Is african land fertile and good for farming?

Question

does the weather/ climate prevent good farming accross sub-saharan africa?

Answer 1

Sub-Saharan land in Africa is very good for farming for the most part.  They have a rainy season and a dry season. Crops grow well during the rainy season.  They would grow crops year around if irrigation was available for the dry season.  What prevents the farming to be much more than sustenance is the lack of almost any inputs, such as improved seeds and fertilizers.  They have almost no machinery such as tractors, plows, planters, etc. Farming is mostly by hand, and in a large part done by the women. They lack the machinery to clear the land.  Fertilizers are controlled by the government is almost unavailable to the small farmers.  They have very little transportation and roads fit to take their crops to market.  The main method of agriculture is still slash and burn for a source of fertility and weed control.

Answer 2

yes it is but remember soil differs in characteristics. Both in space and time. africa's soils differ even in the same field of just an acre. This means, soil suitabilities and capability assesments should be carried out for the crops u want to grow. The weather does a great role in farming but this as well can be manipulated for better results. crops have different climatic requirements. so then try to find which crops are good for a given environment.

Answer 3

land is fertile and does not need fertilizers. But land management is so poor they can not feed their own population. Look at the starvation in afrika.

Answer 4

Yes, hot weather and the droughts means only catci and shrubs can grow.