Observation

 

Question 1 was the most popular among candidates. Majority of candidates were able to explain land tenure system as well as list the land tenure systems common in West Africa.
However, many candidates failed to itemize the ways of improving agricultural development in West Africa before explaining them; thus losing marks. The expected answers include:
1. (a) Explanation of land tenure system Land tenure system is the system of land ownership or acquisition by individual/family/community/corporate bodies in an area for temporary or permanent use.

 

(b) Land tenure systems common in West
- Communal
- Inheritance
- Leasehold
- Will of government
- Rent/tenancy
- Gift/pledge
- Purchase/freehold

 

(c) Ways of improving agricultural mechanization in West Africa
(i) Local fabrication of machines
- Farm machines fabricated locally will be suitable to the soil and climatic conditions of West Africa
- Farm machines fabricated locally will be less expensive

(ii) Establishment of farm mechanization training centres
  - Farm mechanization training centres should be established to train farmers on tractor operation, repair and maintenance
- This reduces dependence on foreign experts

(iii) Development of iron and steel sector
  - This will provide the iron and steel needed for the production of farm machinery and implements
- It will also make machines to be available locally

(iv) Cooperative farming
  - Farmers should be encouraged to form cooperative societies to enable them purchase and operate farm machines at lower costs
- Farmers’ small holdings should be combined for possible mechanization

(v) Provision of land
  - Agricultural estates should be established by government to enable farmers have access to large hectares of land
- Land laws should be enacted to ease the acquisition of land

(vi) Provision of subsidies
  - Farm machines and implements should be given to farmers at subsidised rates
- This will encourage farmers to cultivate large hectares of land
                              

(vii)Provision of credit facilities
  - Farmers should have access to credit facilities at low interest rates
- To enable them purchase farm machines and implements        

    (viii)Establishment of tractor-hiring units
- Tractor-hiring units should be established at strategic centres for easy access
- To make tractors readily available to farmers