HKDSE Geography/M5/Farming Inputs in the Sahel

Physical Inputs 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 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 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