(a) (i) A rectangle-shaped farmland has a length of 0.2km and a breadth of 2,200km. Calculate the area of the farmland. (ii) Mention two importance of balan...

Answer Details

(a)(i) Area of the rectangular farmland

Area of a rectangle = length x breadth. The two measurements must first be in the same unit. Converting the length to kilometres, length = 0.2 km and breadth = 2,200 km.

\[ \text{Area} = 0.2\,\text{km} \times 2{,}200\,\text{km} = 440\,\text{km}^2 \]

(If the breadth is taken as 2,200 m, then converting length 0.2 km = 200 m gives Area = \(200\,\text{m} \times 2{,}200\,\text{m} = 440{,}000\,\text{m}^2 = 44\ \text{hectares}\). The key principle is to keep both dimensions in the same unit before multiplying.)

(a)(ii) Two importance of a balance sheet to a farm manager

• It shows the financial position (assets, liabilities and net worth) of the farm business at a particular date.
• It helps the manager to obtain credit or loans, since lenders assess the farm's solvency from it, and it guides sound financial planning and decision making.

(b) Five sources of agricultural loans in West Africa

• Commercial banks.
• Agricultural development banks (for example the Bank of Agriculture in Nigeria).
• Cooperative societies and thrift/credit unions.
• Government agencies and special credit schemes.
• Money lenders, friends and relatives.

(c) Three reasons wood shavings are preferred to sawdust on a deep litter floor

• Wood shavings absorb moisture well yet remain loose and do not cake, keeping the litter dry.
• Sawdust is fine and dusty and can be eaten by the birds or inhaled, causing respiratory problems and impaction; shavings avoid this.
• Wood shavings allow better aeration and are easier to turn and manage, reducing dampness, ammonia and disease.