Candidate's Weakness

The candidates were unable to:

• highlight the benefits of including specimen E(Cowpea) in a crop rotation programme;
• state the botanical names of specimens G(Goat weed), H(Sida weed), I(Spear grass), J(Elephant grass) and K(Pig weed);
• give reasons why specimens I(Spear grass), J(Elephant grass) and K(Pig weed) are difficult to control;
• mention the problems that may result from a poorly maintained specimen S(Knapsack sprayer);
• list the protective devices that should be worn by a farmer when using specimen S(Knapsack sprayer);
• state the precautions that should be taken when using specimen S(Knapsack sprayer);
• outline the steps involved in processing specimens W(Paddy rice) and X(Groundnut seeds) into polished rice and groundnut cake respectively;
• mention the measures used in controlling specimen Y(Maize stem borer) on a farm.

Based on the observed weaknesses, the Chief Examiners recommended as follow:

• Aspects of the syllabus such as animal products/by products and their uses, weeds, processing of farm produce, maintenance of farm tools and equipment should be emphasized by teachers;
• Only graduates of Agricultural Science/Agriculture should be allowed to teach the subject in Senior Secondary Schools.