Theory question 102
Agricultural Development(a) Enumerate six factors that limit food production in West Africa.
(b) State three advantages and three disadvantages of solar energy as a source of farm power.
(c) List four tractor-coupled implements.
Show the model answer
(a) Any six: subsistence, small-scale farming; use of simple tools/little mechanisation; lack of capital/credit; poor infrastructure (roads, storage, processing); poor extension services and low education; high cost and short supply of inputs; pests and diseases; poor marketing and pricing; land tenure problems; inconsistent government policies; drought and other natural hazards; rural–urban migration of youths.
(b) Advantages (three): free and renewable, low running cost; does not pollute the environment; can be stored in batteries; panels last long.
Disadvantages (three): high initial cost; depends on weather/available only in daytime; cannot power heavy machines; needs special skills to install and maintain; batteries cause pollution when disposed.
(c) Any four: plough; harrow; ridger; planter/seed drill; sprayer; cultivator; harvester; mower; baler; fertilizer distributor.
List distinct factors; don't repeat the same idea in different words.