Prospects of agricultural production in drought-prone Sahel and Sudan savanna environment, with special focus on Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Prospects of agricultural production in drought-prone Sahel and Sudan savanna environment, with special focus on Nigeria
Author:	Odo, P.E.
Year:	1991
Periodical:	Annals of Borno
Volume:	8-9
Pages:	192-205
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Nigeria Northern Nigeria
Subjects:	savannas agriculture
Abstract:	This paper focuses on climatic, agronomic and demographic pressures which have worked against the fragile semiarid and drought-prone environment of the Sahel and Sudan savanna regions of Africa, specifically northern Nigeria, thereby increasing the scale and speed of environmental destabilization. Major limiting factors for agricultural production are rainfall, soils, and pests and diseases. Both improved cultural methods and the selection of well-adapted varieties and breeds should be employed to remove or lessen some of the problems militating against crop and livestock production. The key to the improvement of arable crops in drought-prone environments is plant breeding. Greater farm output could be achieved by encouraging the use of animal power with appropriate elements, ensuring proper timing of farm operations, improving soil fertility and intercropping systems, and promoting proper livestock management. Bibliogr., sum.