Observation

This question was fairly attempted by the candidates.  In 6(a-b), majority of the candidates could neither state the reasons why the prices of most agricultural produce are unstable in  West Africa nor explain agricultural methods such as method demonstration and agricultural shows. However, most them were able to discuss the cercospora leaf spot disease under crop affected, causative agent, mode of transmission, symptoms and prevention measure   Finally, most of the candidates were unable to state the advantages of selection as a method of crop improvement.

The expected answers include:

6 (a)Reasons why the prices of most agricultural produce are unstable in West Africa       

- Perishability of most agricultural produce
- Seasonality of agricultural produce/unpredictable weather conditions
- Inadequate processing facilities
- Inadequate storage facilities
- Agricultural produce are highly bulky in relation to their value and this increases the transportation costs
- Poor transportation system
- Inadequate farmers’ cooperative societies
- Poor access to market information
- Absence/inadequacy of standard measuring devices for pricing purposes
- Cheap imports of agricultural produce of same kind of their substitutes
- Agricultural produce are produced in small quantities by many farmers scattered about on small farms. This increases the cost of collecting, assembling and transporting them
-Inadequate subsidies/inadequate price stabilization policies/programmes
- Pest invasion
- Disease invasion

(b)        Explanation of agricultural extension methods
(i) Method demonstration

- It is a group method of agricultural extension
- In this method, an extension agent addresses a group of farmers showing the actual steps involved in carrying out a particular farming practice.
- It involves the do – it – yourself principle

           (ii) Agricultural show

- It is a mass method of agricultural extension
- This is usually organized by government agencies, non-government agencies or companies, to exhibit farm produce from improved agricultural practices
- Selected farmers, input suppliers and other stakeholders display their produce and products for recognition and awards
- Characterized by festive moods, speeches, addresses and awards
- They are held in cities and towns and have a nationwide character

(d)             Advantages of selection as a method of crop improvement   

- Results in the development of pure line from a given crop variety
- Leads to the selection of crops that are free from pests and diseases
- Results in the selection of vigorous species that adapt to the environment
- Crops with undesirable characteristics are detected and discarded
- Only species with desirable characteristics are allowed to grow