(a) List four factors that cause a change in supply of agricultural produce [4 marks]
(b) Distinguish between fixed cost and variable cost giving two examples in each case [6 marks]
(c) Example the following agricultural extension teaching methods: (i) posters; (ii) field trips. [6 marks]
Explanation
(a) Factors that cause a change in supply of agricultural produce:
Changes in price of commodity, Changes in the cost of production, Technology, Number of producers, Future expectations of producers, Natural factors, Prices of other produce, The effect of taxation, Shift in consumption by consumers, Change in demand, Change in distribution or marketing channels.
(b) Distinction between Fixed Cost and Variable Cost and examples of each;
Fixed Cost: This is the component of the total cost of Production which does not vary with the level of production. Examples of Fixed Cost Cost of farm buildings, Cost of structures (e.g silo, barn etc), Cost of equipment, Cost of machinery
Variable Cost: This is the other component of total cost which varies directly with the level of production.
Examples of Variable cost Wages, Salaries, Cost of feed, Cost of Seeds, Cost of Fertilizers, Cost of agro-chemicals
(c) Explanation of agricultural extension teaching methods
(i) Posters
- It is an illustrated sheet of paper or cardboard with a few words to briefly explain the illustration
- The illustrations may be in the form of cartoons, pictures, tables or graphs
- The illustrations or words are bold and in a few bright colours so they can easily be read
- The messages should be simple and precise for easy understanding
- Posters are to be mounted at vintage points to allow as many farmers as possible to see and learn from them
(ii) Field trips
- It is a planned visit by a group of farmers to places of agricultural importance such as a successful farmer's farm, demonstration farm, a research station or agricultural institution
- Field trips are undertaken to observe in a real situation, recommend agricultural practices and inputs not locally available, and to obtain information directly from successful farmers etc.
-During the trip, the attention of farmers is drawn to interesting things and important points
- Back in their community, the group should meet and discuss what they saw and learnt.