Question 2
-
Study the table below and answer questions 2(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e).
PLOT I
PLOT II
PLOT III
PLOT IV
YEAR 1
Yam
Cowpea
Cassava
Maize
YEAR 2
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
YEAR 3
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
YEAR 4
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
(xii)
- Suggest a suitable title for the table. [1 mark]
- Complete the table for years 2, 3 and 4.
[6 marks]PLOT I
PLOT II
PLOT III
PLOT IV
YEAR 1
Yam
Cowpea
Cassava
Maize
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4
(c) State three principles which should be considered in completing the table above. [3 marks]
(d) Name three advantages of the cropping system represented by the
diagram. [3 marks]
(e) Name two other cropping systems in West Africa. [2 marks]
Observation
This question was well attempted by the candidates. In 2(a-b), majority of the candidates were able to suggest a suitable title for the table and complete the table for years 2, 3 and 4. However, most of the candidates were unable to state the principles which should be considered in completing the table as required in 2(c). Further to this, most of the candidates were able to name the advantages of the cropping system represented by the diagram and were able to name other cropping systems in West Africa as required in 2(d-e).
The expected answers include:
2. (c) Principles to be considered in completing the table
- Shallow rooted crops should not follow each other
- Deep rooted crops should not follow each other
- Crops susceptible to the same diseases should not follow each other
- Crops susceptible to the same pests should not follow each other
- Crops of the same nutrient requirement should not follow each other
- Legume should be planted before or after heavy feeder crops