Physical Features
The Chad Basin in the north eastern extreme corner of Nigeria is basically a flat plain at an elevation of about 300m above sea level. Sand dunes are common in several places on the basin. Lake Chad is the only inland lake in Nigeria, and four major rivers, namely, Yedseram, Yobe, Hadeija, and Komadugu, drain into it.
The Chad basin experiences extreme climatic conditions compared to the rest of the country. The region experiences the hottest and coldest weather conditions and it has the longest period of harmattan and dry season in Nigeria. The vegetation is very scanty, as stunted grass and shrubs dominate. There is barely any vegetation except along river valleys in many parts.
People and Population
The Kanuri are the major ethnic group. The minor ones include the Hausa, the Fulani, and the Shuwa or Shuwa Arabs. The population density of the area is extremely low being generally below 50 persons per sq km. In some places the population density is as low as 20 persons per sq km. The settlements are small and scattered and the settlement pattern is dispersed. Apart from Maiduguri the State capital of Borno State, there is barely any big urban centre in this region.
Resources and Economic Activities
Farming is the primary economic activity in this region, although rainfall is a serious limiting factor. Intensive farming is carried out along the major river flood plain. Crops, such as cotton, groundnut, rice, and maize are grown during the short rainy season but not on any commercial scale. Furthermore, large-scale cultivation of wheat and other crops under irrigation farming is practised on the heavy clay plains along the shores of Lake Chad bytheChad Basin Development Authority. Livestock farming is an important economic activity in the area. The Shuwa Arabs are animal rearers and they practise pastoral nomadism. Some Shuwas practise mixed farming, combining animal rearing with the cultivation of arable crops. The Chad basin is the main source of gum Arabic exported from Nigeria.
Fishing on the Lake Chad is a very important occupation in the area. Unfortunately, although the lake has no visible outlet, it is steadily decreasing in size because of incessant drought in the region and excessive evaporation and underground seepage of water from the lake. Climate change and the rapidly dwindling area of the Lake Chad are serious threats to the livelihoods of the people in all the countries surrounding the lake. Apart from loss of fishing, other economic activities are affected in some ways. For example, there is less water for human consumption, for crop irrigation and for both livestock and wildlife watering; and the value of the lake for transportation is also seriously being undermined. A number of settlements have literally disappeared as the inhabitants moved away as the lake waters receded. Mineral resources such as, salt and potash are found in the Lake Chad area. There is also speculation that petroleum has been discovered within the flood plains of the lake. Maiduguri has the monopoly of the few industries in the area. Most of these industries are involved in the processing of agricultural products, for example, flour and vegetable oil mills.
Transport
The development of transportation systems is very low. Maiduguri being the main urban settlement in this region is linked by modern roads, rail and air to other parts of the country. However, the dispersed and scattered nature of settlements in the Chad basin has made road development difficult and expensive. Camels, donkeys and horses are used extensively as means of transportation, especially in rural areas.
Problems of Development
- The area records very hot weather during the dry season when the daily temperature could be as high as 40°C.
- There is scarcity of water in this region; and the rainy season is usually too short for extensive agricultural production.
- Winds in the area are violent and dust storms are common.
- Desertification is a big problem in the areas, as the desert continues to encroach southwards, and Lake Chad continues to lose water and decrease in area.
- The area is prone to incessant drought, late and variable rainfall from year to year.
- The remoteness of the Chad Basin, being the farthest region from the southern market centres and sea ports, is a major problem.
- The region is very extensive and the scattered nature of settlements in the area makes communication difficult.
- The hot semi arid environment facilitates the breeding of flies, which occur in swarms. These flies are a big irritation to the population. Locusts commonly invade the region from year to year.
- The region also frequently suffers from invasions of birds e.g. quela birds (Quelea quelea). The birds destroy growing crops, especially, grains.
