(a) Highlight five roles of agricultural extension in agricultural development in West Africa. [5 marks] (b) Outline four problems faced by agricultural ext...

Answer Details

(a) Five roles of agricultural extension in agricultural development in West Africa

1. Transfer of improved technology: Extension carries research findings such as improved seeds, fertilizers and better husbandry practices from research stations to the farmer.
2. Farmer education and training: It teaches farmers modern skills through demonstrations, field days and lectures, thereby raising their competence.
3. Increasing productivity and income: By promoting good practices it helps raise crop and animal yields, improving farmers' earnings and living standards.
4. Feedback link to researchers: It relays farmers' problems and needs back to research institutes so that research is made relevant to real field conditions.
5. Encouraging adoption of innovations and cooperation: It motivates farmers to form cooperatives, obtain credit and adopt new inputs, marketing and processing methods.

(b) Four problems faced by agricultural extension workers in West Africa

1. Poor transport and bad roads make it difficult to reach farmers in remote rural areas.
2. Inadequate funding for salaries, inputs and demonstration materials limits their work.
3. Illiteracy and conservatism of farmers cause resistance to new ideas.
4. Shortage of trained personnel gives too many farmers per extension worker (high farmer-to-agent ratio).

(c) Cultivation of groundnut

(i) Soil requirements: Groundnut thrives on deep, well-drained, loose sandy-loam soil that is loose enough for the pegs to penetrate; a slightly acid to neutral soil (pH about 5.5 to 6.5) rich in calcium is best. Waterlogged, heavy clay soils should be avoided.

(ii) Method of propagation: Groundnut is propagated sexually by seeds (the shelled kernels), sown directly at stake on ridges or flat beds.

(iii) Two methods of storage:

• Storage in the pod (unshelled) in well-ventilated cribs, barns or jute bags in a cool dry store.
• Storage of shelled, well-dried seeds in air-tight containers or treated bags to keep moisture and pests out.

(d) Pests of maize

Two field pests: maize stem borer and army worm (also grasshoppers, birds such as the quelea).

Two storage pests: maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) and the grain moth / rust-red flour beetle.