Correct Option: A. Clearing his land for planting
Detailed Explanation:
- Understanding the Climate and Seasons:
- The Sudan savannah region of Nigeria experiences a distinct wet and dry season. The wet season typically begins around May and lasts until October, while the dry season runs from November to April.
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June falls within the wet season, which is crucial for agricultural activities.
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Agricultural Practices:
- In the Sudan savannah, farmers often prepare their land for planting at the onset of the rainy season. This preparation includes clearing the land of weeds, debris, and any previous crops to make way for new planting.
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The timing of land clearing is essential because it allows farmers to take advantage of the rains that begin in May and continue into June. This is when the soil is most conducive to planting.
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Why Option A is Correct:
- In June, farmers are typically engaged in clearing their land to prepare for planting their main crops, which usually occur shortly after the rains begin. This preparation is vital to ensure that the soil is ready to receive seeds and that the crops can benefit from the moisture provided by the rains.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
- Option B: Planting his main cash crop:
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While planting does occur during the wet season, the actual planting of crops in the Sudan savannah often starts in late June or early July, after the land has been cleared and prepared. Therefore, in June, farmers are more likely to be clearing land rather than planting.
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Option C: Harvesting his main cash crop:
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Harvesting typically occurs at the end of the growing season, which in the Sudan savannah would be around October to November. By June, the crops are not yet mature enough to be harvested, making this option incorrect.
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Option D: Resting because he has less to do:
- This option is misleading. While there may be periods of less intensive work, June is a busy time for farmers as they prepare their land for the upcoming planting season. Therefore, it is unlikely that farmers would be resting during this critical time.
Summary of Key Points:
- The Sudan savannah has a wet season from May to October, which is crucial for agriculture.
- June is primarily a time for land preparation, including clearing and tilling.
- Planting usually occurs later in the wet season, around late June or early July.
- Harvesting happens much later in the year, around October to November.
This understanding of the agricultural calendar in the Sudan savannah is essential for recognizing the correct activities of farmers during different months.