WAEC Agricultural Science Syllabus
Every section, topic and candidate objective in the official WAEC Agricultural Science outline — 10 sections, 68 topics and 268 objectives.
- Sections
- 10sections
- Topics
- 68topics
- Objectives
- 268objectives
- Category
- Sciencescategory
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Syllabus sections
10 sectionsTap a section to open it, then tap a topic to see its content and objectives.
1Section A: Basic Concepts
6 topics · 17 objectives
1Meaning and importance of agriculture
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Definition and branches of agricultural science
Objective
Candidates should be able to define agricultural science and state its branches
Content
b. Importance of agriculture to the individual, community and nation
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the importance of agriculture to the individual, community and nation
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2Problems of agricultural development and possible solutions
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Problems related to: land tenure; basic amenities; finance; transportation; storage and processing facilities; agricultural education and extension; tools and machinery; farm inputs; marketing system; environmental degradation
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify and describe the problems of agricultural development
Content
b. Possible solutions to identified problems
Objective
Candidates should be able to suggest possible solutions to the identified problems
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3Meaning and differences between subsistence and commercial agriculture
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of subsistence and commercial agriculture
Objective
Candidates should be able to define subsistence and commercial agriculture
Content
b. Differences between subsistence and commercial agriculture based on their characteristics
Objective
Candidates should be able to differentiate between subsistence and commercial agriculture
Content
c. Advantages and disadvantages of subsistence and commercial agriculture
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the advantages and disadvantages of both types
Content
d. Problems of subsistence and commercial agriculture
Objective
Candidates should be able to discuss the problems of both types, including incidence of pests and diseases, vagaries of weather, labour and government policy
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4Roles of government in agricultural development
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Agricultural finance: (i) credit; (ii) subsidy
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the role of government in agricultural finance
Content
b. Agricultural education
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the role of government in agricultural education
Content
c. Agricultural extension services
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe government extension services
Content
d. Agricultural policies and programmes
Objective
Candidates should be able to discuss past and present programmes e.g. OFN, ADP, Farm Settlement, Agricultural Sector Rehabilitation Project (ASRP) and National Aids Coordination Secretariat
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5Role of non-governmental organizations in agricultural development
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Objective
Candidates should be able to define NGOs
Content
b. Roles of NGOs in agricultural development
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the roles of NGOs e.g. WARDA, IITA, ILCA, ICRISAT
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6Agricultural laws and reforms
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Land tenure systems in West Africa
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe land tenure systems in West Africa
Content
b. Government laws on land use in West Africa
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain government laws on land use, including the Land Use Act (Decree)
Content
c. Advantages and disadvantages of the Land Use Act (Decree) and reforms in West Africa
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the advantages and disadvantages of the Land Use Act and land reforms in West Africa
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2Section B: Agricultural Ecology
12 topics · 40 objectives
1Meaning and importance of agricultural ecology
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of agricultural ecology and ecosystem
Objective
Candidates should be able to define agricultural ecology and ecosystem
Content
b. Components of farm ecosystem e.g. biotic and abiotic
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify the biotic and abiotic components of the farm ecosystem
Content
c. Interactions of the components in the terrestrial and aquatic agro-ecosystem
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe interactions of farm crops/animals with other components in mono or sole cropping, mixed cropping, mixed farming, fish ponds and forest (rain or savannah)
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2Land and its uses
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of land
Objective
Candidates should be able to define land
Content
b. Characteristics of land – free gift of nature, immobile, limited in supply etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the characteristics of land
Content
c. Uses of land: (i) agricultural purposes - crop production, wildlife conservation/game reserve, livestock production etc.; (ii) non-agricultural purposes - industry, housing, transport etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to state agricultural uses (including aquaculture, forestry and apiculture) and non-agricultural uses (health centres, church/mosque, mining, recreational centres, schools and markets)
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3Factors affecting land availability for agricultural purpose
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Physical factors: soil type; topography; land degradation; soil pollution
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the physical factors affecting land availability
Content
b. Economic factors: population pressure; expansion of industries; mining/mineral exploitation; recreation/tourism
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the economic factors affecting land availability
Content
c. Socio-cultural factors: land tenure system; religious purpose (church, mosque and shrine) etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the socio-cultural factors affecting land availability
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4Agro-allied industries and relationship between agriculture and industry
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Agro-based industries and raw materials: paper industry – pulp wood; beverage industry – cocoa, tea etc; textile industry – cotton; soap industry – oil, seeds etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify agro-based industries and their raw materials, including others e.g. leather industry – hides and skin, canning industry – meat and fish
Content
b. Relationship between agriculture and industries: agriculture provides market for industrial products e.g. farm machinery, chemicals; agriculture provides food for industrial workers
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the relationship between agriculture and industries
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5Environmental factors affecting crop and animal distribution and production
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Climatic factors e.g. rainfall, temperature, light, wind, relative humidity
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the effect of climatic factors on crop and animal distribution and production
Content
b. Biotic factors e.g. predators, parasites, soil micro-organisms, pests, pathogens and weeds; interrelationships such as competition, parasitism, mutualism (symbiosis)
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the effect of biotic factors and their interrelationships
Content
c. Edaphic factors: soil pH, soil texture, soil structure, soil type etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the effect of edaphic factors
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6Rock formation
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Types of rock: igneous; sedimentary; metamorphic
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify, describe and give examples of rock types
Content
b. Processes of rock formation
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe how igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks are formed
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7Soil formation and profile development
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Factors of soil formation: the parent rock, organisms, climate, topography and time
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the role played by each factor in soil formation
Content
b. Processes of soil formation: physical weathering; chemical weathering
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the processes of soil formation
Content
c. Soil profile development
Objective
Candidates should be able to define soil profile, and identify, describe and state the importance of each horizon
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8Types, composition and properties of soil
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Types of soil
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify types of soil and separate soil into sand, silt and clay fractions
Content
b. Chemical and biological composition of soil: soil macro and micro nutrients; soil water; soil macro-organisms; soil microbes; soil air
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the chemical and biological composition of soil
Content
c. Soil pH
Objective
Candidates should be able to determine soil pH and explain the causes and correction of soil acidity/alkalinity
Content
d. Physical properties of soil: soil texture; soil structure
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe physical properties including water holding capacity, porosity, capillarity and consistency
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9Plant nutrients and nutrient cycle
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Macro and micro nutrients; their functions and deficiency symptoms in crops
Objective
Candidates should be able to state functions and deficiency symptoms of macro-nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micro-nutrients (Zn, Fe, Mo, Co, Bo, Cu)
Content
b. Factors affecting availability of nutrients in soil such as pH, excess of other nutrients, leaching, crop removal, oxidation and burning
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the factors affecting nutrient availability
Content
c. Methods of replenishing lost nutrients, e.g. crop rotation, organic manuring, fertilizer application, fallowing, liming, cover-cropping
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe methods of replenishing nutrients, including types of fertilizers and methods of fertilizer application
Content
d. Nitrogen, carbon, water and phosphorus cycles
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the nitrogen, carbon and water cycles and their importance
Content
e. Organic agriculture – meaning and importance
Objective
Candidates should be able to define organic agriculture and state its importance
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10Irrigation
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of irrigation system
Objective
Candidates should be able to define irrigation
Content
b. Types of irrigation systems: overhead e.g. sprinkler; surface e.g. flooding, furrow/channel, basin, border; underground e.g. perforated pipes, drips
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the types of irrigation systems
Content
c. Advantages and disadvantages of irrigation systems
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the advantages and disadvantages of each system
Content
d. Importance of irrigation
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of irrigation
Content
e. Problems associated with irrigation
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify problems associated with irrigation
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11Drainage
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of drainage
Objective
Candidates should be able to define drainage
Content
b. Importance of drainage
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of drainage
Content
c. Types of drainage systems: surface drainage e.g. channel, furrow; subsurface/underground drainage
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the types of drainage systems
Content
d. Advantages and disadvantages of drainage systems
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the advantages and disadvantages of drainage systems
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12Agricultural pollution
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of agricultural pollution
Objective
Candidates should be able to define agricultural pollution
Content
b. Causes/sources of pollution of agricultural lands and fish ponds: excessive application of agricultural chemicals; marine and oil spillage; livestock waste and dung disposal etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify causes and sources of land/pond pollution
Content
c. Effects of land/pond pollution on farmers and agricultural productivity
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the effects of pollution and ways of minimizing land/pond pollution
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3Section C: Agricultural Engineering/Mechanization
9 topics · 26 objectives
1Simple farm tools
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of simple farm tools
Objective
Candidates should be able to define simple farm tools
Content
b. Types of simple farm tools - cutlass, hoe, spade, shovel etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify, describe and state the uses of each tool
Content
c. General maintenance of simple farm tools
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the maintenance of simple farm tools
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2Farm machinery and implements
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Farm machinery: tractor; bulldozer; shellers; dryers; incubators; milking machines; combine harvester etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to define, identify and state the uses/functions of farm machinery and identify their different parts (engineering details not required)
Content
b. Tractor-coupled implements: ploughs; harrows; ridgers; planters; harvesters; sprayers etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify, describe and state the uses of tractor-coupled implements and identify their parts
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3Maintenance practices and precautionary measures
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Reasons for maintaining farm machines
Objective
Candidates should be able to state reasons for maintaining farm machines
Content
b. Maintenance of farm machinery: check water and oil levels regularly; carry out routine service; keep machines clean etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe maintenance practices and precautionary measures in the use of farm machinery
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4Agricultural mechanization
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of agricultural mechanization
Objective
Candidates should be able to define agricultural mechanization
Content
b. Mechanized agricultural operations
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe mechanized operations: ploughing, harrowing, planting, harvesting, milking etc.
Content
c. Advantages and disadvantages of agricultural mechanization
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the advantages and disadvantages of mechanization
Content
d. Limitations of agricultural mechanization
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the limitations of mechanization
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5Prospects of agricultural mechanization
1 content item · 1 objective
Content
a. Prospects of agricultural mechanization
Objective
Candidates should be able to suggest ways of improving mechanization such as developing less expensive machines and establishing agricultural engineering schools for personnel
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6Farm power
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Sources of farm power
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify sources of farm power
Content
b. Advantages and disadvantages of different sources of farm power
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the advantages and disadvantages of each source
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7Farm surveying
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of farm surveying
Objective
Candidates should be able to define farm surveying
Content
b. Common survey equipment
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify common survey equipment
Content
c. Uses of farm survey equipment
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the uses of survey equipment
Content
d. Maintenance of farm survey equipment
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe maintenance of survey equipment
Content
e. Importance of farm surveying
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of farm surveying
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8Farm planning
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of farm planning
Objective
Candidates should be able to define farm planning
Content
b. Factors to be considered in farm planning
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the factors to be considered in farm planning
Content
c. Importance of farm planning
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of farm planning
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9Principles of farmstead planning
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of farmstead
Objective
Candidates should be able to define farmstead
Content
b. Importance of farmstead planning
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of farmstead planning
Content
c. Factors to be considered in the design of a farmstead
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain factors in farmstead design, including site selection and location of structures
Content
d. Farmstead layout
Objective
Candidates should be able to sketch a farm layout (engineering details not required)
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4Section D: Crop Production
4 topics · 26 objectives
1Classification of crops
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Classification of crops based on their uses e.g. cereals, pulses, roots and tubers, vegetables
Objective
Candidates should be able to classify crops based on their uses
Content
b. Classification based on their life cycle e.g. annual, biennial, perennial, ephemeral
Objective
Candidates should be able to classify crops based on life cycle
Content
c. Classification based on their morphology e.g. monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crops
Objective
Candidates should be able to classify crops based on morphology
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2Husbandry of selected crops
12 content items · 12 objectives
Content
Scope for each crop: botanical and common names, varieties/types, climatic and soil requirements, land preparation, methods of propagation, planting date, seed rate, spacing, sowing depth and nursery requirements, cultural practices (supplying, thinning, manuring and fertilizer requirement and application, weeding, pests and disease control), harvesting, processing and storage of at least one representative crop from each grouping below
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of selected crops (a general knowledge of the husbandry of all crops listed is presumed)
Content
a. Cereals e.g. maize, rice, guinea corn, millet
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of cereals
Content
b. Pulses (grain legumes) e.g. cowpea, soya bean, pigeon pea
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of pulses
Content
c. Roots and tubers e.g. cassava, yam, potatoes
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of roots and tubers
Content
d. Vegetables e.g. tomatoes, onion, amaranthus, okro, cauliflower, spinach
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of vegetables
Content
e. Fruits e.g. citrus, banana, pineapple
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of fruits
Content
f. Beverages e.g. cocoa, tea, coffee
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of beverage crops
Content
g. Spices e.g. pepper, ginger
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of spices
Content
h. Oils e.g. groundnut, sheabutter, sunflower, oil palm
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of oil crops
Content
i. Fibres e.g. cotton, jute, sissal hemp
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of fibre crops
Content
j. Latex e.g. rubber
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of latex crops
Content
k. Others – sugar cane etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the husbandry of other crops such as sugar cane
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3Pasture and forage crops
7 content items · 7 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of pasture and forage crops
Objective
Candidates should be able to define pasture and forage crops
Content
b. Uses of forage crops
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the uses of forage crops
Content
c. Types of pasture
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify types of pasture
Content
d. Common grasses and legumes used for grazing livestock
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the botanical names and characteristics of common grasses and legumes used for grazing
Content
e. Factors affecting the distribution and productivity of pasture
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain factors affecting distribution and productivity of pasture
Content
f. Establishment of pasture
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe how pasture is established
Content
g. Management practices of pasture
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe pasture management practices
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4Crop improvement
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Aims of crop improvement
Objective
Candidates should be able to define crop improvement and state its aims
Content
b. Methods/processes of crop improvement e.g. introduction, selection, breeding
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe methods of crop improvement
Content
c. Mendel's laws of inheritance
Objective
Candidates should be able to define genetic terms (characters or traits, chromosomes, genes) and state Mendel's 1st and 2nd laws
Content
d. Advantages and disadvantages of crop improvement
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the advantages and disadvantages of crop improvement
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5Section E: Forestry
2 topics · 7 objectives
1Forest management
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of forest and forestry
Objective
Candidates should be able to define forest and forestry
Content
b. Importance of forestry
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of forestry
Content
c. Forest regulations
Objective
Candidates should be able to state forest regulations
Content
d. Forest management practices
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe forest management practices
Content
e. Implications of deforestation
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the implications of deforestation
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2Agro-forestry practices in West Africa
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of agro-forestry
Objective
Candidates should be able to define agro-forestry
Content
b. Agro-forestry practices: taungya system; alley cropping; ley farming etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe agro-forestry practices and identify common tree species suitable for them
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6Section F: Ornamental Plants
5 topics · 8 objectives
1Meaning and importance of ornamental plants
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of ornamental plants
Objective
Candidates should be able to define ornamental plants
Content
b. Importance of ornamental plants
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of ornamental plants
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2Common types of ornamental plants
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Types of ornamental plants according to their uses: bedding plants (mostly flowering plants); hedging plants; lawn grasses etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify various types of ornamental plants according to their uses
Content
b. Examples of ornamental plants
Objective
Candidates should be able to give examples with their common and botanical names
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3Settings and location for planting ornamental plants
1 content item · 1 objective
Content
a. Settings and location for planting ornamental plants
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe suitable settings and locations for ornamental plants
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4Methods of cultivating ornamental plants
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. By seed
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of propagation by seed and give examples of ornamental plants propagated by this method
Content
b. Vegetative propagation
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of vegetative propagation and give examples of ornamental plants propagated by this method
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5Maintenance of ornamental plants
1 content item · 1 objective
Content
a. Maintenance of ornamental plants
Objective
Candidates should be able to state reasons for maintenance operations such as watering, mulching and pruning
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7Section G: Crop Protection
3 topics · 15 objectives
1Diseases of crops
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of disease
Objective
Candidates should be able to define disease
Content
b. General effects of diseases on crop production
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the general effects of diseases on crop production
Content
c. Disease: causal organism, economic importance, mode of transmission, symptoms, prevention and control measures of the diseases of: (i) cereals – smut, rice blast, leaf rust etc; (ii) legumes – cercospora leaf spot, rosette etc; (iii) beverages – cocoa blackpod, swollen shoot, coffee leaf rust etc; (iv) tubers – cassava mosaic, bacterial leaf blight etc; (v) fruits – citrus gummosis, dieback etc; (vi) fibre – black arm/bacterial blight of cotton etc; (vii) vegetables – root knot of tomato or okro, damping off, onion twister etc; (viii) stored produce – mould etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe diseases of crops, covering at least two fungal, two viral, two bacterial and one nematode disease of the crops chosen from the list
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2Pests of crops
7 content items · 7 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of pests
Objective
Candidates should be able to define pests
Content
b. Classification of pests: insect-pests; non-insect pests
Objective
Candidates should be able to classify pests
Content
c. Classification of insect-pests based on mouth parts with examples: biting and chewing; piercing and sucking; boring
Objective
Candidates should be able to classify insect-pests by mouth parts and give examples
Content
d. Important insect-pests of major crops (field and storage pests; life cycle, economic importance, nature of damage, preventive and control measures): (i) cereals – stem borer, army worm, ear worm etc; (ii) legumes – pod borer, aphids, sucking bugs and leaf beetle; (iii) beverages – cocoa mirids (capsids); (iv) tubers – yam beetle, cassava mealybugs, green spidermites, variegated grasshopper; (v) fibre – cotton stainer, bollworms; (vi) fruits and vegetables – thrips, grasshopper, leaf roller, leaf beetle, scale insect; (vii) stored produce – grain weevils, bean beetle
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the life cycle, nature of damage, economic importance, and preventive and control measures of the insect-pests
Content
e. Non-insect pests e.g. birds, rodents etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the nature of damage, economic importance, and preventive and control measures of non-insect pests
Content
f. Side effects of preventive and control methods: chemical – pollution, poisoning; biological – disruption of the ecosystem etc; cultural – harmful effects of burning etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the side effects of pest preventive and control methods
Content
g. General effects/economic importance of pests
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the general effects and economic importance of pests
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3Weeds
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of weeds
Objective
Candidates should be able to define weeds
Content
b. Types of weeds
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify types of weeds, including common and botanical names
Content
c. Effects of weeds on crops and economy
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the effects of weeds on crops and the economy
Content
d. Characteristic features of weeds
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the characteristic features of weeds
Content
e. Methods of controlling weeds: cultural, biological, chemical, physical and mechanical methods
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe methods of weed control
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8Section H: Animal Production
11 topics · 48 objectives
1Types and classification of farm animals
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Types of farm animals: cattle, sheep, goat, poultry, pig, rabbit, fish etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify types of farm animals
Content
b. Classification of farm animals according to: (i) habitat – terrestrial and aquatic; (ii) uses – food, protection, pet etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to classify farm animals by habitat and uses
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2Anatomy and physiology of farm animals
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Parts of farm animals
Objective
Candidates should be able to draw and label parts of farm animals
Content
b. Organs of farm animals e.g. heart, liver, lungs
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify important organs and state their functions
Content
c. Systems of farm animals e.g. digestive system, circulatory system, respiratory system
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe body systems, including the digestive system of poultry and differences between monogastric and ruminant digestive systems
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3Animal reproduction
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of reproduction
Objective
Candidates should be able to define reproduction
Content
b. Roles of hormones in reproduction of farm animals
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the roles of hormones in reproduction
Content
c. Reproductive systems of farm animals
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the reproductive systems of farm animals
Content
d. Processes of reproduction in farm animals
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the processes including oestrus cycle, heat period, mating, gestation period, parturition, lactation, colostrum, mammary glands, signs of heat, ovulation etc.
Content
e. Egg formation in poultry
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe egg formation in poultry
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4Environmental physiology
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of environmental physiology
Objective
Candidates should be able to define environmental physiology
Content
b. Effects of changes in climatic factors such as temperature, relative humidity and light on growth, reproduction, milk production, egg production etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain the effects of climatic factors on animal growth and production
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5Livestock management
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of livestock management
Objective
Candidates should be able to define livestock management
Content
b. Requirements for livestock management: housing; feeding; hygiene and finishing of at least one ruminant and one non-ruminant from birth to market weight
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe extensive, intensive and semi-intensive systems of management and record keeping
Content
c. Importance of management practices
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of management practices
Opens the CBT engine with Agricultural Science past questions and answers.
6Animal nutrition
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of animal nutrition
Objective
Candidates should be able to define animal nutrition
Content
b. Classification of feeds
Objective
Candidates should be able to classify feeds
Content
c. Sources and functions of feed nutrients
Objective
Candidates should be able to state sources and functions of feed nutrients (biochemical details not required)
Content
d. Types of ration/diet and their uses; components of a balanced diet, production and maintenance rations
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe diets for various classes of animals, their characteristics and supplementary feeding
Content
e. Causes and symptoms of malnutrition and their correction in farm animals
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe malnutrition-related conditions such as ketosis and rickets
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7Rangeland and pasture management
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Meaning and importance of rangeland/pasture to livestock and the characteristics of rangeland
Objective
Candidates should be able to define rangeland and pasture, and state their importance and characteristics
Content
b. Common grasses and legumes in rangeland
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify common grasses and legumes in rangeland
Content
c. Factors affecting the level of production of herbage: rainfall, grass/legume composition, grazing etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain factors affecting herbage production
Content
d. Methods of rangeland and pasture improvement: controlled stocking, rotational grazing, use of fertilizers, introduction of legumes, reseeding, weed control, burning, pest and disease control
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe methods of rangeland and pasture improvement
Opens the CBT engine with Agricultural Science past questions and answers.
8Animal improvement
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of animal improvement
Objective
Candidates should be able to define animal improvement
Content
b. Aims of animal improvement
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the aims of animal improvement
Content
c. Methods of animal improvement: introduction; selection; breeding
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe methods of improvement, including differences and similarities between breeds (local, exotic and cross/hybrid) and performance of animals
Content
d. Artificial insemination: (i) meaning; (ii) methods of collecting semen; (iii) advantages and disadvantages
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe artificial insemination, its methods of semen collection, and its advantages and disadvantages
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9Animal health management
7 content items · 7 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of disease
Objective
Candidates should be able to define disease
Content
b. Causal organisms: viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify causal organisms of animal diseases
Content
c. Factors that could predispose animals to diseases: health status of animals, nutrition, management etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the predisposing factors
Content
d. Reaction of animals to diseases: susceptibility and resistance to diseases
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain susceptibility and resistance to diseases
Content
e. Selected livestock diseases (causal organisms, symptoms, mode of transmission, effects, prevention and control): (i) viral – foot and mouth, rinderpest, newcastle; (ii) bacterial – anthrax, brucellosis, tuberculosis; (iii) fungal – aspergillosis, ringworm, scabies; (iv) protozoa – trypanosomiasis, coccidiosis
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the selected diseases and state their economic importance
Content
f. Parasites: (i) meaning of parasite; (ii) types of parasites; (iii) mode of transmission, life cycle, economic importance and control of endoparasites – tapeworm, liverfluke and roundworm; ectoparasites – ticks, lice
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the selected parasites, their life cycles, economic importance and control
Content
g. General methods of prevention and control of diseases and parasites: quarantine, inoculation/immunization, hygiene, breeding for resistance etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe general methods of preventing and controlling diseases and parasites
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10Aquaculture
7 content items · 7 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of aquaculture
Objective
Candidates should be able to define aquaculture
Content
b. Different types of aquaculture: fish farming; shrimp farming; crab farming
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify types of aquaculture
Content
c. Meaning and importance of fish farming
Objective
Candidates should be able to define fish farming and state its importance
Content
d. Conditions necessary for siting a fish pond
Objective
Candidates should be able to state conditions necessary for siting a fish pond
Content
e. Establishment and maintenance of fish pond
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe establishment and maintenance of a fish pond, including aeration, stocking, feeding, harvesting, processing and preservation of fish
Content
f. Fishery regulations – meaning and regulations
Objective
Candidates should be able to state fishery regulations
Content
g. Fishing methods and tools
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe fishing methods and tools
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11Apiculture or bee keeping
6 content items · 6 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of apiculture or bee keeping
Objective
Candidates should be able to define apiculture
Content
b. Types of bees: indigenous bees; exotic bees
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify types of bees
Content
c. Importance of bee keeping
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of bee keeping
Content
d. Methods of bee keeping: traditional method; modern bee keeping
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe methods of bee keeping
Content
e. Bee keeping equipment: bee hives, hive tools like suits, smokers, jungle boots, brushes etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify bee keeping equipment and state their uses
Content
f. Precautionary measures in bee keeping: locate apiaries far from human dwellings; put warning symbols near apiary etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to state precautionary measures in bee keeping
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9Section I: Agricultural Economics and Extension
12 topics · 53 objectives
1Basic economic principles
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Scarcity
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain scarcity
Content
b. Choice
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain choice
Content
c. Scale of preference
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain scale of preference
Content
d. Law of diminishing returns
Objective
Candidates should be able to state and explain the law of diminishing returns
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2Factors of production
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Land
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe land as a factor of production
Content
b. Capital
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe capital as a factor of production
Content
c. Labour – characteristics and classification
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe labour, including rural-urban migration and how it affects labour availability in agricultural production
Content
d. Management or entrepreneur
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe management as a factor of production
Opens the CBT engine with Agricultural Science past questions and answers.
3Principles of demand
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Definition of demand
Objective
Candidates should be able to define demand
Content
b. Law of demand
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the law of demand
Content
c. Factors affecting demand for agricultural produce
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain factors affecting demand
Content
d. Movements along the demand curve
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain movements along the demand curve
Content
e. Shifts in the demand curve
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain shifts in the demand curve
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4Principles of supply
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Definition of supply
Objective
Candidates should be able to define supply
Content
b. Law of supply
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the law of supply
Content
c. Movements along supply curve
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain movements along the supply curve
Content
d. Shifts in the supply curve
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain shifts in the supply curve
Content
e. Factors affecting the supply of agricultural produce
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain factors affecting supply
Opens the CBT engine with Agricultural Science past questions and answers.
5Implications of demand and supply for agricultural production
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Price support
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain price support
Content
b. Price control
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain price control
Content
c. Subsidy programme and its effects on agricultural production
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain subsidy programmes and their effects
Opens the CBT engine with Agricultural Science past questions and answers.
6Functions of a farm manager
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of a farm manager
Objective
Candidates should be able to define a farm manager and farm management
Content
b. Functions of a farm manager
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the functions of a farm manager
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7Problems faced by farm managers
1 content item · 1 objective
Content
a. Problems faced by farm managers
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify problems faced by farm managers, including the meaning of agri-business
Opens the CBT engine with Agricultural Science past questions and answers.
8Agricultural finance
7 content items · 7 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of agricultural finance
Objective
Candidates should be able to define agricultural finance
Content
b. Importance of agricultural finance
Objective
Candidates should be able to state its importance
Content
c. Sources of farm finance
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify sources of farm finance
Content
d. Classes of farm credit: (i) based on length of time – short-term, medium-term, long-term; (ii) based on source – institutional, non-institutional; (iii) based on liquidity – loan in-cash, loan in-kind
Objective
Candidates should be able to classify farm credit
Content
e. Problems faced by farmers in procuring agricultural credit - high interest rate; lack or inadequate collateral etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to state problems farmers face in procuring credit
Content
f. Problems faced by institutions in granting loans to farmers - lack of records and accounts etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to state problems institutions face in granting loans
Content
g. Capital market: (i) meaning of capital market and institutions that deal with medium and long term loans for agricultural business; (ii) institutions involved in the capital market; (iii) sources of funds for the capital market – bonds, insurance companies, merchant banks, the stock exchange (sales and purchases of shares); (iv) roles of capital markets in agricultural business – mobilization of long term funds for on-lending, reducing over reliance on money market etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the capital market, its institutions, sources of funds and roles in agricultural business
Opens the CBT engine with Agricultural Science past questions and answers.
9Farm records and accounts
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Importance of farm records
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of farm records
Content
b. Types of farm records: inventory records; production records; income and expenditure records; supplementary or special records
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe types of farm records
Content
c. Designing farm records
Objective
Candidates should be able to design farm records
Content
d. Farm accounts: expenditure/purchases account; income/sales account; profit and loss account; balance sheet
Objective
Candidates should be able to prepare farm accounts and use terms such as salvage value, appreciation, farm budget, depreciation and inventory to calculate profit and loss of crops, livestock, machinery and tools
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10Marketing of agricultural produce
9 content items · 9 objectives
Content
a. Meaning and importance of marketing of agricultural produce
Objective
Candidates should be able to define marketing and state its importance
Content
b. Marketing agents and their functions
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the functions, advantages and disadvantages of marketing agents
Content
c. Marketing functions: assembling; transportation; processing etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe marketing functions
Content
d. Marketing of export crops
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe the marketing of export crops
Content
e. Export crops in West Africa
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify export crops in West Africa
Content
f. Guidelines for exporting crops in West Africa
Objective
Candidates should be able to state guidelines for exporting crops
Content
g. Corporate bodies, cooperative societies and individuals engaged in exporting agricultural produce e.g. ANCE - Association of Nigerian Cooperative Exporters
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify bodies engaged in exporting agricultural produce
Content
h. Importance of exporting agricultural produce
Objective
Candidates should be able to state the importance of exporting agricultural produce
Content
i. Problems of marketing agricultural produce
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify problems of marketing agricultural produce
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11Agricultural insurance
5 content items · 5 objectives
Content
a. Meaning of agricultural insurance
Objective
Candidates should be able to define agricultural insurance
Content
b. Importance of agricultural insurance
Objective
Candidates should be able to state its importance
Content
c. Types of insurance policies for agricultural production: specific enterprise insurance e.g. crop insurance, livestock insurance; farm vehicle insurance; fire disaster insurance or machines and buildings insurance; life assurance (farmers, farm workers and farmers' household)
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe types of insurance policies
Content
d. Insurance premium
Objective
Candidates should be able to explain insurance premium
Content
e. Problems of agricultural insurance: uncertainties of weather; losses due to natural disaster etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify problems of agricultural insurance
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12Agricultural extension
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Meaning and importance of agricultural extension
Objective
Candidates should be able to define agricultural extension and state its importance, including qualities of a good extension worker
Content
b. Agricultural extension methods: individual contact methods; group contact methods etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe extension methods
Content
c. Agricultural extension programmes in West Africa e.g. ADP, NDE, Agro-service centres, state ministries of agriculture and natural resources
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe extension programmes in West Africa
Content
d. Problems of agricultural extension in West Africa e.g. illiteracy among farmers, inadequate transport facilities etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify problems of agricultural extension
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10Practical Agricultural Science
4 topics · 28 objectives
1Agricultural ecology (practical)
6 content items · 6 objectives
Content
1. Soil
Objective
Candidates should be able to examine soil samples for texture by manual feeling of wet and dry soil, and examine fertile and infertile soils noting colour, texture, structure, presence of organic matter and living things
Content
2. Soil profile
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe and identify a simple soil profile
Content
3. Rocks
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify common rock types: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic
Content
4. Laboratory work on physical properties of soil: (a) mechanical analysis by sedimentation and by hydrometer method or sieves; (b) determination of bulk density and total pore space; (c) determination of moisture content of a moist soil sample; (d) determination of maximum water holding capacity; (e) determination of wilting point; (f) determination of capillary action
Objective
Candidates should be able to carry out laboratory determinations of the physical properties of soil
Content
5. Laboratory work on chemical properties of soil: (a) determination of soil acidity using pH meter and/or any other gadget or simple equipment; (b) common types of chemical fertilizers; (d) organic manure: green manure, farm yard, compost
Objective
Candidates should be able to determine soil pH, identify fertilizers (N, P, K and compound) with methods and rates of application, and identify, prepare and apply compost
Content
6. Irrigation and drainage
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify irrigation and drainage equipment and state their uses e.g. watering can, sprinkler, pump, pipes
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2Agricultural engineering/mechanization (practical)
7 content items · 7 objectives
Content
1. Farm tools and equipment
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify, describe, use and maintain garden tools e.g. hoe, cutlass, garden trowel, hand fork, shovel, spade, rake, sickle, secateurs, shears, long handle hoe, pruner, budding knife, emasculator
Content
2. Tractor and animal drawn implement
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify, describe, use and maintain tractor and animal-drawn implements e.g. ploughs, harrows, ridgers, planters, cultivators, and identify their major parts and functions
Content
3. Harvesting, processing and storage equipment
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify, describe and state uses of equipment e.g. dehuskers, shellers, winnowers, dryers, processors, graters, refrigerators, cutlasses, scythe, groundnut lifters
Content
4. Farm tractor
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify the major components of the farm tractor and describe its servicing and maintenance
Content
5. Uses and maintenance of horticultural tools and implements
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify, use and maintain shears, dibber, pruning knife, secateurs, budding knife, measuring tapes, hand fork, hand trowel, hoe and fork
Content
6. Livestock and fishing equipment
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify, describe, use and care for equipment e.g. waterers, feeders, milking machines, nets, hook and line, branding machine, egg candler
Content
7. Farm surveying equipment
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify, use and care for equipment e.g. measuring tape, pins or arrows, ranging poles, plum bob, offset staff, compass, gunter's chains, pegs, theodolite
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3Crop production (practical)
7 content items · 7 objectives
Content
1. Seeds, seedlings, fruits and storage organs of crops
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify seeds, seedlings, fruits, storage organs and essential parts of common crop plants, pasture grasses and legumes
Content
2. Main pests and diseases of crops
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify main field and storage pests (e.g. cotton stainer, yam beetles, weevils) and the damage they cause, and main crop diseases, their causal agents, symptoms, prevention and control
Content
3. Planting dates, seed rates, plant population and seed quality tests of the more common local crop plants
Objective
Candidates should be able to determine planting dates, seed rates, plant population and carry out seed quality tests
Content
4. Preparation of seedbeds, fertilizer application, mulching, use of pesticides, watering, vegetative propagation, germination tests etc.
Objective
Candidates should be able to perform these operations, including propagation methods: direct sowing, transplanting, layering, grafting and budding
Content
5. Forest products and by-products
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify forest products and by-products
Content
6. Methods of propagation of horticultural plants
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe methods of propagation of horticultural plants
Content
7. Common weeds
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify common weeds, their external features, mode of dispersal and methods of control on the farm
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4Animal production (practical)
8 content items · 8 objectives
Content
1. Common breeds of animals and types of animals available in the locality
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify breeds, and carry out restraint, handling and grooming of farm animals
Content
2. Major internal organs of farm animals, e.g. organs of the digestive system, reproductive and excretory systems
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify the major internal organs and state their functions
Content
3. Animal by-products
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify animal by-products e.g. hides and skin, fur, feather, horn
Content
4. Animal feeds and feed stuffs and their local sources
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify feeds and feed stuffs (e.g. fish meal, groundnut cake, rice bran), state their uses and types of diets/rations
Content
5. Main pests and parasites of farm animals
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify common ectoparasites (e.g. ticks, lice) and endoparasites (e.g. tapeworms, liver flukes, roundworms), the damage caused, their control and their life cycles
Content
6. Diseases of farm animals
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe methods of prevention and control e.g. drugging, drenching, dipping, spraying and simple farm sanitation
Content
7. Routine management practices in farm animals, e.g. selection of livestock and poultry for breeding, culling, ear-notching, tattooing, horn or skin branding, debeaking, dehorning, castration
Objective
Candidates should be able to identify equipment/tools used for routine management practices
Content
8. Fish harvesting and preservation
Objective
Candidates should be able to describe methods of harvesting, processing and preservation of fish
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