Jos Plateau

Jos Plateau, highland region, central Nigeria, with an area of about 7,800 sq km (3,000 sq mi). The plateau consists of deeply eroded remnant volcanic rock (mostly granite), and has an average altitude of 1,300 m (4,200 ft). It rises sharply out of the surrounding plains that are between 600 and 900 m (2,000 and 3,000 ft) above sea level. Temperatures on the plateau average 4° C (7° F) lower than at the coast, and average rainfall of 1,300 mm (50 in) is considerably higher than in the surrounding lowland. The headwaters of several tributaries of the Niger and Benue rivers rise in the Jos Plateau; other rivers drain into Lake Chad to the north-east. The plateau is known for its waterfalls; several have been harnessed to provide power for the local mining industries. The original savannah forest has largely been replaced by open grasslands and farms. Jos is the most important town and focal point of the plateau. Other towns include Bukuru, a mining centre; Vom, noted for its dairy industry; and Pankshin.

Alluvial tin, worked in ancient times, together with niobium deposits have supported a modern mining industry on the plateau since 1905. The cool upland is the only region of Nigeria which permits the cultivation of potatoes. The Jos Plateau is also a centre of the dairy industry, producing butter and cheese.

Archaeological finds of the Nok culture (500 bc-ad 200) found on the plateau, include the earliest evidence of Iron Age culture yet found in Nigeria. During the Islamic conquest of the 19th century, the plateau served as a retreat for people from the surrounding plain, as the terrain resisted incursions by Fulani horse troops. When the British arrived later in the century, they found a large number of small independent groups occupying the plateau. The establishment of the mining industry over the past 90 years has brought many expatriates and Nigerians from other parts of the country to the plateau; their presence has profoundly changed local societies. During the same period, the hill farmers of the plateau have expanded into the surrounding lowlands.