Which of the following activities is against the conservation of natural resources?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which activity works against conservation. Conservation means protecting, managing, and using natural resources wisely so they last for future generations. So we are looking for the activity that destroys or depletes resources.

Step 2: Explain the concept Conservation practices include:

• Protecting soil from erosion
• Protecting wildlife and their habitats
• Replanting and maintaining forests
• Using resources sustainably

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Contour ploughing: Ploughing across the slope, not down it, reduces water runoff and soil erosion. This supports conservation.
• B. Establishment of game reserves: These protect wildlife and their habitats from hunting and destruction. This supports conservation.
• C. Deforestation: This is the clearing or cutting down of forests, often for farming, timber, or building. It leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, reduced rainfall, and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This works against conservation.
• D. Afforestation: This is planting trees in areas that were not previously forested. It restores vegetation and protects soil and climate. This supports conservation.

Step 4: Answer The activity against conservation is deforestation, which is option C.

Tip: Look at the prefixes. "De-" means removal or reversal (deforestation = removing forest), while "af-" means adding to (afforestation = adding forest). In "against conservation" questions, pick the option that destroys or removes resources. Also remember that in Nigeria, deforestation contributes to erosion in the southeast and desert encroachment in the north.