(a) Explain briefly how the following affect agricultural production:(I) agricultural education and extension (ii) environmental degradation. [8 marks]
(b) Enumerate three problems associated with communal land tenur system. [3 marks]
(c) List four components of an incubator. [2 marks]
(d) Mention one storage structure for each of the following farm produce: (i) yam tubers (ii) cowpea seeds (iii) fresh fish. [3 marks]
(a) Effects on agricultural production
(i) Agricultural education and extension: they teach farmers improved farming methods and carry research findings to them, leading to the use of better seeds, fertilisers and machinery. This raises yield, improves the quality of produce, encourages adoption of new technology and increases the farmers' income and standard of living.
(ii) Environmental degradation: degradation such as erosion, deforestation, desertification and pollution destroys the fertile top soil and reduces the area of good farmland. This lowers soil fertility and crop yield, kills useful organisms, reduces water availability and generally reduces total agricultural production.
(b) Three problems of communal land tenure system
- Land cannot easily be used as security (collateral) to obtain loans.
- Individuals are discouraged from making permanent improvements because they do not own the land outright.
- Fragmentation and disputes over ownership make large-scale mechanised farming difficult.
(c) Four components of an incubator
- Heat source (heater/lamp)
- Thermostat/thermometer (temperature regulator)
- Egg trays/racks with turning device
- Humidity/water tray and ventilation holes
(d) Storage structure for each produce
- (i) Yam tubers: yam barn.
- (ii) Cowpea seeds: silo / rhumbu (crib) / air-tight drum.
- (iii) Fresh fish: cold room / refrigerator (freezer).