Theory question 101
Farming Systems(a)(i) What is an agricultural system? (ii) List five agricultural systems practised in West Africa.
(b) State four ways in which non-governmental organisations contribute to agricultural production.
(c) Give one function of each of the following components of an incubator: (i) counter; (ii) thermostat; (iii) hygrometer; (iv) egg tray; (v) heater.
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(a)(i) A method of farming that a community has developed to get the best returns from its land and animals for food, clothing and income while keeping the soil productive.
(ii) Any five: shifting cultivation; bush fallowing; mixed farming; mixed cropping; monocropping; crop rotation; pastoral/nomadic farming; ranching; taungya; agro-forestry; alley cropping; ley farming.
(b) Any four: fund research into improved crop varieties and livestock breeds; provide extension services and training; give loans, grants or inputs to farmers; build rural infrastructure (water, roads, health centres); promote pest and disease control; organise farmers into co-operatives.
(c)(i) Counter: records the number of days of incubation (or eggs/turns).
(ii) Thermostat: keeps the temperature at the set level.
(iii) Hygrometer: measures the humidity inside.
(iv) Egg tray: holds the eggs in position.
(v) Heater: supplies the heat (warmth) for incubation.
Give clearly separate points; one function per incubator part is enough.