HKDSE Geography/M5/Farming Inputs in the Sahel

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Physical Inputs[edit | edit source]

Factor Characteristics
Climate
Sunlight/Insolation Abundant
Temperature High, AMT 28 C
Annual range of temperature Small, 15 C
Wind Serious
Relative humidity Low
Rainfall Scanty (around 250-500 mm on average) and variable; much seasonal variation
Soil
Soil fertility Low
Soil acidity Alkaline
Soil texture Highly coarse, porous and permeable
Soil moisture content Very low
Relief
Altitude Low
Aspect /
Slope gradient Gentle
Drainage
Rivers Very few; only drained by River Niger and River Nile

Pastureland is limited since the carry capacity of the land is low.

Note on climate[edit | edit source]

  • The Sahel has a semi-arid climate.
  • Affected by high-pressure belts (subtropical highs), they face sinking air. The air diverges to form offshore winds. There is thus a loss of moisture. High pressure leads to a lack of uprising air and thus scanty rainfall.
  • As it is an inland location, it lacks the mediating effect of seawater, so it is very hot in summer. Intense solar radiation creates a high evaporation rate, which reduce soil moisture, hindering crop growth.

Cultural Inputs[edit | edit source]

Factor Description
Infrastructure and amenities Poor
Technology level Primitive
Labour input Low
Education level Low
Transport networks Poor
Market Nil (Subsistence farming)
Capital Very little
Government support Limited