Theory question 106
Agricultural Extension(a) Highlight five roles of agricultural extension in agricultural development in West Africa.
(b) Outline four problems faced by agricultural extension workers in West Africa.
(c) Discuss the cultivation of groundnut under the following headings: (i) soil requirements; (ii) method of propagation; (iii) two methods of storage.
(d) Mention two field pests and two storage pests of maize.
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(a) Any five: teach farmers improved practices; spread research results; carry farmers' problems back to research; help farmers obtain inputs and credit; organise farmers into co-operatives; improve rural living standards; advise on marketing and records; train rural youths.
(b) Any four: too few extension workers; poor transport/mobility; illiteracy and conservatism of farmers; language barrier; poor pay and motivation; lack of teaching aids/funds; poor link with research.
(c)(i) Well-drained, loose sandy or sandy loam soil, rich in calcium, pH about 6–7; avoid heavy clay.
(ii) By seed: shelled seeds (dressed with fungicide) sown at stake, 2–3 per hole, 3–5 cm deep, spacing about 45–60 cm × 15–30 cm.
(iii) Any two: store dried pods in bags in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store; store in rhumbus/cribs; airtight containers/silos; treat with insecticides; store as shelled nuts in airtight tins.
(d) Field pests (two): stem borer; armyworm; grasshoppers; birds; rodents. Storage pests (two): maize weevil; grain moth (Angoumois); rats; flour beetle.
Separate field pests (on growing maize) from storage pests (on stored grain).