Theory question 106
Marketing of Agricultural Produce(a) State four reasons why the prices of most agricultural produce are unstable in West Africa.
(b) Explain the following agricultural extension methods: (i) method demonstration (ii) agricultural shows.
(c) Discuss the cercospora leaf spot disease under the following headings: (i) crop affected (ii) causative agent; (iii) mode of transmission (iv) two symptoms; (v) one preventive measure
(d) State four advantages of selection as a method of cropping improvement.
Show the model answer
(a) Any four: seasonal production (glut at harvest, scarcity later); poor storage and processing facilities; perishability of produce; weather changes affecting output; poor transport and marketing information; activities of middlemen; changes in demand/world prices.
(b)(i) Method demonstration: the extension agent shows farmers step by step how to carry out a new practice (e.g. budding, spraying) and farmers practise it themselves.
(ii) Agricultural shows: exhibitions where farmers, research bodies and firms display improved crops, animals, machines and products for farmers to see, with prizes for the best.
(c)(i) Groundnut (also cowpea, banana).
(ii) A fungus, Cercospora (C. arachidicola / C. personata on groundnut).
(iii) Spores spread by wind, rain splash, insects and infected crop debris/seeds.
(iv) Any two: brown to black circular spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo; leaves turn yellow and fall early; reduced yield.
(v) Resistant varieties; crop rotation; destroy infected residues; fungicide spraying; early planting.
(d) Any four: simple and cheap; uses locally adapted plants; maintains and improves desirable traits; increases yield and quality over time; no special equipment or expertise needed; can produce disease-resistant lines.
For a disease, give crop, cause, spread, symptoms and control.