FEDERAL UNIVERSITY DUTSIN-MA

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND DEVELOPMENTAL

STUDIES
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
PROJECT EVALUATION
ECO 461

QUESTION: WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CROPS AND ANIMALS

REARED IN ABUJA, ITS HISTORICAL BACKGROUND,
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS AND POPULATION
CHARACTERISTICS
GROUP PARTICIPANTS
NAME MATRIC NŌ
Blessing C. Ishiohia Soc/2019/9631
Godwin S. Thankgod Soc/2019/7819
Fatima Mukhtar Ado Soc/2019/12454
Saminu Adamu Soc/2020/13670
Suleiman H. Abdullahi Soc/2020/14074
INTRODUCTION
Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and is located in the center of the country. Agriculture is an
important sector in the city's economy, with a focus on crops and livestock that are well-suited
to the area's climate and soil conditions. In this response, we will provide a brief overview of
the major crops and animals reared in Abuja.

Major crops include;

1. Maize: Maize is one of the major crops cultivated in Abuja. It is a staple food for many
Nigerians, and it is used for making various food products such as pap, cornmeal, and
cornflakes.
2. Cassava: Cassava is another important crop grown in Abuja. It is used in making garri,
a popular food item in Nigeria. Cassava is also used in making flour and as a source of
animal feed.
3. Yam: Yam is a popular crop grown in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria. It is used in
making various food items such as pounded yam, yam chips, and yam flour.
4. Rice: Rice is an essential crop in Nigeria and is cultivated in Abuja. It is a staple food
in many Nigerian households and is used in making various local dishes such as jollof
rice, fried rice, and rice and beans.
5. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are grown in Abuja and are an essential ingredient in many
Nigerian dishes. They are also used in making tomato paste and ketchup.
6. Vegetables: There are several types of vegetables grown in Abuja, including spinach,
cabbage, lettuce, and green beans. These vegetables are used in making various dishes
and salads.

Major livestock reared in Abuja includes;

1. Cattle: Cattle rearing is a significant agricultural activity in Abuja. Cows are reared for
their milk, meat, and hides.
2. Poultry: Poultry farming is a popular activity in Abuja. Chickens, turkeys, and ducks
are reared for their meat and eggs.
3. Goats: Goats are reared for their meat, milk, and hides. They are an essential part of the
local diet and are used in various traditional dishes.
 4. Sheep: Sheep are reared for their meat and wool. They are an essential source of income
for many farmers in Abuja.
5. Fish: Fish farming is an important activity in Abuja, and various types of fish are reared
in ponds and tanks. Tilapia and catfish are some of the most common fish reared in
Abuja.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Abuja is not a state, it is the capital city of Nigeria. It became the capital of Nigeria in 1991,
when it replaced Lagos as the capital of the country. Prior to that, Lagos had been the capital
since Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960. The decision to move the capital to
Abuja was made in the 1970s, as part of a plan to create a new capital that would be more
centrally located in Nigeria and less vulnerable to attacks.
The site for Abuja was chosen for its central location, good climate, and the availability of land
for development. Construction of the city began in the 1980s, and it was officially declared the
capital of Nigeria on December 12, 1991. The city was designed to be a modern, well-planned
city, with wide roads, green spaces, and modern infrastructure.
Abuja has since grown into a major city in Nigeria, with a population of over 3 million people.
It is home to many government institutions, including the National Assembly, the Supreme
Court, and the Presidential Villa. The city has also become a hub for business and commerce,
with many multinational companies having their headquarters in the city.

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and is located in the center of the country. The city has a
tropical savanna climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: a dry season that runs from
November to March, and a rainy season that runs from April to October.
During the dry season, Abuja experiences hot and dusty conditions, with temperatures
averaging around 32°C (90°F) during the day and dropping to 16°C (61°F) at night. Humidity
levels are generally low during this time, which can make the heat feel more bearable.
The rainy season in Abuja is characterized by high humidity levels and frequent thunderstorms.
Temperatures during this time tend to be slightly cooler, with daytime highs averaging around
28°C (82°F) and nighttime lows around 20°C (68°F). Heavy rainfall can sometimes lead to
flooding in low-lying areas.
Overall, Abuja has a fairly consistent climate throughout the year, with temperatures rarely
dropping below 10°C (50°F) or rising above 35°C (95°F).
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
Abuja is a cosmopolitan city with a population of over 3 million people according to the 2006
census. The population is made up of people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
It is the traditional home of the Gbagyi people, who make up a significant portion of the
indigenous population. The Gbagyi people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their
agricultural practices, music, and dance. Other indigenous groups in Abuja include the
Gwandara, Koro, Bassa, and Egbura.
As the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja is home to many expatriates who work for international
organizations, embassies, and multinational companies. Expatriates come from different parts
of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. They tend to live in the more affluent
areas of the city and have access to modern amenities.
The official language of Nigeria is English, and it is widely spoken in Abuja. However, various
indigenous languages are also spoken, including Gbagyi, Hausa, Fulfulde, and Yoruba. In the
case of Religion, Due to its diverse nature, it is home to several religions with Christianity and
Islam being the two dominant religions. Other minority religions include traditional African
religions, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Abuja has a high literacy rate, with a significant portion
of the population having at least a secondary school education. The city is home to several
reputable universities and tertiary institutions.

REFERENCES
1. The World Bank. (2021). Abuja, Nigeria. Retrieved from
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/PA.NUS.FCRF?locations=NG
2. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2021). Cassava production
in Nigeria. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC/visualize
3. Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission. (2021). Abuja, Nigeria. Retrieved from
https://nipc.gov.ng/investment-opportunities/abuja-nigeria/