What is the main reason why farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa use the slash-and-burn method?

Question

A) They want to clear land for building houses. explain why you picked that answer
B) They need to make the soil fertile for growing crops.
C) They enjoy burning trees and watching the flames.
D) They want to get rid of pests and insects in the soil.

Answer 1

The main reason why farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa use the slash-and-burn method is B) They need to make the soil fertile for growing crops.

I picked this answer because the slash-and-burn technique is primarily employed as a means to clear land and enhance soil fertility. By cutting down vegetation and burning it, nutrients from the burnt biomass are released into the soil, which can lead to improved fertility and better crop yields. This method is particularly important in areas where soil fertility is low and where traditional farming techniques might not suffice to sustain agricultural productivity. Additionally, the cleared land allows farmers to cultivate crops in an otherwise undeveloped area. The other options do not reflect the primary agricultural goals and practices of the farmers involved in slash-and-burn agriculture.