Origin

Traced back to Green Sahara period (12000-5000 years ago).

Geographical Spread

Found across a vast region from Atlantic Africa to Lake Chad.

Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Niger

Population

40 million

Language

Fula, a language classified under Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo family.

Social structures

ü  Makiyaya – Nomadic cattle herders.

ü  Fulanin Soro – Town-dwelling

ü  Bararo – Forest dwellers

·         Polygamy is widely practiced.

·         Marriage is widely celebrated with elaborate rituals.

Role of women

Known for their weaving, craftsmanship, and elaborate hairstyles adorned with beads and cowrie shells.

Location

Nigeria Cameroon Niger Chad

Type

Endorheic Lake

Water sources

Logone, Chari, and Komadougou rivers

National parks

Chad Basin National Park (Nigeria), Waza National Park (Cameroon)

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Lake Chad:

1. It is an endorheic lake that spans multiple countries in Africa.

2. It is primarily fed by the Nile River.

3. The lake is rapidly shrinking due to climate change and overuse.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct

Lake Chad is an endorheic lake, meaning it does not drain into an ocean, and it spans Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Statement 2 is incorrect

It is primarily fed by the Logone, Chari, and Komadougou rivers, not the Nile.

Statement 3 is correct

The lake is rapidly shrinking due to climate change, desertification, and excessive water use.