(a)(i) What is an agricultural system [2 marks] (ii) List five agricultural systems practised in West Africa. [5 mar]
(b) State four ways in which non-governmental organisations contribute to agricultural production. [4 mar
(c) Give one function of each of the following components of an incubator: (i) counter (ii) thermostat; (iii) hygrometer (iv) egg tray; (v) heater. [5 marks each]
Explanation
(a) (i) Meaning of an Agricultural system: This is method of farming evolved by different communities in their efforts to obtain the highest possible returns from their lands and animals for their food, shelter, clothing and fuel needs, without compromising the fertility and productivity of the soil.
(ii) Agricultural systems practised in West Africa:
- Shifting cultivation
- Continuous cropping
- Monocropping
- Mixed cropping
- Pastoral farming
- Ranching
- Agro-forestry
- Taungya system
- Bush fallowing/land rotation
- Crop rotation
- Monoculture
- Mixed farming
-Nomadic herding
- Ley farming
-Alley cropping
- Ecological/Organic farming
(b) Ways in which Non-Governmental Organizations contribute to agricultural production:
- Carry out research to produce new varieties of crops.
-Carry out research to produce new breeds of livestock.
- Control pests through the production of pest-resistant varieties of crops.
- Control diseases through the production of disease-resistant varieties of crops.
- Provide agricultural extension services.
- Assist in rural development through provision of social amenities such as water and health centres.
- Develop appropriate farming system.
- Provide loan/fund/input for agricultural production.
(c) Functions of the components of an incubator (I) Counter - Used in recording the number of days of incubation. (ii) Thermostat - Regulates the temperature of the incubator. (iii) Hygrometer - Measures the humidity in the incubator. (iv) Egg tray - Used in filling eggs. That is, eggs are arranged in it. (v) Heater Supplies warmth Constantly to the incubator.