Agriculture Paper 3, May/June 2015

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.