A cap figure prepared for a rural development study shows a smallholder cocoa farm in Ghana. Cocoa trees are grown beneath scattered shade trees, and leaf l...
Question 1 Report
A cap figure prepared for a rural development study shows a smallholder cocoa farm in Ghana. Cocoa trees are grown beneath scattered shade trees, and leaf litter is left on the soil. The farm family sells cocoa beans as a cash crop but also collects fruit and fuelwood from some of the shade trees. The study figure is used in an enquiry into whether agroforestry can exploit an ecosystem while retaining ecosystem services.
(a) Identify the cash crop shown in the study figure. [1]
(b) State one product, other than cocoa beans, that the family may obtain from the shade trees. [1]
(c) Describe two ways in which leaf litter can improve soil conditions. [4]
(d) Explain three environmental advantages of retaining shade trees in this farming system. [6]
(e) Which one social or economic factor could make a farmer remove shade trees? Explain your answer. [8]
Answer Details
(a) The cash crop is cocoa. [1]
(b) A shade tree may provide fruit. Fuelwood or timber are also valid. [1]
(c) Leaf litter adds organic matter, forming humus as it decomposes. It releases nutrients, improves soil structure and water retention, and can reduce splash erosion. Any two developed improvements. [4]
(d) Shade-tree roots bind soil and reduce erosion. Their canopy intercepts heavy rain. Trees also provide food and habitat for wildlife, store carbon, and shade lowers evaporation so soil moisture is conserved. Any three explained advantages. [6]
(e) A valid economic reason is that removing shade trees may allow more light to reach cocoa plants. This could increase cocoa production, giving more crop to sell and potentially increasing income for food, school costs or farm inputs. This is a short-term economic benefit, but it should be balanced against loss of shade-tree services such as soil protection and habitat. Other clearly explained social or economic factors are valid. [8]
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