Regional geography (With relevant examples)
Explanation:
Regional geography can simply be described as the description and characteristics of places on the earth surface. Nigeria as a country is located on the continent of Africa, blessed with abundant resources( oil, tin, Coal among others), Vegetation, Landforms (Rocks, valley, Hills), Rivers (River Benue and river Niger). All this are located in different regions (parts) of the country forming part of the uniqueness of each region or area. The distinctiveness of this areas (regions) shapes the inhabitants way of life that resides there which in turn shapes the landform and regions evolve. The simple understanding of this is the Man and environment relationship, the interaction between man and the environment results in activities that plays a distinctive role in shaping the surface of the earth. According to Bluden 1978 the first paradigm in geography was Man and Environment Paradigm/ Ecological Paradigm. The Paradigm was seen to encompass the whole of geography and it can simply be understood from the human ecosystem which is characterised by multitude of human attributes and objects in an area are closely related and interacting with one another. The theme of this Paradigm is regional approach to environmentalism.
In understanding the distinctiveness of regions through there are characteristics and activities we must first understand mans perception of reality and how they differ from one another in real world. Mans perception influence his activities such as decision of where to settle, where to go, Decision on where to shop, Where to farm, This in turn leaves imprint on the surface and in turn shape regions. Lagos is unique due to its socio economic characteristics and some people choose to reside there to have a good quality of life and access to basic amenities.
some regions evolved due to the religious activities that occur there a great example is mecca and Jerusalem basically known for distinctive characteristics. Another example is vegetation Nigeria as country is been affected by desertification in the northern part of the country apparently nomadic farming is carried out majorly by the northerners. They tend to move their cattle in order to find green pastures and this makes them to gradually move towards the south. The south due to its vegetation becomes where there nomadic activities are carried out. Resources are not also left out because the serve as a distinctive characteristic for regions. In fact a great example of this can be seen long ago during the early stage of geography, when the methodology of geography was young, it was simply in an embryonic stage. Geography was characterised by Exploration, Exploitation and conquest. This period was between 1400 to 1800(Age of Discovery). People had described places based on exploration and voyages carried out. Geography was basically on description and characteristics of places through information gotten. This led to exploitation of places with abundant resources by those with less resources and conquest of this areas/regions. Most of the exploration and voyages then were sponsored by the European nations due to its commercial potential return. An example of this period was the journey of Christopher Colombo's and Vasco da gama journey around the world (journey to the Malibu's island) which the objective was to obtain spices and medicines from the people of the island. The knowledge of regions and their distinctive characteristics makes this possible.
Regions of the world that falls on the coastal areas makes use of this unique feature to enhance their socioeconomic activities through sea port creation that serves as revenue for government through shipping, tourism, employment opportunities among others. These in turn shape the activities that occur.
Regions are unique and distinctive base on there natural characteristics and activities with man playing a critical role at the center of it.
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WILL LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OWN PERSPECTIVE SIR.
