(a) Enumerate six factors that limit food production in West Africa. [6 marks] (b) State three advantages and three disadvantages of solar energy as a source of farm power. [6 marks] (c) List four tractor-coupled implements [4 marks]
Explanation
(a) Factors that limit food production in West Africa: -Farming is mostly at subsistence level. -farming operations are not mechanized/use of simple farm tools -Inadequate capital base of the farmers. - Inadequate infrastructural facilities. -Inadequate agricultural Education. -Poor Extension services -High cost of agricultural inputs and machines -Inadequate supply of agricultural inputs. -poor rural development leading to youths migrating to the towns. -High incidence of pests. -High incidence of diseases. -Inadequate storage facilities -Inadequate processing facilities -Poor marketing System -Poor pricing system -poor distribution system -Environmental hazards such as oil spillage, drought, desertification etc -Inconsistent government policies/politics/instability -Poor land tenure system -Socio-cultural constraints (b) Advantages of solar energy as a source of farm power: Farming is mostly at subsistence level.: - It is a cheap source of farm power. -Running cost is low because no fuel is consumed. farm - Solar energy technology is environment-friendly. - It can be stored for later use. - Solar energy technologies are modular aid that can be tailored to the power needs of individual applications. -Solar panels have long life span. - They are economically viable and competitive. Disadvantages of solar energy as a source of farm power: - The performance of solar systems is weather-dependent/erratic/irregular. - Some solar technologies require sophisticated manufacturing processes available only in a few developed countries -There is a initial high capital cost -Special raining for personnel and special infrastructure are needed for the installation and maintenance of these technologies -The batteries have negative environmental impacts. especially during manufacture and disposal -It is available for harnessing only during the day -May not be used to power heavy machines (c) Tractor-coupled implements: Plough, harrow, Ridger, planters/seed drill, Sprayer, Mower, Baler, Fertilizer applicator, Harvester, Cultivator