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
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