Observation

Many candidates who attempted this question did not do well in part 1a. Some of them wrote the uses of commerce in West Africa. For 1b, most candidates who attempted the did not know the expectation of the question. Some wrote the physical attributes of the school leaver.

The expected responses to the question include:

1. (a) Factors that Affect the Growth of Commerce in West Africa
i. Lack of common currency in West Africa makes it impossible for traders to accept each other’s currency for payment.
ii. Lack of good transport system across West Africa hinders movement of goods and services.
iii. Increase in population makes the goods available inadequate for local consumption.
iv. Trade barriers created by sovereignty of states still hinder the growth of commerce despite the existence of ECOWAS protocol on trade
v. There are no insurance services that would have covered entrepreneurs who are interested in venturing to trade across countries.
vi. Lack of good communication system or other forms of advertisements that will help to inform potential customers of available products.
vii. Inadequate warehousing facilities to aid mass production of goods.
viii. Inadequacy of financial institutions that would finance mass production.
ix. Political instability across the countries in West Africa also affects trade across West Africa.
x. Security challenges also affect trade across West Africa.

(b) Factors that will Determine the Type of Employment Oke would secure
i. Job opportunity in his area will determine the type of job available in the first place.
ii. Certificate obtained will be the principal factor that will determine the type of job he could secure.
iii. Oke’s personal preference and interest will determine the kind of job he would look for.
v. Most work vacancies demand experience and as a fresher from the secondary school, he would look for a job that does not demand experience.
vi. The prestige attached to the work will determine the type of job he could secure.
vi. The cultural background of Oke as well as his regional area and ethnic group would influence the future work choice.
vii. His choice of job will depend on the level of salary attached to the work.