(a) Discuss two possible solutions to each of the following problems of agricultural development in Africa: (i) Poor transportation (i) Environmental degrad...

(a) Discuss two possible solutions to each of the following problems of agricultural development in Africa:

(i) Poor transportation

(i) Environmental degradation

(ii) Use of crude farm tools.

(b) State three precautions that should be taken when using each of the following types of farm power:

(i) Animal power

(ii) Electrical power.

(c) Enumerate six reasons for maintaining farm tools and implements.

Answer Details

(a) (i) Poor transportation: 1. Improvement of rural road infrastructure: This can be achieved through the construction of new roads, rehabilitation of existing ones and regular maintenance of rural roads to enhance accessibility of farm products to markets. 2. Use of alternative modes of transportation: This includes the use of bicycles, motorcycles, and small carts to transport goods to market centers, especially in remote areas where vehicular movement is limited. (ii) Environmental degradation: 1. Implementation of sustainable agricultural practices: This involves the use of conservation farming practices such as crop rotation, minimum tillage, and intercropping to maintain soil fertility, reduce soil erosion and prevent soil degradation. 2. Reforestation and afforestation: The planting of trees and establishment of forests can help to mitigate the negative effects of environmental degradation, including soil erosion, deforestation, and desertification. (iii) Use of crude farm tools: 1. Provision of modern farm tools: This involves the provision of modern farm tools such as tractors, planters, harvesters, and irrigation systems to replace the use of crude tools such as hoes, cutlasses, and axes. This can help to increase farm productivity and efficiency. 2. Training of farmers on the use of modern farm tools: Farmers can be trained on the use and maintenance of modern farm tools to ensure their efficient and effective use. (b) (i) Animal power: 1. Proper training of animals: Animals used for farm work should be well-trained to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to crops. 2. Regular maintenance of animal-drawn equipment: Animal-drawn equipment such as plows and carts should be regularly maintained to ensure their proper functioning and prevent accidents. 3. Proper feeding and care of animals: Animals used for farm work should be well-fed and properly cared for to ensure their health and fitness for work. (ii) Electrical power: 1. Proper handling of electrical equipment: Electrical equipment should be properly handled to prevent accidents and injuries. 2. Regular maintenance of electrical equipment: Electrical equipment should be regularly maintained to ensure its proper functioning and prevent accidents. 3. Use of safety gear: Safety gear such as gloves, boots, and helmets should be used when working with electrical equipment to prevent accidents and injuries. (c) Six reasons for maintaining farm tools and implements are: 1. Increased efficiency: Regular maintenance of farm tools and implements can help to increase their efficiency and effectiveness in farm operations. 2. Improved productivity: Well-maintained farm tools and implements can help to increase farm productivity by reducing the time and effort required for farm operations. 3. Durability: Regular maintenance of farm tools and implements can help to prolong their lifespan, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacement. 4. Reduced cost: Maintenance of farm tools and implements can help to reduce the cost of repairs and replacement of damaged tools. 5. Safety: Properly maintained farm tools and implements can help to prevent accidents and injuries during farm operations. 6. Smooth operation: Regular maintenance of farm tools and implements can help to ensure their smooth operation, thereby reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and downtime during farm operations.