Observation

This question was fairly attempted by the candidates.  In 1(a) (i-ii), most of the candidates were unable to state the solutions to crude farm tools but they were able to state the solutions to decline in soil fertility.  Further to this, although most of the candidates were able to define soil profile, they could not explain the factors that affect farmstead planning as required in 1(b) and (c) respectively.

The expected answers include:

1.(a)    Solutions to factors militating against the development of agriculture in West Africa 

1. Crude farm tools

-  Provision of subsidized farm machinery by government
-  Provision of affordable and suitable farm machinery to farmers by
non-governmental organizations/private agencies
-  Provision of tractor-hiring services to farmers at affordable costs
-  Provision of credit facilities to farmers to enable them purchase modern farm machinery
-  Formation of cooperative societies to enable farmers pool their
resources together
-  Government should encourage local fabrication of suitable farm
machinery
-  Training of farmers/youths on the use of intermediate and modern farm machinery
(c)      Explanation of factors affecting farmstead planning

Topography/shape/slope of the land                    
- determines the location of farm buildings and structures
- low lying areas are suitable for crop production  

Soil type                                                 
- determines the type of crops to be grown
- fertile soils are suitable for crop production
- less fertile soils are suitable for pasture establishment
- farm buildings and roads can be constructed on poor soils

Water supply                                        
- adequate water supply is needed for crop, animal and human use
- regular source of clean water is necessary
- livestock buildings/structures should be located close to source of water

Hygiene                                         
- animal buildings/structures should be located far away from the homestead
- animal buildings/structures should be located near the source of water to facilitate cleaning
- erect livestock units against wind direction
- livestock building should be well ventilated                      

Accessibility                                      
- the farmstead should be linked with accessible roads
- there should be good network of roads within the farmstead
- good accessibility facilitates produce marketing
Drainage                                                        
- Adequate drainage to prevent flooding and waterlogging
- Drainage should be constructed on gentle slopes