlina

ii.      Sudan savanna

Location found in Sokoto, katsina, Kano, Dutse, Bauchi etc.  

Characteristics

-          Short numerous trees

-          Presence of scattered deciduous trees  

-          Tree types are acasia, date, palm, silk, cotton, plant, baobab

-          Some trees wither in dry season and sprout in wet season.

iii.    Sahel savanna

Location found in Maiduguri, Damaturu etc. 

Characteristics

-          Presence of Short and tough shrubs

-          Has short scanty grasses

-          Has few poor patches of grasses

-          Has many drought resistance scattered grass

-          Popular plants are acasia, gum Arabic, date and baobab.

(c.)  Montane vegetation found in highland areas

Location: found in Jos and Adamawa

Characteristics

-          Associated with highland areas

-           Has varied trees at windward side

-          Has grasses at the leeward side

-          Presence of short scattered grass.

Importance

-          Livestock production especially transhumance is common

-          Cultivation of crops takes place.

Importance or contribution of forest vegetation to the economic growth of Nigeria   

i.                    Provision of food like yam, cassava, oil etc.

ii.                  Provision of timber like iroko, obeche

iii.                For foreign exchange

iv.                Creates employment

v.                  Provides raw materials for industries.

vi.                Provision of fuels wood tourism and wild life

Problems associated with forest exploitation

i.                    Soil erosion

ii.                  Depletion of natural products

iii.                High cost of exploitation

iv.                Soil leaching

v.                  Flooding

vi.                Disappearance of wildlife

vii.              Transportation problems

Solutions

i.                    Forest guards should be employed

ii.                  Roads should be constructed into forest areas

iii.                Afforestation policy should be enforced

iv.                Re-afforestation should be practices

v.                  Bush fallowing should be discourages   

vi.                Bush burning should be discouraged

Assignment

1.      (a)        With the aid of a sketched map identify the major highlands in Nigeria

(b)        Describe the river/drainage of Nigeria

2.      Describe the climatic variations of Nigeria and the impacts on agriculture in Nigeria

3.      Using a map locate and explain the vegetation belts of Nigeria 

4.      Explain the importance and limitations of Nigeria’s physical setting.

POPULATION OF NIGERIA

Population is defined as the number of people living in an area at a particular time. Nigeria is the most populous country in Tropical Africa. As at 2006 the population of Nigeria was 140,003,542 people. This figure is distributed among the 36 states of Nigeria.

Population concepts

1.       Over population:  this is a situation where by the population of a place is considered too large than the available resources.

2.       Under population: this is a situation whereby the population of a place is considered too small or less than the available resources.

3.       Optimum population: this is a situation where by the population of a place is supported by the available resources of the populations is equal to the available resources.

4.       Population Density: this is the number of persons per unite area of land

-          Population density  

-          Total population  

-          Land area

Example: calculate the population density of Nigeria, having a total population of 140,003,542 with a land area of 923,768 sq km.

Solution:                                                                                                                                 

Firstly, get total population = 140,003,542

Secondly,  get the total land area in sq km = 923,768 sqkm

Thirdly, then calculate population density    

Population Distribution in Nigeria

The population of Nigeria is not evenly distributed. There are areas with high, moderate, and low population density. This is shown in the map below:

Population distribution in Nigeria

Areas of high population densities in Nigeria

A.      Areas  of high population in Nigeria (above 96 person per kilometer)

a.       The Yoruba land of the South –West which include Lagos, Ibadan, Akure, and Abeokuta

b.      The Hausa land in North-Central which includes Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Sokoto.

c.       The Igbo land in South-East which includes: Enugu, Onitsha, Owerri, Aba and Ebonyi.

 Reasons of High Population Density in these areas  

1.       Favourable climate that ensures food production and human habitation.  

2.       Fertile soil to favour agricultural production.

3.       Natural attachment/historical factors e.g. growth of Kano and Oyo empire.

4.       Administrative headquarters of some towns like Lagos, Enugu, Ibadan, and Kano attracts people.

5.       Employment opportunity or availability of job in these areas attracts people.

6.       Presence of minerals.

7.       Presence of industries to provide jobs for people.

8.       Presence of social amenities and infrastructure.

9.       Commercial activities like trade in markets and business transactions pulled people to these areas.

Advantages of high population densities in these areas

i.                     Provision of large labour

ii.                   Provision of large market for sale of produced goods

iii.                  Effective planning for proper functioning of towns

iv.                 Togetherness which enhances the unity of the country from diverse people brought together.

v.                   Quick information dissemination.

vi.                 Defence from organized army action in such areas

Disadvantages of high population densities in these areas   

i.                     It creates pressure on available natural resources

ii.                   It leads to increase in crime wave.

iii.                  Leads to insufficiency in food.

iv.                 Creates unemployment/underemployment

v.                   Inadequate housing  in terms of poor accommodation

vi.                 Leads to traffic congestion due to plenty persons using the roads at the same time.

vii.                Leads to environmental pollution

viii.              Pressure of social amenities

ix.                 Inadequate health service.

x.                   Development of slums and ghettos

B.      Areas of moderate Population in Nigeria

These areas includes Benin City, Ilorin, Kaduna, Calabar, Bauchi, Dutse, Uyo and Owerri

   

C.      Areas  of low population in Nigeria (below 96 persons per kilometer)

a.       The middle belt of Nigeria comprising Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Abuja areas

b.      The Niger Delta areas e.g. Rivers State  

c.       the extreme North -East of Bornu and Yobe State

Reasons of low Population Density in these areas 

i.                    The rugged relief (highland) in these areas leads to low population

ii.                  Drainages in the middle belt lies in the Niger-Benue valley and Delta areas which makes settlement difficult

iii.                Unfavourable climate with high temperature and low rainfall especially in Bornu and Yobe State discourages  population concentration

iv.                 Poor soils like that of Bornu and Yobe to support farming activities

v.                   Historical factors like the trans-Sahara slave trade depopulated these areas.

vi.                 Presence of some insects like tse-tse flies causing sleeping sickness, black flies causing night blindness discourages people from concentrating in these areas.

vii.               Inaccessibility of these areas to road, railways etc.

viii.             Low income activities such as low commercial activities like markets and trades, basic social amenities, etc.

  

Advantages of low population densities in these areas

i.                    There will abundant resources

ii.                  Low crime rate

iii.                Adequate planning

iv.                 Regular flow of traffic

v.                   High per-capital income

vi.                 High standard of living as agricultural produce and goods will be available and cheap due to low population.

vii.               Low pressure on social amenities

Disadvantages of low population in these areas

i.                     Inadequate labour force

ii.                   Under-utilization of infrastructure

iii.                  Deterioration of infrastructure.

iv.                 Disincentives to government feeling of government in terms of the need to invest in areas of low population.

v.                   Low production out put

vi.                 Wastage of output   

POPULATION QUALITY

Refers to the average potential capability and potential work capacity of members of a given population.

Factors responsible for quality of a given population

i.                     Quality of education

ii.                   Large number of working population. This will contribute meaningfully to ensure productivity

iii.                  Absence of sickness and diseases e.g. HIV/AIDS

iv.                 High standard of living

v.                   Presence of basic infrastructure such as electricity, pipe-borne water and good roads.

Population Movement (Migration)

Migration

This is defined as the movement of people from one geographical area to another involving permanent or temporal residence or settlement. In migration, the region where people are leaving is called the source region while the region they are going to is called the receiving or destination region.

Types of migration

i.                     Emigration: here people leave their own country into another country

ii.                   Immigration: here people go into another country.

Forms of migration

i.                     Rural -urban migration: people leaving the rural areas like the village to urban centers

ii.                   Rural- rural migration: people leaving one village to another village

iii.                  Urban-urban: people leaving one town to another

iv.                 International migration: the movement of people from one country to another.

v.                   Seasonal migration: the movement of people from one place to another at a particular season e.g. summer holidays

Factor affecting migration

i.                     Natural disaster causes people to migrate

ii.                   The physical condition like climate, soil relief etc. influence the choice of people leaving a place to another or stay.

iii.                  Fear of Insecurity arising from war, political instability etc.

iv.                 Difference in economic opportunities

v.                   Change in status e.g. high leveled educated people would want to stay in the cities so they migrate to the city

vi.                 Difference in social amenities

Advantages of migration

i.                     It reduces the population pressure on agricultural lands at the source region

ii.                   It reduces population pressure on social amenities at the source region.

iii.                  It supplies migrant labour at the receiving region

iv.                 It ensures the flow of capital to the receiving region

v.                   It leads to the development of social amenities at the receiving region

vi.                 It boosts market at the receiving region

vii.                It promotes cultural integration, such as inter-marriage at the receiving region

Disadvantages of migration

i.                     It breeds social vices like crime and armed robbery at the receiving region.

ii.                   It increase high cost of living at the receiving region

iii.                  It leads to pressure on social amenities at the receiving region

iv.                 It leads to loss of able bodied men and youth at the source region.

v.                   It leads to congestion in housing and transportation at the receiving region

vi.                 It leads to decline in production at the sources region

vii.                It leads to unemployment at the receiving region

viii.              It leads to cultural disintegration at the receiving region

Solution to rural-urban migration

                The major form of migration in Nigeria and other developing countries is the rural-urban migration this creates lots of problems as discussed in the disadvantages above and the solutions are thus presented below:

i.                     Provision of social amenities

ii.                   Transformation of traditional agriculture to modern agriculture to farming interesting to the youths

iii.                  Establishment of industries, business, projects etc. that will absorb the rural working population and reverse labour movement.

iv.                 Establishment of educational institutions  

v.                   Establishment of cooperate branches such as government department, business firms and financial institutions like banks etc.

vi.                 Provision of recreation facilities like cinemas, swimming pools, amusement parks etc. as it will make life interesting to live in the rural area to the youth and thus reduce rural urban migration.

      Advantages of rural –urban migration

i.                     It helps urban growth

ii.                   It creates labour for factories and industries

iii.                  It enhances commercial activities

iv.                 It promotes infrastructural development in the urban areas.

v.                   It decreases pressure on agricultural lands

vi.                 It creates opportunity for better standard of living

vii.                It challenges the government to develop the rural areas.

Effect of rural-urban migration

i.                     Unemployment/underemployment

ii.                   Housing problems

iii.                  Traffic congestion

iv.                 Environmental deterioration

v.                   Increase in crime rate

vi.                 Shortage of food in urban areas

vii.                Development of slums and ghettos

viii.              Increase in government expenditure

POPULATION DATA

Population data is also called population statistics. It is the use of statistics to analyze characteristics of change to a population. This is related to social demography. National population statistics are usually collected by conducting a population census.

Population Census: this is the official head count of the people in a country. In other words it refers to the head count of all nationals of a country of all the children, boys, girls, men and women including the disabled, by the government in a country at a given period of time. Census is usually taken every ten years. Population census provides information about sex, age, occupation, residence etc.

Importance or reason for conducting census

i.                    To determine the population size and structure of a country

ii.                  For revenue estimation of a country i.e. to know the taxable adults in the country so as to expect how much a country can get.

iii.                It is needed by a country so as to forecast future economic needs such as housing, and food etc.  

iv.                 To determine the standard of living through per-capital income

v.                   Aids in the formulation of economic policies, revenue sharing formula etc.

vi.                 To determine the number of migrants in a country

vii.               Helps the government in the distribution of resources e.g. places of high population like Kano and Lagos gets more of those resources

viii.             It gives the government idea of the type social amenities to provide to its people at different part of the country

ix.                 It helps in the determination of the population density of a country

x.                   It reveals the level of manpower of a country

xi.                 It help the country in aid giving in the country

xii.               It helps the government of other investors in investment decision making

xiii.             Helps in the allocation of parliamentary seats at the federal level.

       

Uses of population data

                Population statistics may be used for the following reasons

a.       Birth rate

b.      Death rate

c.       Migration

d.      Level of education

e.      Age distribution of a population

f.        Occupation distribution

g.       Population density determination

h.      Sex or gender distribution

i.         Geographical distribution

Mathematical approach to population studies

This is a very important part or aspect in population studies and all students must know it. Here is how to go about calculations in population:

1.       Identify what you want to look for or calculate

2.       Locate the appropriate formula from the list of population formula that you are given

3.       Get the necessary requirements of the formula chosen

4.       Apply the calculations as the formula demands

List of population formulae

a.       Population density  

b.      Total population 

c.       Land area

d.      Total population = number of all females + number of all males

e.     

f.         i.e. net migration is the difference between the number of immigrant and emigrant

g.      

h.     

i.        

Example:

Use the information in the table below to answer the following question

Population in a country in 1980 and 1996

Items	1980	1996
No. of birth in millions No. of death in millions No. of immigrants in millions No. of emigrant in millions Total population in millions	- - - - 56	48 12 10   4 98

Calculate

(a.)  The natural increase of the population in 1996

(b.) Determine the net migration within the period

(c.)  The rate of growth of the population in 1996

(d.) What is the percentage increase in the population of the country from 1980 to 1996

Solution

Step 1: all that I will look for is what I have been asked to calculate which are contained in question a- d

Step2: from the list of formulae am going to use formulae   g, e, f, and h

Step3:

-          Natural increase of population in 1996 = birth rate – death rate

= 48million – 12 million

= 36 million

-          Net migration with in same period i.e. 1996 = immigrant – emigrant

  = 10 million – 4 million

= 6 million

-          Rate of population growth R in 1996 = birth rate – death rate + Net migrate

No. of birth = 48 million

No. of death = 12 million

Net migration = (immigrants – emigrants)

(48 – 12) + (10 – 4)

= 36 + 6

= 42 million

-          Population of the country in 1996

1980 population + net migration + (number of death – number of death)

        = 56 million + 6 million (48 million – 12 million) = 62 million + 36 million

                                = 98 million

-          Percentage increase from 1980 to 1996

WAYS OF CHECKING POPULATION GROWTH

The following are some ways of checking the problems of over-population in a country

1.       Through family planning or birth control measure

2.       Increase in food supply through modernization or mechanization of farming system i.e. fertilizer application, improved seeds to boost agricultural production

3.       Discourage early marriages

4.       Encourage monogamy

5.       Limiting the size of towns to avoid traffic congestions and over-crowding through careful planning.

6.       Legalization of abortion of unwanted pregnancies.

7.       Provision of gainful employment for women.

8.       Stiffening immigration laws to make it difficult for people to migrate to other areas already over-populated

9.       Se and mass education

10.   Encouragement of emigration.  

ASSIGNMENT

1.       Explain the increase in the population of Nigeria.

2.       Account for the structure and distribution pattern of Nigeria’s population.

3.       Describe the influence of HIV/AIDS on Nigeria’s population quality.

4.       Explain population movement patterns and associated problems.

5.       Describe population data and its source.

6.       Suggest 5 ways of checking Nigeria’s population.

7.       The data in the table below shows a hypothetical age distribution of the population of a town in Nigeria.

Sex	Age in years 10 and below	11 – 14	15 – 35	36 – 64	65 and above
Male	1350	2275	1135	Y	3250
Female	2650	2725	1365	4265	Z
Total	4000	X	2500	7500	6000

Calculate

a.       X, Y, Z

b.      The total population of the town

c.       The difference between the population of male and female aged 14 and below

d.      The percentage of the population aged 14 and below

e.      The dependency ratio in the town