Нигерия-Камерунның Мандара таулары

Mountain range in Nigeria and Cameroon
the Indian mountain

The Mandara Mountains are a volcanic range extending about 190 km (about 120 mi) along the northern part of the Cameroon–Nigeria border, from the Benue River in the south to the north west of Maroua in the north The highest elevation is the summit of Mount Oupay, at 1,494 m (4,900 ft) above sea level
Extensive archaeological research has been undertaken in the Mandara Mountains, including work at Diy Gid Biy (DGB) sites.

The Mandara Mountains were formed millions of years ago when a continental plate of basement rock deep beneath the African continent rose up, fragmenting and splitting as it was pushed to the surface. The climate was significantly wetter in those times, so enormous amounts of precipitation formed numerous rivers that rushed through these fractures, carving them deeper and wider, resulting in the range's notably rugged terrain.

The higher elevation and rainfall of the mountains sustained plant communities distinct from the surrounding lowlands. Local people developed a system of intensive agriculture involving the construction of terraces and measures to retain and improve soil fertility. Terraces were built on hillsides to protect soil from erosion, and can extend from valleys to the high mountain slopes. Crop rotation between sorghum, millet, and legumes maintains soil fertility and reduces pests. Trees are used for shade, fodder, and green manure. Khaya senegalensis and Acacia albida are the most important, along with about 30 other species. Domestic sheep, goats, and cattle are kept and fed in pens during the crop growing season, and their manure is deposited on the terraces after each harvest. Domestic animals are allowed to graze on the terraces' plant stubble after harvest to ensure that the manure fertilizes the fields. Household, human, and plant waste is used to improve the soil on terraces.