WAEC Agricultural Science 2010 Theory question 102

Theory question 102

Agricultural Development

(a) Explain briefly how the following affect agricultural production: (i) agricultural education and extension; (ii) environmental degradation.
(b) Enumerate three problems associated with communal land tenure system.
(c) List four components of an incubator.
(d) Mention one storage structure for each of the following farm produce: (i) yam tubers; (ii) cowpea seeds; (iii) fresh fish.

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a)(i) Education and extension teach farmers improved methods and new varieties, so they adopt modern practices and production rises; they also attract youths into farming.
(ii) Environmental degradation (erosion, deforestation, overgrazing, pollution, desertification) destroys soil fertility and farmland, so production falls.
(b) Any three: land cannot be used as collateral for loans; fragmentation into small plots; insecurity of tenure discourages permanent investment and tree crops; disputes over land; hinders mechanisation and large-scale farming.
(c) Any four: thermostat; thermometer; hygrometer/humidity tray; egg trays; heater/heat source; fan/ventilator; egg turner; counter.
(d)(i) Yam barn; (ii) airtight containers/silo/crib/rhumbu (cowpea); (iii) refrigerator/freezer/cold room for fresh fish.

Explanation

Explain "how" in (a): say what each factor does to production.