Neco 2019 Geography Question 2

Region A has an average annual rainfall of \(720\) mm, a mean temperature of \(27^{\circ}\)C, a total land area of \(150{,}000\) km\(^2\), a population of \(30\) million and \(12\%\) of its land is under irrigation. Region B receives \(540\) mm of rainfall, a mean temperature of \(24^{\circ}\)C, a land area of \(200{,}000\) km\(^2\), a population of \(45\) million and \(25\%\) of its land is under irrigation. Maize requires rainfall between \(500\) mm and \(800\) mm, an optimal temperature range of \(22^{\circ}\)C to \(28^{\circ}\)C and, if rainfall is below \(600\) mm, irrigation must supply at least \(100\) mm of additional water (each \(1\%\) of land under irrigation contributes \(4\) mm of water). Which region is more suitable for sustainable maize production? Justify your answer.