Question

1(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.

Accepted Answer

(a)(i) Cooperative farming: farmers pool their resources together for efficiency and obtain higher income; enables farmers to obtain credit facilities at low interest rates; helps farmers to store farm produce.
(ii) Farm settlement scheme: reduces unemployment among youths; helps make agriculture attractive to youths; settlers are taught better/improved farming techniques and provided with agricultural extension services.
(iii) Agricultural research institute: develops new varieties of crops and breeds of animals; develops better methods of controlling pests and diseases; develops crops resistant to pests and diseases; improves storage and processing facilities.

(b)(i) Dibber -> Seed drill/planter/combine drill. (ii) Hoe -> Plough/Harrow/Ridger/Cultivator. (iii) Sickle -> Mower/slasher/Harvester. (iv) Wheelbarrow -> Trailer/cart/wagon/Bucket loader. (v) Watering can -> Boom sprayer/Sprinkler irrigation system.

(c)(i) Advantages of mouldboard plough: can be used in temperate light soils; can be used in soils free from stumps/stones; shares can be resharpened by grinding; buries weeds/crop residues deeply.
(ii) Disadvantages of mouldboard plough: not adapted to tropical soil; loses its sharp point easily when in contact with obstacles; predisposes the soil to erosion; frequent usage leads to soil compaction/formation of hard pan.

WAEC Agricultural Science 2024 Theory — Question 1

Sign up free to unlock