Observation

TThis question was fairly attempted by the candidates. Most of the candidates were able to give examples of surface irrigation methods as well as state the problems associated with irrigation in West Africa. However, candidates could not properly explain the effects of unpredictable weather, inadequate rural infrastructure and disease on agricultural development in West Africa. Quite a number of candidates misinterpreted the question and stated other problems of agricultural development instead of providing the effects of the problem already y stated. .

The expected answers include:

1.(a)  Effects of the following problems on Agricultural development in West Africa  

1. - Causes seasonality of crops
2. - Causes flooding/erosion which destroys crops and animals
3. - Causes drought which may lead to loss of crops and animals due to heat stress
4. - Affects the distribution and productivity of crops and animals thereby restricting the production of certain crops and animals to certain areas

1. - Causes low productivity of farmers.
2. - Causes rural-urban migration
3. - Bad roads make it difficult to evacuate farm produce to markets
4. - Reduces quality of life of rural dwellers/farmers
5. - Hinders processing of farm produce
6. - Hinders storage of farm produce/promotes spoilage of farm produce
7. - Lack of electricity reduces source of power for certain farm operations, e.g. processing storage

1. - Reduce farm yield
2. - Reduce quality of farm produce
3. - Increase farmers cost of production/Reduces farmers income/Causes
4. - loss of farmer’s investment
5. - Reduce the viability of planting materials/breeding animals
6. - Reduce farmer’s interest in agricultural production
7. - Cause death of crops and animals