Observation

This question was fairly attempted by the candidates. In 1(a-b), most of the candidates could neither state the roles of agricultural research institutes in agricultural development nor outline the advantages and disadvantages of land ownership by inheritance. However, most of the candidates were able to mention the principles of farmstead layout as required in 1(c). Further to this, though most of the candidates were unable to state the correct uses of knapsack sprayer, they were able to list secondary tillage implements as required in 1(d)(i-ii). .

The expected answers include:

1.(a)    Solutions to Roles of agricultural research institutes in agricultural development  

1. - Develop new farm implements/tools
2. - Develop better methods of controlling diseases of crops
3. - Develop better methods of controlling pests/parasites
4. - Develop new cultural practices and farming systems/soil management techniques
5. - Develop vaccines for preventing and controlling diseases of animals
6. - Develop effective/better methods of processing farm produce
7. - Develop improved varieties of crops (e. g. early maturity, disease resistance/tolerance, high yielding etc)
8. - Develop improved breeds of animals (e.g. fast growth rate, high milk yield, high feed conversion ratio/efficiency, disease tolerance/resistance etc)

2.(a)    Advantages of land ownership by inheritance  

1. Perennial/permanent crops can be planted/permanent structures can be erected on the land
2. The land can be used as collateral to obtain loan
3. - Land can be sold/leased out by the owner
4. - Land is easily acquired by family members/effortless acquisition of land by family members

2.(b)    Disadvantages of land ownership by inheritance  

1. - May lead to excessive land fragmentation
2. - Such land is not available for non-members of the family
3. - Such land is subject to traditional restrictions
4. - Sharing of land could generate enmity among family members
5. - Land owners are tied to their plots, partly because they are unwilling to part with what they have
6. - Mechanization may be difficult on inherited land due to fragmentation

4.(d)(i)    Uses of the knapsack sprayer  

1. - Application of liquid fertilizers/foliar spray
2. - Application of herbicides
3. - Application of pesticides/insecticides
4. - Application of fungicides/bactericides/nematicides
5. - Application of plant hormones