Observation

This question was poorly attempted by the candidates.  In 5(a), most of the candidates were able to outline the factors affecting the supply of maize in West Africa but they could not state the problems encountered by farmers in obtaining agricultural credit in West Africa as required in 5 (b). Further to this, most of the candidates were unable to explain the methods of selection in animal improvement as required in 5 (c).

The expected answers include:

5 (b)  Problems encountered by farmers in obtaining agricultural credit in West Africa
-    Credit/loaning institutions/agencies are few and located far away from
farmers
-    Centralized operation of most credit institutions
-    Influenced by political decisions
-    Collaterals may not be available
-    Inadequate record keeping
-    Poor credit worthiness
-    Embezzlement/misappropriation of credit/loans by credit officers and agents/
Dishonesty of credit granting agencies
-    High interest rates charged on loans
-    Some credit institutions have very few alternatives to choose from (short
term/medium term/long term)
-    Misuse/diversion of loans/credit/Poor reputation of some farmers
-    Inadequate skill and knowledge in agriculture/low level of education/illiteracy
-    High risks and uncertainties in agriculture/Poor agricultural insurance
-    Lack of moratorium or deferment of payment
-    Bureaucracy

(c)     Methods of selection in animal improvement
Mass selection                                     
-   Selection of animals based on the performance of individual animals in a population

Progeny selection                                  
-    Selection of animals based on the performance of the offspring of animals

Family/sib selection                                
-    Selection of animals based on the performance of relatives of animals

Pedigree selection                                 
-    Selection of animals based on the performance of the ancestors of the animals