Theory question 101
Agricultural Development(a) Mention three ways each by which the following agricultural programmes and institute have contributed to agricultural development in West Africa. (i) Cooperative farming. (ii) farm settlement scheme. (iii) agricultural research institute.
(b) Name one tractor-mounted implement each that could perform a similar function as the following farm tools. (i) Dibber. (ii) Hoe. (iii) Sickle. (iv) Wheelbarrow. (v) Watering can.
(c) State two: (i) advantages of using the mouldboard plough. (ii) disadvantages of using the mouldboard plough.
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(a)(i) Co-operative farming (any three): pooling of resources; cheaper credit; bulk purchase of inputs at lower prices; joint storage, processing and marketing; sharing of risks; training of members.
(ii) Farm settlement scheme (any three): reduces youth unemployment and rural-urban migration; teaches improved farming methods; provides credit, inputs and amenities to settlers; demonstrates good practices to nearby farmers; promotes commercial farming.
(iii) Research institute (any three): develops improved, high-yielding and resistant crop varieties and animal breeds; better methods of pest and disease control; vaccines; better storage and processing methods; improved farming systems and machines.
(b)(i) Dibber: planter/seed drill. (ii) Hoe: plough, harrow, ridger or cultivator. (iii) Sickle: mower/slasher or harvester. (iv) Wheelbarrow: trailer/cart. (v) Watering can: boom sprayer or sprinkler.
(c)(i) Any two: inverts the soil completely and buries weeds and residues; ploughs deeply; good in light, stone-free soils; share can be re-sharpened; exposes soil pests.
(ii) Any two: not suited to stony, stumpy or hard tropical soils; share breaks easily on obstacles; frequent use causes hard pan and compaction; exposes soil to erosion; destroys soil structure.
Three ways for each programme in (a).