2017 WAEC GCE Agriculture 2 (Theory/Essay Questions and Answers Verified Expo)
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Exam Date: 2017 WAEC GCE Agriculture 2 (Theory/Essay Questions and Answers)
Monday, 4th September, 2017
- General Agriculture 2 (Theory/Essay Questions)
- General Agriculture 3 (Alternative to Practical Work) * – 08.30 hrs. – 10.30 hrs.
- Woodwork 3 (Practical) – 08.30 hrs. – 11.30 hrs. (1st Set)
- Woodwork 3 (Practical) – 12.00 hrs. – 15.00 hrs. (2nd Set)
- Textiles 2 (Essay)* – 08.30 hrs. – 10.30 hrs.
- Textiles 1 (Objective)* – 10.30 hrs. – 11.30 hrs.
2017 WAEC GCE Agriculture 2 (Theory/Essay Questions and Answers Verified Expo)
Question 1
(a) Distinguish between the following agricultural systems:
(i) mono culture and monocropping;
(ii) shifting cultivation and land rotation. [ 6 marks]
(b) State four problems of commercial agriculture in West Africa. [4 marks]
(c) Mention four uses of the farm tractor. [4 marks]
(d) List four indigenous methods of land preparation. [2 marks]
OBSERVATION
This question was fairly attempted by the candidates. In question la (i and ii), majority of the candidates were unable to distinguish between some agricultural systems (i.e monoculture and monocropping; shifting cultivation and land rotation). However, in question 1 (b), most candidates were able to state the problems of commercial agriculture in West Africa. Further to this, majority of the candidates were able to mention the uses of the farm tractor and list indigenous methods of land preparation as demanded in questions 1 (c) and (d).
The expected answers include:
Distinction between agricultural systems:
- Monoculture is the practice of cultivating one and the same crop on the same piece of land every cropping season.
Whereas,
- Monocropping is a practice of cultivating a single crop species each growing season and
- harvesting it before another crop is planted.
- Shifting cultivation is a fanning system whereby a piece of land is cultivated continuously for some years and then abandoned as a result of the decline in soil fertility, build-up of pests and diseases,and the resultant reduction in crop yield. The farmer abandons not only the exhausted farmland but also his settlement for a new fann and a new settlement with no hope of coming back.
- Whereas
- Land rotation involves growing crops on a piece of land until it is exhausted and the land is left to follow for some years before it is used again. The farmer clears other areas in succession to make new farms while remaining in his farmstead.
Question 2
(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 tenure 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]
OBSERVATION
Few candidates attempted this question. In question 2(a) (i & ii), many candidates could not explain how agricultural education and extension, and environmental degradation affect agricultural production. However, in question 2(b), most candidates were able to enumerate the problems associated with communal land tenure system. In question 2(c), majority of the candidates could list the components of an incubator. In addition to this, majority of the candidates were able to mention the storage structure for farm produce (i.e. yam tubers; cowpea seeds and fresh fish) as requested in question 2(d)(i - iii).
The expected answers include:
How agricultural production is affected by
- Agricultural education and extension
- Improved/better farm management decision making
- Improve procurement of farm inputs
- Access to marketing information and strategy
- Keeping of accurate farm records
- Acquisition of loans and their utilization
- Improve the farmers social disposition
- Help the fanners to understand and adopt modem farming techniques for improved productivity
- Agricultural education motivates the youths to take up farming as a profession
- Relay farmers' problems to the government ministries, research institutes and universities
- Carry information from government ministries, universities and research institutes to fanners.
Environmental degradation:
- Desert encroachment exposes the soil to erosion
- Erosion renders the soil unproductive and unsuitable for agriculture
- Oil spillage pollutes the fishing and drinking water and kills all the aquatic life thus reducing the profit of the fishermen
- Drinking water for the farm family and their animals is polluted; thus exposing them to health risks
- Air pollution by toxic fumes from industrial gases reduces the quality of air available to the
- farm family and their animals
- Aid rains from air pollution cause soil acidity and destruction of crops
- Deforestation exposes the soil to erosion agents
- Overgrazing causes erosion and hard pans
- Bush burning damages the physical structure of the soil and reduces soil fertility
- Air pollution reduces photosynthesis and thus reduces yield
- Plant population for livestock consumption is not much
Question 3
(a) Explain the term chemical weathering of rocks. [2 marks]
(b) Discuss four processes of chemical weathering of rocks. [ 10 marks]
( c) State four ways in which soil temperature is important for crop growth. [ 4 marks ]
OBSERVATION
This question was poorly attempted by the candidates. In question 3(a), majority of the candidates could not explain chemical weathering of rocks. Also, in question 3(b), many candidates were unable to discuss the processes of chemical weathering of rocks. Further to this, most candidates could not state ways in which soil temperature is important for crop growth.
The expected answers include:
Explanation of chemical weathering of rocks:
Chemical weathering is the decomposition of rocks by chemical agents formed through the reaction of water with atmospheric gases such as air (oxygen and carbon dioxide) As some minerals in the rocks are dissolved and others change into new chemical products therefore disintegration of rocks occurs.
Discussion of chemical weathering of rocks (Any four)
- Hydration
- Occurs when water combines with or binds to some minerals Intact water may bind to silicates, oxides of iron
- Hydrated compounds are soft and easily fragmented It does not usually affect the chemical composition of the hydrated product
- Example of hydration reaction are
Fe203 + 3H20 . Fe203.3H20
Haematite Limonite/Hydrated Haematite (Yellow)
(Red)
OR
CaSO4 + 2H20 CaSO4 .2H20
(Calcium Sulphate) (Gypsum)
OR CuS04 + 5H20 CuS04. 5H20
(Anhydrous Copper Sulphate) Carbonation (Hydrated Copper II sulphate )/Blue stone/Carbonation
This is brought about by the combination of carbonate (C02-3) or bicarbonte (HCO-3) ions with rock minerals
The carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere from various sources combines with water/rainwater to form carbonic acid
C02 + H20 H2C03
The carbonic acid attacks the minerals and C02 in the rock.
In limestone or marbles the calcite present is dissolved.
- Oxidation/Reduction
- Atmospheric oxygen and free oxygen in rain water carry out this reaction
- Minerals containing iron (Ferrous form), manganese and sulphur are the ones most frequently affected by this reaction
- When they are exposed to air and water, the ferrous ion is oxidized to the ferric Fe2 + state.
- The change in valency from Fe ++ to Fe + destabilizes the molecule and leads to disintegration
4Fe C03 + 02 2Fe203 + 4C02
Iron (II) Oxygen Iron Oxide Carbon dioxide carbonate
Hydrolysis - A decomposition reaction in which silicate minerals are broken down Water molecule is split into H+ and OR ions
The H+ replaces the cation from the mineral structure while the mineral is released for plant uptake
Example:
CaSi03 + 2H20H2Si03 + Ca(OH)2
Calcium silicate water silica (Calcium Hydroxide)
KAISi30g + H20 Hydrolysis HAISbOg + K+ + OH-
(Microcline) (water) Acid Silicate
- Hydrolysis is the breaking of the chemical bond in the mineral by water Solution Water can dissolve any soluble mineral present in rocks and carry them from the place of reaction if the land is sloppy
- If the land is not sloppy, the products of the soil solution accumulate in that place and form particular types of soil.
Example
Stalactite and stalagmite
Soil temperature
- It determines the rate of formation and decomposition of soil organic matter
- Low temperature causes a decrease in metabolic activities and reduction in enzymatic reactions in plants
- Extreme temperatures will impede the activities of micro-organisms
- It affects the level of soil moisture
- It affects the absorption of water and nutrients by roots
- Optimum temperature promotes seed germination
- Appropriate temperature facilitates root development
- It determines the population of soil microbes
- It determines maturity and ripening of fruits
- High temperature causes the wilting of crops
- High temperature leads to loss of soil nutrients through volatilization
- Optimum temperature promotes the activities of soil microorganisms
- High temperature may be harmful to crops by causing premature dropping of fruits
Question 4
(a) Give two reasons for each of the following practices undertaken by some West African farmers.
(i) movement of herdsmen and their flocks southwards to the rain forest zone during the dry season. [ 4 marks]
(ii) preference for the use of simple farm tools over farm machinery. [ 4 marks]
(b) (i) identify four problems associated with the movement of herdsmen. [4 marks]
(ii) Suggest a solution to each of the problems.[4 marks]
OBSERVATION
- This question was not popular with the candidates. In question 4(a)(i & ii), majority of the
- candidates could not give the reasons for the movement of herdsmen and their flocks southwards
- to the rain forest zone during the dry season. Similarly, they could not give reasons for the
- preference for the use of simple farm tools over farm machinery by some West African farmers.
- Further to this, many candidates were unable to identify the problems associated with the
- movement of herdsmen and suggest solutions to the problems.
The expected answers include:
- Reasons for some practices undertaken by some West African farmers:
- Movement of herdsmen southwards during the dry season
- Abundance of forage in the south but scarcity of forage in the north because of the unequal
- rainfall distribution in the dry season
- Water scarcity in the north during the dry season forces them to move their animals
- southwards in search of water.
Preference for the use of simple farm tools:
- High cost of farm machinery/inadequate capital
- Low level of technical know-how on how to operate and maintain modem machines
- High cost of spare parts
- Land tenure system fragments farmlands and this discourages large-scale mechanized farming
- Simple farm tools are much more readily available
- They are also affordable
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to use
- Spare parts are not readily available
- Exposes animals to natural hazards
- Death of animals due to fatigue of travelling long distance
- Movement of animals causes destruction ofthe soil structure (compaction)
- New diseases are easily introduced into another area
- Indiscriminate mating in the herds leading to the transmission of undesirable traits
- Diseases spread easily within the herds
- Animals cause damage to cultivated crops along their route
- Damage to crops brings about serious conflict/clashes between the herdsmen and the local farmers
- It exposes the herdsmen to dangers such as extremes of climatic conditions, wild animals, diseases and armed banditry attacks
- New pests are easily introduced into another area
- It encourages cattle rustling
- Neglect of formal education for the children of herdsmen.
- Solution to the problems of the herdsmen movement
- Provision of adequate security against theft
- Disease/pest resistant animals should be reared
- Provision of nomadic schools in strategic locations
- Provision of irrigation facilities during the dry season in the north/savannah region to help in the artificial pastures
- Establishment of grazing reserves at strategic locations in the north by government/ranching
- Preservation of fodder which are in abundance in the south into hay and silage and
- transported to the north during the dry season
- Provision of cattle tracks/paths for easy passage of herds to prevent destruction of crops along their route
- Castration of animals with undesirable traits long before the journey
- Payment of compensation for damage caused to crops
- Both herdsmen and animals should be vaccinated regularly
Note: Solutions to problems must match the problems.
Question 5
(a) Outline six benefits derived from growing ornamental plants. [6 marks]
(b) State four symptoms of cassava mosaic diseases. [ 4 marks ]
(c) Explain the following terms as used in forest management:
(i) Selective exploitation;
(ii) Regeneration;
(iii) Taungya farming [6 marks]
OBSERVATION
This question was well attempted by the candidates. In question 5(a), majority of the candidates could outline the benefits derived from growing ornamental plants. Also, in question 5(b), most candidates were able to state the symptoms of cassava mosaic disease. In addition to this, many candidates could explain forest management terms such as selective exploitation, regeneration and taungya farming as demanded in question 5( c) (i - iii).
Question 6
(a) State four ways in which weeds are beneficial to the farmer. [ 4 marks]
(b) Classify insect-pests into three groups based on their mode of feeding and give
two examples of each. [9 marks]
(c) State three ways by which pasture can be made available to cattle. [ 3 marks]
OBSERVATION
This question was not popular with the candidates. In question 6(a), many candidates could not state ways in which weeds are beneficial to the farmers. However, in question 6(b), majority of the candidates were able to classify insect-pests into groups based on their mode of feeding and give examples. In question 6 (c), most candidates could not state the ways by which pasture can be made available to cattle.
The expected answers include:
- Ways in which weeds are beneficial to the farmer
- Weeds help in checking soil erosion
- Some weeds are useful as food for humans
- Some weeds serve as feed for livestock
- Certain weeds have medicinal properties
- Weeds can be ploughed into the soil to replenish soil nutrients
- Some weeds are used for roofmg, making mats, baskets etc
- Weeds can be cut and used as mulch
- For compost making
- Leguminous weeds harbour bacteria that help to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil
- Ways by which pasture can be made available to cattle
- Prepared as hay for livestock
- As silage
- Cut and carry as fresh fodder/zero grazing
- Animals can be taken out for grazing
Question 7
(a) Define each of the following terms as used in animal health:
(i) pests;
(ii) pathogens;
(iii) vectors;
(iv) parasites.[ 8 marks]
(b) Give one example of an organism described by each of the terms in 7 (a) above. [4 marks]
( c) State four steps involved in silage making. [4 marks]
OBSERVATION
- This question was fairly attempted by the candidates. In question 7 (a)(i - iii), most candidates were able to define terms used in animal health (i.e. pests, pathogens, vectors and parasites).
- Also, in question 7(b), many candidates could give an example of pests, pathogens, vectors and
- parasites. However, majority of the candidates were unable to state the steps involved in silage making as requested in question 7(c).
The expected answers include:
Steps involved in silage making:
- Dig the silage pit
- Cut the fresh grass/forage before flowering
- Wilt for few hours/day
- Collect the wilted forage and lay it at the bottom of the pit to a reasonable level
- Add ash/urea sprinkled on it
- Compress and add another layer of wilted forage, compress and add further ash/urea-fertilizer
- - Add more wilted forage, ash/urea and compress until pit is filled
- Finally compress and then cover with tarpaulin or plastic polythene sheet
- Leave to ferment with minimum of 2 - 4 weeks
Question 8
(a) Name four breeds of chicken used for commercial egg production. [ 4 marks]
(b) State two functions of each of the following components in the diet of farm animals:
(i) water;
(ii) minerals;
(iii) antibiotics;
(iv) protein. [ 8 marks]
(c) Enumerate four advantages of the intensive system of rearing ruminants.{ 4 marks]
OBSERVATION
This question was popular with the candidates. In question 8(a), some candidates could not name the breeds of chicken used for commercial egg production. However, in question 1 (b) (i - iv), majority of the candidates were able to state the functions of water, minerals, antibiotics and protein in the diet of farm animals. Further to this, majority of the candidates could enumerate the advantages of the intensive system of rearing ruminants as demanded in question 8(c).
The expected answers include:
- Breeds of chicken used for commercial egg production
- White leghorn
- Rhode Island Red
- New Hampshire
- Plymouth Rock
- Australorp
- Brown Leghorn
- Light Sussex
- Barred Plymouth Rock
Question 9
(a) State three functions of a farm manager. [3 marks]
(b) Explain the following terms as used in agricultural economics:
(i) appreciation;
(ii) salvage value;
(iii) farm budget;
(iv) farm inventory. [ 8 marks]
(c) State five qualities of a good agricultural extension agent. [ 5 marks]
OBSERVATION
Many candidates attempted this question. In question 9(a), majority of the candidates could state the functions of a farm manager. Also, in question 9(b )(i - iv), many candidates were able to explain terms used in agricultural economics (i.e appreciation, salvage value, farm budget and farm inventory), However, some candidates could not state the qualities of a good agricultural
extension agent.
The expected answers include:
- Qualities of a good agricultural extension agent
- Originality in thought, word and action
- He must be a good listener
- Must be patient with the people
- Must be honest and transparent
- Must be able to take steps without being directed
- Must be able to organize and implement programmes
- Must be able to offer clear judgement in all issues
- Must stay clear of local politics
- Must know and respect the culture of the people
- Must be a good mixer
- Good knowledge of the subject matter
- Must be able to speak the language of the people
- Must be a good communicator
- He must be friendly
- Exemplary leader
- Must be able to solve problems as they arise
Question 10
(a) (i) State the law of diminishing returns. [2 marks]
(ii) Explain the main cause of diminishing returns in agricultural production. [2 marks]
(b) A commercial farmer bought a second hand combine harvester for NI00,000.00 in 1990, and sold if for N 30,000.00 in 2000. For the combine harvester, calculate the
(i) salvage value; [ 1 mark]
(ii) total depreciation; [2 marks]
(iii) annual depreciation. [2 marks]
( c) List seven problems of agricultural extension services in West Africa. [7 marks]
OBSERVATION
This question was fairly attempted. In question 10(a)(i & ii), many candidates were able to state the law of diminishing returns and explain the main cause of diminishing returns in agricultural production. However, majority of the candidates could not calculate the salvage value, total depreciation and annual depreciation of a second hand combine harvester as demanded in question 10(b)(i-iii). In question 1O(c), many candidates were able to list the problems of agricultural extension services in West Africa.
The expected answers include:
Calculation of salvage value, total depreciation and annual depreciation of the combine harvester
Salvage value
+ #30,000.00
Total Depreciation
Cost price - Salvage value
= #100,000.00 = #30,000.00
= #70,000.00
Annual depreciation
= Cost price - Salvage value
Useful life in years
= #100,000.00 - #30,000.00
10 years
= #70,000.00
10 years
= #7,000.00