Preparing for the General Agriculture examination is crucial for achieving success in the WAEC.
To effectively study and cover all necessary topics, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the syllabus.
In this blog post, we will explore the aims and objectives of the General Agriculture syllabus, the exam format, and a detailed breakdown of each subject area. Let’s dive in!
Aims and Objectives:
The General Agriculture syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge, understanding, and skills in various aspects of agriculture.
The syllabus aims to evaluate candidates’ proficiency in:
- Agricultural Principles and Practices: Assessing knowledge and understanding of agricultural concepts, scientific skills, and their application in problem-solving.
- Agribusiness and Farm Management: Evaluating candidates’ abilities in setting up and managing agribusinesses, understanding the value chain concept, and maintaining food quality and safety standards.
Scheme of Examination:
The General Agriculture examination consists of three papers, namely Papers 1, 2, and 3. Each paper assesses different aspects of agricultural knowledge and skills. Here’s a breakdown of the exam format:
- Paper 1: This paper consists of fifty multiple-choice objective questions, which must be completed within one hour. It carries a total of 50 marks.
- Paper 2: Divided into five sections, this paper contains ten essay questions. Candidates are required to answer one question from each section. The sections cover topics such as Introduction to Agriculture, Soil Uses and Management, Crop Production, Animal Production, and Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, and Extension. The paper lasts for two hours and carries a total of 16 marks per section.
- Paper 3: This paper is a practical test for school candidates or an alternative to practical work for private candidates. It consists of four questions that must be completed within two hours, and it carries a total of 60 marks.
WAEC General Agriculture Syllabus:
Introduction to Agriculture:
- Importance of agriculture to the national economy
- Definition and branches of agriculture
- Role of agriculture in the national economy
- Meaning, types, and importance of agricultural education
- Agricultural occupations and their entry requirements
- Measurements in agriculture and comparison of indigenous and standardized units of measurement
- Land uses, tenure systems, and their effects on agricultural production
- Introduction to forestry, forest management, and game and wildlife conservation
- Sustainable agriculture and good agricultural practices
Soil Uses and Management:
- Origin, formation, and classification of soils
- Soil profile, composition, and properties
- Land preparation practices and their effects on the soil
- Plant nutrients, nutrient cycles, and methods of maintaining soil fertility
- Soil and water conservation, erosion, and conservation methods
Farm Mechanization:
- Introduction to farm mechanization and its importance
- Farm power sources: human, animal, combustion engines, solar, wind, water, and electricity
- Farm machinery and implements, including harvesting and post-harvest tools
- Irrigation and drainage systems and their classification
- Surveying, farmstead planning, and layout
Crop Production:
- Importance and classification of crop plants
- Principles of crop production, site selection, and land preparation
- Plant propagation methods and cultural practices
- Crop diseases, pests, and weed control
- Husbandry practices for field, vegetable, fruit, and tree crops
- Principles of crop improvement and basic ornamental plant production
Animal Production:
- Importance, classification, and distribution of farm animal breeds
- Animal nutrition and feed preparation
- Reproduction, animal improvement methods, and general management practices
- Animal diseases, pests, and parasites, prevention, and control measures
- Husbandry practices for selected farm animals and introduction to fish farming
Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, and Extension:
- Introduction to agricultural economics, farm management, and demand and supply principles
- Agribusiness management, establishment, and finance
- Farm records and accounts, marketing of agricultural produce, and extension education
- The value chain approach in ensuring food quality and safety standards
Conclusion
The WAEC General Agriculture syllabus serves as an essential guide for exam preparation.
By understanding the aims and objectives of the syllabus and studying each topic diligently, candidates can develop a comprehensive understanding of agricultural principles and practices.
It is recommended to use the syllabus alongside recommended textbooks for a thorough preparation. Best of luck in your General Agriculture examination!
