(a)(i) Explain the term farm surveying. [2 marks] (ii) State four reasons why farm surveying is important [4 marks]
(b) Enumerate six problems facing agricultural development in West Africa.
(c) List four factors that may affect the efficiency of draught animals. [4 marks]
Explanation
2(a)(i) Explanation of farm surveying: Farm surveying is the process of measuring and mapping out the position, topography, size and boundary of an area of farmland.
(ii) Reasons why farm surveying is important
-It helps to determine the size or hectarage of farmland
– Used for feasibility studies
– Enables the farmers to make proper use of the land
– Farmers can determine where to site and locate certain buildings or structures in the farm
– Farm maps or soil maps help in planning the farmstead
– Results from surveying help to describe the characteristics and features of the various soil units used for soil classification.
– The yield or productivity of farmland can be projected
– Results of farm survey can be used as collateral for conditions securing loan from financial institutions
– Facilitates acquisition of certificate of occupancy (c of o)
– Surveying helps to determine the gradients of the farmland
– Roads and other access ways can be constructed with knowledge derived from surveying.
(b) Problems facing agricultural development in West Africa (i) Inadequate finance/credit facilities (ii) Poor rural infrastructural facilities(iii) Low level of technical know – how (iv) Poor marketing system (v) .Poor pricing system (vi) Inadequate transport facilities (vii) Inadequate storage facilities (viii) Inadequate processing facilities (ix) Socio-cultural constraints (x)Poor extension services (xi) Poverty among farmers (xii) Conservatism(xiii) Inadequate supply (xiv) Poor land tenure system(xv) Environmental degradation e.g oil spillage, desertification, drought, erosion, deforestation etc.(xvi) Problem of Pests (xvii) Problem of Diseases (xviii) Inconsistency in government policies/political instability. (xix) Use of crude tools (xx) Inadequate/expensive farm inputs.
(c) Factors that may affect the efficiency of draught animals Health of the animal/diseases, Pests, Food intake, Breed of the animal/genetic make-up, Weight of the animal, Age of the animal, Poor management of the animal, Harness used for hitching, Sex of the animal, Training given to the animal, Climate/environmental factors