(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