Q:1. How many independent countries exist in Africa? What was Africa originally referred to as?

Ans: Africa, the second largest continent after Asia, is home to over thirty-five independent countries. It was previously known as the “Dark Continent.” While its northern regions had connections with Europe and Asia for centuries, knowledge about other parts was limited until the mid-19th century.

Q:2.What is the location of Nigeria?

Ans: Nigeria is situated in West Africa and holds the distinction of being the most densely populated among all African countries. It also claims the title of the largest country in West Africa.

Q:3. Can you describe Nigeria’s characteristics? OR Provide a concise overview of Nigeria.

Ans: Nigeria primarily serves as an agricultural nation and holds the status of being the largest country in West Africa. It boasts the highest population density among African countries. The majority of its inhabitants are farmers residing in villages. A significant portion of Nigeria is blanketed by a thick forest, transitioning into bushland in the northern areas. This bush area comprises scattered trees with robust undergrowth in the form of dense shrubs and grass.

Q:4. What comprises the bush area?

Ans: A substantial part of Nigeria is covered by a dense forest that gradually transitions into bushland. The bush area is characterized by scattered trees intertwined with dense undergrowth in the shape of thick bushes and grass.

Q:5. Where is the primary residence of most Nigerian farmers?

Ans: The majority of Nigerian individuals are farmers who dwell in villages or farming settlements scattered throughout the bushland. Here, they cultivate the land, constructing huts to serve as their homes. These Nigerian villages consist of anywhere from a dozen to about three dozen huts.

Q:6. What materials are used for the roofs of farmers’ huts?

Ans: Farmers’ huts are roofed with thatching, which involves layering straw, grass, reeds, or palm leaves. These huts come in various shapes, including circular, square, or rectangular. An entrance is left open on the side facing the sun.

Q:7. What serves as the central focal point of activities?

Ans: The central hub of all activities is the courtyard within the house. Women manage various tasks like cooking and washing, while children engage in play. Rooms are exclusively used for resting purposes.

Q:8. Could you identify their food crops?

Ans: Food crops are crops that are suitable for consumption. Nigeria’s principal food crops encompass plantains, potatoes, yams, groundnuts, and peppers.

Q:9. What are considered as their commercial crops?

Ans: Crops intended for export to other countries are termed cash crops, and among Nigeria’s most crucial cash crops are palm oil and cocoa. These products constitute the major exports from Nigeria.

Q.10: Who takes care of the food crops?

Ans. Food crops are generally tended to by women.

Q.11: Who is responsible for looking after the cash crops?

Ans. Men are responsible for tending to the cash crops.

Q.12: What is produced from cocoa beans?

Ans. Cocoa beans, obtained from the fruit of the cocoa tree, are ground into powder, which is then used to make chocolate.

Q.13: What is harvested from palm trees?

Ans. Palm trees yield palm oil, which, after being processed chemically, is obtained in its pure form and stored in drums.

Q.14: Why was Africa once referred to as the “Dark Continent”?

Ans. The term “Dark Continent” was used for Africa because much of its civilizations and the way of life of its people were not widely known. The continent appeared less developed due to its traditional lifestyle and outdated characteristics.

Q.15: What information do you have about villages in Nigeria?

Ans. Nigerian villages can consist of anywhere from a dozen to about three dozen huts. These farmers’ settlements or villages are spread throughout the bush where farming takes place. These African villages are gradually adopting modern amenities such as transportation and communication.

Q.16: How does the life of a Nigerian farmer differ from that of a Pakistani farmer? OR Describe the characteristics of Nigerian villages compared to our villages?

Ans. The lives of Nigerian farmers differ from Pakistani farmers in various ways. Their agricultural practices and daily routines vary. Nigerian villages typically include huts, and their settlements are located within bush areas for farming. These villages are experiencing the introduction of modern transportation and communication facilities.

Q.17: What prevents Nigerian farmers from raising cattle? OR Why is it not possible for Nigerian farmers to rear cattle? OR Can you explain the situation with Nigerian farmers and cattle? OR Tell me about the African fly.

Ans. Nigerian farmers are unable to rear cattle due to the presence of a dangerous fly known as the Tse-Tse fly. This fly’s sting is lethal to cattle, and it also causes a disease called sleeping sickness in humans, which can be fatal.

Q.18: How do the residents of Nigeria protect themselves? OR Why do bush-dwellers use wood for lighting and heating? OR How do people in remote areas safeguard themselves? OR Explain the practice of using wood for lighting and heating among bush-dwellers.

Ans. In regions where electricity hasn’t reached, such as remote villages, bush-dwellers continue to rely on wood for lighting and heating. They create a substantial woodpile in the central courtyard, which not only provides illumination but also offers protection against cold temperatures, mosquitoes, and wild animals.