mathew zimsec prescribed questions and answers

ZIMSEC AGRICULTURE QUESTION PAPERS II, 2003-2012 COMPILATION PREPARED BY MATHEW MUDERERE [email protected] CELL ...0772106567 ...............................................................................................................

1

2003................

1. EXPLAIN THE ROLE OF CAMPFIRE............4

Encourages the particitation by the community

Empower the community to manage their resources/improve

infrastructure

Improve the living standards of the rural communities

Creat employment brings in foreign currency source

2. DEFINE THE FOLLOWING TERMS

a. BIODIVERITY....variety of living organisms

b. HABITAT........where an organism live

3. EXPLAIN THE EFFECT OF EXCEEDING THE CARRING CAPACITY OF

GAME PARKS

Competition for resources

Damanging of ecosystem

Extinction of some species due to competition

Increase conflict with man

Diseases outbreak

Soil erosion/overgrazing

4. EXPLAIN THE EFFECTS ORGANIC MATTER ON SOIL

a. SOIL CONSERVATION........binds the soil together,improve

aeration/infiltration,improves drainage,acts as mulch

b. WATER CONSERVATION........improves water holding

capacity,minimises surface run off,increases water

infiltration,acts as mulch

5. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF EARLY PLANTING UNDER DRY LAND

FARMING.......4

Extend the length of growing season

Plants take advantages of high early summer temperatures

Helps in weed control

Plants grow before pest/diseases builds up

Yields are increased

Grain filling period lengthened

mailto:[email protected]


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6. STATE THE FACTORS THAT FARMERS CONSIDER WHEN DETERMINING

OPTIMUMU PLANT POPULATION..............3

Type of crop

Stature of the variety

Climate condition

Soil fertility

Availability of irrigation

Availability of inputs-seedsand fertilizers

7. LIST DISADVANTAGE OF ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION........3

New varieties can not be produced

Planting material isbulky

Not easy to transport

Lack of diseases resistant

Loss of the whole crop in time of natural disaster/drought/diseases

Planting operation is labour intensive

8. EXPLAIN WITH EXAMPLES THE FOLLOWING TERMS...........

a. VARIABLE COSTS...cost which apply to individual menterprise

only,cost which nchange with scale of production

b. FIXED COST.......cost which apply to the farm as a whole,cost

which do not change with scale of production

c. UNCERTAINITY........unwanted happenings which a farmer has

no control over eg change in gorvenment policy

9. EXPLAIN HOW FARMERS CAN GUARD AGAINST RISK IN FARMING

BUSSINESS........3

Maintain mflexibility

Maintain reserves of food

Use records or financial information

Take insurance

10. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FARMING COOPERATIVES.........4

Benefits from economics of large scale production

Easy access to credits /loans

Sharimg of overhead cost

Eliminates middleman

Easy dissemination of information



3

Big bargaining power

Can memploy well trained/experienced staff

11. EXPLAIN HOW LEAVES ARE ADAPTED TO CARRY OUT

PHOTOSYTHESIS.......4

Leaves are broad to provide lage surface area

To allow fro easy diffusion of gases through short distances/trap

sunlight

Many stomatas for gaseous exchange

Many veins to supply water

Palisade on the upper surface-highest number of chloroplast to

trap light

Air spaces on the spongy mesophyll

12. WHAT FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN PRODUCING FOR

MARKET.......4

Size of the enterprise

Level of production

Seasonal production

Length of production cycle

Perishable goods

Gluts

Shortage/scarsity

Gorvenment controls

Quality of products or transport

Supply,demand,price of product

13. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF FARM BUDGET TO FARMERS.......2

Choice of enterprice

Level of production

Availability of inputs

Cost/take advantages of early purchase

Calculate variable cost at the end

Enable one to get loans

Farmer plans ahead

Assess feasibility of enterprise

14. DESCRIBE HOW CONTOUR RIDGES ARE MAINTAINED.......



4

Remove silt/rebuilt crest

Remove stones/any foreign materials

Cut trees or shrubs growing in the chanel

Cut grass

15. LIST THE CAUSES OF DESTRUCTION OF WOODY VEGETATION IN

ZIMBABWE

Construction materials

Firewood/fuel

Wild life pressure

Grazing of livestocks/wild animals

Veld fires

Infrastructure/roads contruction/building

Population pressure

Droughts pest and diseases

Need for agric lands

16. A FARMER PRODUCED 5 TONNES OF MAIZE DURING THE 2001 -2002

SEASON.GMB PRODUCE PRICE FOR THE MAIZE WAS $16

000/TONNE.THE TOTAL COST OF INPUTS ON THE MAIZE PROJECT

WAS $50 000.A BROILER ENTERPRISE GAVE THE FARMER A RETURN

OF $150 000 AFTER SPENDING $80 000.THE FARMER ALSO $25 000

ON RENTALS ,$20 000 ON TRACTOR REPAIRS AND $11 000 ON

INSURANCE

a. CALCULATE THE TOTAL VALUE OF PRODUCTION FOR

THE SEASON

maize=5x16000=80 000

broilers=150 000

total=80 000+ 150 000=230 000

b. CALCULATE THE GROSS MARGIN FOR THE MAIZE AND

BROILER

Maize=80 000-50 000=30 000

Broilers=150 000-80 000=70 000

c. WHAT IS THE TOTAL GROSS MARGIN FOR THE FARM

30 000+70 000=100 000



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d. WORK OUT THE FARMERS PROFIT OR LOSS

1000-45 000=55 000

17.DESCRIBE THE MANAGEMENT OF EITHER RABBITS OR LAYERS

a. LAYERS

On arrival count/check for sick birds

Separate sick from health ones

Provide warmth in brooder/injfra red lamp/lamp

Provide clean food/chick mash/clean hygiene

Keep birds dry,feed for 5 weeks with chick starter mash

5 weeks to point of lay on growers mash then layers mash

Provide enough water/bedding

Treat cases suffering/fowl pox/coccidiostas

Control internal and external parasites/round worms/fowl ticks

Provide enough ventilatilation

Isolate or quarantine

Provide enough space

Vaccination and disinfection of houses

RABBITS

size of hutch,120cmx90cmx45cm

growing stock,90cmx45cmx45cm/enough space

floors 2mm wire mash

keep hutchessecure under roof

recognise sick animals and treat

provide clean food and water every day

keep records up to date

clean floors,quarantine/isolate sick animals

provide enough ventilation,disinfection



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2004...........

1. IDENTIFY TWO CHARACTERISTICS OF CLAY SOIL WHICH MAKE IT

SUITABLE FOR PLANT GROWTH......2

High water holding capacity

High organic matter

Temperature variation is minimum

Not susceptible to erosion

2. IN SAND SOILS TOP DRESSING IS RECOMMENDED TO BE SPLIT

APPLIED.EXPLAIN......2

High leaching

Plants to receive adequate fertilizer

3. HOW ARE FUNGAL DISEASES AND NEMATODES CONTROLLED IN

CONTORLLED IN CROPS

a. FUNGAL DIEASES...........

Grow healthy plant,use certified seeds/seed dressing

Avoid overwatering,correct plant spacing/population

Use wel drained land,remove volunteer plants

Remove affected plants/burn/rouging/crop residues



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Field hygiene

Spray with soapy water

fungicides

b. NEMATODES..............

Sterilisation/fumigation/use of nematicides

Ethyl dibromide

Nemagon

Nemacur/methyl bromide

Crop rotation /planting grass

Fallowing/burning/use of sugar solution

4. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OSMOSIS IN PLANT GROWTH........2

Water uptake from soil,transipiration stream

Movement of water from cell to cell

5. DESCRIBE ONE METHOD OF HARVESTING A NAMED CEREAL CROP FOR

GRAIN......4

Methods of harvesting 1

Combine harvester

Cutting,conveying and feeding,threshing

Sepation of grain from straw,husks

Cleaing,bagging,weighing,grading/sorting

Or

Hand harvesting

Cutting stocks for drying

Maise cobs removed

Cobs collected in bags

Threshing,winnowing,cleaning and bagging

6. THE TABLE SHOWS CATEGORIES OF PEST ACCORDING TO THEIR

FEEDING HABITS.COMPLETE THE TABLE BY GIVING ONE OF A PEST FOR

EACH CATEGORY

CATEGORY OF PEST EXAMPLE

BITING AND CHEWING PEST Locust/termites/leaf minors/grass hoppers



8

PIERCING AND SUCKING Aphids/mearly bugs/scale insects BORING Weevils/stalk borer/American

ballworm/heliothis

7. WHY SHOULD FARMERS BE ENCOURAGED TO USE INTERGRATED PEST

MANAGEMENT METHODS........3

Reduce cost

More effective

Environmentally friendly

Rely several methods no build up of resistance

8. SUGGEST 2 PRECAUTION WHICH MUST BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SEED

COLLECTED FROM THE CROSSING IS TRUE SINGLE CROSS HYBRID.........2

Detassel female parent

Completely cover tasel of female in plastic bag before pollen

matures

Only pollen from male parent allowed to reach the silk/stigma of

female plant

No other maize plants permitted to grow within a distance of

500m

Harvest male cobs first

9. LIST TWO ADVANTAGES AND TWO DISADVANTAGES OF USING HYBRID

SEED...4

Hybrid/vigour/superior than parents in characteristics such as

diseases/pest resistsnt,growth rate

Higher/improved yield

Disadvantages

Seed production taks a long time

Seed production require experts

Seed is expensive

10. BEANS AND TOMATOES ARE AFFECTED BY FROST IN WINTER.WHAT

MEASURE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO PREVENT FROST

DAMAGE....3



9

Avoid areas prone to frost

Timely planting

Frost barriers

Frost barriers

Soil husbandry,infiltration

Soil free from mulch

Irrigation

Light fires

11. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF TRANSLOCATION IN CROP PLANT....1

Movement of manufactured food from area of manufacture to

roots and other prts

12. IDENTIFY FOUR MAIN NUTRIENTS IN A BALANCED RATION OF

LIVESTOCK.......4

Proteins,carbohydrates,fats,roughages,fibre,oils,vitamins,minerals

,water

13. USE PEARSON SQURARE METHOD TO CALCULATE A RATION THAT

PRODUCES A MIXTURE OF 10% DIGESTIBLE CRUDE PROTEIN(DCP)

USING THE FOLLOWING CONCENTRATION :MAIZE 6%DCP AND

GROUND NUTS CAKE 42%DCP....3

14. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF RUMEN IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF A

RUMINANT

Rumen receives freshly eaten food/store food

Contains microflora/bacteria which break down cellulose

Vit B complex is synthesised in the rumen

15. WHY ARE NEWCASTLE AND FOOT AND MOUTH IN LIVESTOCK ARE

CLASSIFIED AS NOTIFIABLE DISEASES....3

Extremely dangerous /fatal/high death rate

Spread easily or fast

Outbreak should be reported to veterinary service or police

Failure to report is an offence

16. STATE SYMTOMS OF EITHER NEW CASTLE OF FOOT AND MOUTH

DISEASES IN LIVESTOCKS

Newcastlle



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Respiratory problems/difficult breathing

Coughing /sneesing

Sudden reduction in egg production

High mortality rate

Watery yellowish white faeces with offensive smell

Nervous movement/paralysis,twisted neck

Symptoms of foot and mouth diseases

Profuse salivation

Painfull sores/blisters in mouth/udder/teat

Sores in hooves

Lameness

Fever

Difficulty in eating

17. DESCRIBE THE FUCTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING PARTS OF

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF A COW

a. FALLOPIAN TUBE

Receive the egg

Fertilization may take place

Passage of sperm/ovum/eggs

b. UTERUS

Implantation

Nourishment

Accommodation

Expulsion of the embryo

18. FARMERS ARE ADVICED TO TREAT WOODEN POLES FOR

FENCING.DESCRIBE GIVING REASONS,ONE METHOD USED TO TREAT

FENCING POLES........4

1. Hot method

Immernce posts in a drum of creosote/coal tar/fuel oil

mixture

Which is heated for several hours

Allow cooling in a drum before drained to remove creosote



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Upright posts are turnedup to bottom so that parts not

previously imenced can be soaked in the creosote

Suitable for posts which are debarked,gried

Method 2:cold method

Immerse post in a drum of creosote

For three days /72 hours drain to remove

Creosote upright posts are turned

Top to bottom so that previously immersed can be soaked

In the creasate suitable for debarked posts ,dried

Method 3:steaming

Carboleum/creosote is put in a steamer the chemical is

heated

To high temperatures ,poles are put in steamer for several

hours

Poles should be debarked,allowing cooling,dried

Reason for treating

To prevent rotting

To prevents termites

19. EXPLAIN WHY FARM ROADS SHOULD BE CAMBERED......1

Shed water from the road surface,so that will be easy to

maintain/build

20. IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN THE MAIN FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN

CONTRUCTING RABBIT HUTCH OR FOWL RUN.....5

Floor 1m from the ground/raised

Floor to be easy to clean:floor of wire or poles

Light

Protection from strong winds/rain

Ventilation

Sufficient floor space

Security/protection from predators

21. EXPLAIN ANY TWO FACTORS WHICH CAN LEAD TO A HIGH SUPPLY OF

MAIZE TO GMB BY FARMERS..........4

Weather pattern/climate

Availability of inputs



12

Producer price of inputs

Price of related products

Cost of production

Transport availability

Improved technology

Instant payment for produce

22. STATE TWO SITUATIONS IN WHICH PARTIAL BUDGETS AREUSED.......2

Change in the combination of enterprise

Substituting an existing enterprise

Change in size of enterprise

Change in production method

23. LIST FOUR SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON FARM BUDGET.........4

Banks,agribusiness,farm mrecords,neighbours,price of

inputs,price of output,AREX



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2005............

1. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING RAINFALL FACTORS ON

CROP PRODUCTION

a. DISTRIBUTION.............

Bring about difference in agriculture enterprises

Affect crop cultivar selection

Influence timing of operations

Uniform distribution /results in high yields

Poor distribution causes reduced yields

Affects season length

b. INTENSITY....................

Heavy rains damage crops

High intensity causes high run off

Heavy rains causes erosion

Heavy rains causes compaction

Low intensity causes reduced runoff

1. OUTLINE THREE ADVANTAGES OF INTERCROPPING

Total yield per unit area is high

Crop cover protects soil from erosion

Maximum use of environment/resources/nutrients/moisture

Interrupts spread of diseases/pests



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Legumes in the mixture can improve soil fertility

Acts as insurance against crop failure

Weed control

2. DESCRIBE THE EFFECT OF WATER STRESS AT THE FOLLOWING STAGES

OF GROWTH IN CEREAL CROPS

a. FERTILISATION

Poor pollen/silk synchronisation

Low/no fertilisation takes place

Silk dries

Pollen loses viability

b. GRAIN FILLING

Poor grain feeling

Poor grain quality

Reduced yield

3. DESCRIBE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS USED IN FOOD CHAINS OR

WEBS GIVING EXAMPLES

a. PRIMARY CONSUMER

Grazers/plant eaters/herbivores/depend on producers

Named examples:sheep/goat/cattle/wild animals

b. OMNIVORES

Eat anything-plants and animals

Named exampled-baboons/rats/ants/pigs

c. MICROCONSUMERS

Saprophytes/decomposers/named

examples:bacteria/fungi:protozoa

4. EXPLAIN HOW THE LEAF IS STRUCTURED TO FACILITATE GASEOUS

DIFFUSION

Has stomata –allows gasoes exchange

Thin

Have inter cellular spaces

5. EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THE FOLLOWING HORIZONS OF A

SOIL PROFILE ON CROP GROWTH

a. TOP SOIL



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Most fertile/source of nutrients/determines effective

soil depth

Aerated,many microorganism

Organic matter accumulates

b. PARENT MATERIALS

Influences chemical properties of soil/mineral properties

of soil

Influences drainage/root development

Texture properties originate from it/weathering

6. DESCRIBE THE EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE PHOSPHAT FERTILIZER

APPLICATION ON CROPS

Accelerated ripening

Plant death

Root cell plasmolysis

Loss of water from roots

Affects absorption of other nutrients

7. A FARMER PREPARES A LIVESTOCK RATION WHICHHAS 16% CRUDE

PROTEIN USING MAIZE MEAL 11% CRUDE PROTEIN AND GROUND NUT

36% CP

a. CALCULATE THE MIXING RATIOS OF MAIZE MEAL TO

GROUND NUTS

b. CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF AMOUNT OF MAIZE AND

GROUNDNUT CAKE NEEDED TO MAKE A 50KG

10kg ground cake,40kg maize meal

8. EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROUGHAGES AND CONCENTRATES

IN LIVESTOCK FEED

roughages contain less nutrients/concentrates contain

more

roughages are high in fibre/concentrates are low in fibre

content

roughages are low in protein content/concentrates are

high in protein content

9. DESCRIBE THE ROLE OF RUMEN IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF A

RUMINANT



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Stores food,roughages temporary,soften food

Ferment food,has flora and fauna which break down cellulose

Synthesis of vit B complex

10. A FARMER FENCES A PLOT MEASURING 1.5KM X 1.0KM.THE LENGHT

OF A ROLL OF A WIRE IS 800M.HOW MANY ROLLS DOES THE FARMER

NEED FOR A STRAND FENCE

Total perimeter =5km

Total length if he uses 4 strands=4x5=20km

Number of rolls = 20km/800m=25 rolls

11. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING FEATURES IN ROAD

CONSTRUCTION

a. CAMBER

Facilitate drainage

b. MITER DRAIN

Lead water from side drain into adjacent land

Reduces erosion

c. CULVERT

Take water under the road through pipes

12. WHY SHOULD THE ROADS BE GRADED REGULARLY

Opening miter drains

Clearing vegetation

Maintaining camber

Filling potholes

Rills created by rain/reduces erosion

Reduce damage to vehicles

13. STATE ANY FOUR FACTORS WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN

SELECTING BREEDING LIVESTOCK

Fertility

Growth rate/food conversion ration

Size

Conformation

Progeny

Diseases/pest resistance

Level of production



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14. PERMANENT WORKERS-$80 000,HIRED BOREHOLE $100

000,RENOVATIONS $50 000,INSURANCE $60 000

a. WHAT NAME IS GIVEN TO THIS TYPE OF RECORD

Financial record

b. CALCULATE THE FARMERS TOTAL FIXED COSTS FOR THE WEEK

$290 000

15. DESCRIBE WITH THE AID OF A DIAGRAM THE LIFE CYCLE OF A ROUND

WORM

Adult lays egg, egg passed through dropping

Egg hatch 24 hours in warm weather/2-3 weeks in winter

into larvae

Larva moults/forms second stage infected larva

Larva leaves dung to grass/bush

Picked up by grazing cow/livestock

Larva moults to form fourth stage

Moults to adult

Fertilisation takes place

16. EXPLAIN ANY FOUR DIFFICULT WHICH FARMERS ARE LIKELY TO FACE

WHEN FORMING A MARKETING COOPERATIVE

Political problems,administration/lack of knowledge,lack of

capital,disloyalty among members,lack of transport



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2006..............

1. STATE THREE MAJOR AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES PRACTISED IN

REGION 1.......3

Forestry-timber production

Fruit trees-apples/pears/peaches/apricots/Avondale/macademia

Plantation crops-tea/coffee/bananas

Dairying



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Intensive beef production

2. WHY IS DRY FARMING RISKY IN NATURAL REGION V.......2

Low/insuffient/unreliable rainfall

Region is drought prone

Crop farming is impossible without irrigation

3. DESCRIBE THE FOLLOWING LAND TENURE SYSTEM

FREEHOLD....occupier has the title deed to the land.owner uses the

land the way he/she wants and can sell part of the land or the

whole land

LEASEHOLD...land is given to tenant,by the state land lord for

specified time tenants for it

COMMUNAL...land belongs to the whole community,overgrazing

and overstocking are common due to uncontrolled number of

stock

4. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN

GRAVITATIONAL SOIL WATER ..excess water drained downwards

by force of gravity

HYGROSCOPIC WATER....thin layer of water around each

particle,tightly held by particles.water which cannot be extracted

by plants from soil

5. EXPLAIN HOW OVERGRAZING CAUSES SOIL EROSION IN

PASTURES.......2

Disapearence of ground grass/grass dies

Perennial grass disappear

Loss binding of soil particles by roots

Rain drop action on bare grass

Increases run off

6. LIST THREE BIOLOGICAL METHODS OF REDUCING EROSION IN ARABLE

LAND....3

Crop rotation

Correct spacing

Planting vertvar grass on contours/water/channels

Leaving land fallow



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7. STATE THREE FACTORS CONSIDERED WHEN CHOOSING A SUITABLE

IRRIGATION

Soil type

Water source

Steepness of the land

Type of crop

topograph

8. STATE TWO REASON FOR SOIL ANALYSIS

Testing soil ph

Nutrient status

Texture status

9. DESCRIBE ONE METHOD OF HARVESTING WATER FOR DOMESTIC USE

Water collected from roof tops by gutters to storage tanks

Water collected from pavements lined with concrete

Diversion of water from small streams using canals

10. HOW DO THE FOLLOWING MECHANICAL CONSERVATION STRUCTURES

CONTROL SOIL EROSION IN ARABLE LAND

CONTOUR RIDGES...carry water safely to waterways

BENCH TERRACES...reduce slope of the land,reduce erosivity

mpower of running water

11. WITH THE AID OF A DIAGRAM ,DESCRIBE THE LIFE CYCLE OF A ROUND

WORM

Adult lays eggs:eggs passed through droppings

Eggs hatch 24 hours in warm weather/2-3 weeks in winter into

larva

Larva moults/forms second larva/forms third larva,ineffective

stage

Larva leave dund,attach to grass

Picked up grazing cow

Larva moults to form fourth stage

Moults to adult

Fertilisation takes place

12. STATE THE FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING LIVESTOCK FOR

BREEDING



21

Fertility rate

Growth rate

Size

Conformation

Progeny

Diseases/pest resistance

13. COMPARE THREE DIFFERNCE BETWEEN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF A

PIG AND THAT OF A COW

Four chambered stomach/pig one stomach

Cows chew the cud/regurgitation/microbial digestion/cellulose

easily digested/synthesis of vit b complex

14. EXPLAIN HOW RABBITS PELTS OR TABLE EGGS ARE PREPARED FOR THE

MARKET

EGGS

Clean/wipe eggs with a damp cloth

Grading according to size

Packing in trays/boxes with narrow end of eggs down

Keep eggs in cool place

RABBIT PELT

Soaking clear water for at least 3 days to soften it

Skin laid flat

Scrap off excess fat

Remove any strains use benzene

Drying/tanning

15. IN CATTLE POLLED CONDITION IS DOMINANT TO HORNED

CONDITION.THE GENOTYPE FOR THE EXPRESSION OF HORNS IS pp

AND THE GENOTYPE FOR POLLED IS PP.CROSSES BETWEEN A HORNED

COW AND POLLED BULL PRODUCED FOR CALVES IN THE FIRST

GENERATION

HOW MANY OF THE FIRST GENERATION CALVES ARE POLLED

4 polled calves/all polled

DESCRIBE THE BENEFIT OF MAINTAINING A HERD OF POLLED

CATTLE



22

Minimizes injury due to fighting

Saves feeding spaces/saves space for transportation

More docile animals

16. DEFINE HETEROSIS

Hybrid vigour/offspring superior than parents

17. STATE ONE BREEEDING METHOD WHICH MAINTAINS HETEROSIS IN A

HERD

Cross breeding

18. EXPLAIN THE EFFECTS OF INBREEDING FARM ANIMALS

Pure breeds/uniformity

Maintenance of breed characteristic

Undesirable genes/recessive genes

No new breeds produced

Loss of hybrid vigour

19. STATE TWO USES OF FENCES ON A FARM

Enable farmers to isolate sick animals

Helps in mcontrolling ticks and some internal worms

Restricts wandering animals from other farms

Enable grouping of animals according to ages

Avoid boundary disputes

20. A FARMER WISHES TO FENCE 210m OF LAND WITH BARBED

WIRE.CALCULATE

NO OF STANDARDS

210/14=15 spaces(15-1=14)........14 standards

NO.OF DROPPERS

14m/3.5=4 spaces(4-1=3)...3 droppers x 15 spaces =45

dropers

21. DESCRIBE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING OPERATIONS IN

FARM ROADS CONSTRUCTION

GRAVELLING

Reduce slippery,for all weather access,road passing a vlei

GRADING



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Levelling :covering pot holes,clearing drains,strengthening

bolsters

22. STATE THE LAW OF SUPPLY

The higher the price the higher the supply, the lower the price the

lower the supply

23. PLOT THE DEMAND AND SUPPLY CURVE

24. LABEL THE EQUILIBRIUM POINT

25. STATE TWO FUCTIONS OF MARKETING

Storage

Packaging

Grading

Risk bearing

Processing

Transporting

Financing

assembling



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2007..................

1. IF A CEREAL IS GROWN IN AGROECOLOGICAL ZONE 5,SUPLLEMENTARY

IRRIGATION SHOULD BE APLLIED.STATE THREE ADVANTAGES OF

SUPPLEMENTARY IRRIGATION

lengthen growing season

improves quality

prevents total failure of crop

improves yield

farming throughout year

2. DEFINE THE TERMS

WILTING

Condition reached when plants lose water without it being

replaced,cell become flaccid/oss of turgidy

EVAPOTRANSPIRATION

Loss of water from soil/water bodies by evaporation from

plants by erosion

3. STATE ANY TWO PROCESSES BY WHICH SOL NUTRIENTS ARE TAKEN UP

BY ROOT HAIRS

Diffusion



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Active transport,passive transport,active uptake

4. STATE THREE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND

RESPIRATION

Photosynthesis respiration

Depends on ight Independent of light

Carbon dioxide absorbed,oxygen released

Oxygen absorbed,carbon dioxide released

Takes place-chlorophll Takes place in all cells

Plant food is made Energy is released Anabolic process Catabolic process

Takes place in plants Takes place in animal and plants Oxygen released Carbon dioxide released

5. STATE THREE REASON FOR STUDYING SOIL PROFILES

Depth of soil

Cultivation/ploughing depth

Root penetration

Drainage/water table

Suitability for deep rooted plants /crops

6. STATE TWO CHARACTERISTICS OF HYGROSCOPIC MOISTURE

Not available to plants, thin layered,found in dry soils,can not be

seen by a naked eye/microscopic/in gaseous form/cannot be felt

7. DEFINE CONSERVATION TILLAGE

Any tillage practice which leaves 30% crop residue ,cover on soil

surface after ploughing

8. GIVE FOUR ADVANTAGES OF CONSERVATION TILLAGE

Reduce soil erosion

Moderation of temperature

Improves soil structure

Reduction in tractor operation costs/expenses

Increase fertility

Conserve moisture



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Can be done when soil is wet,reduces labour of

cultivation,damaged caused by implements is reduced,controls

weeds even in rows,wear and tear of implements reduced

,effective,long lasting,weeds take a long time to reappear

9. MRS CHURU USES HERBICIDES TO CONTROL WEDS IN HER MAIZE

CROP.SUGGEST THREE REASON WHY MRS CHURU PREFERS CHEMICAL

METHOD OF WEED CONTROL

CALCULATE THE MASS OF PESTICIDE REQUIRED MIXING WITH 15

LITRES OF WATER IF DILUTION RATE IS 1KG TO 500LITRES? SHOW

WORKING

=1000/500x15

=30g=0.03kg

10. IN WHICH STOMACH CHAMBER IS HYDROCHLORIC ACID PRODUCED

True stomach

11. ANIMAL FEEDS ARE CLASSIFIED INTO TWO CATEGORIES, ROUGHAGES

AND CONCENTRATES.EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE THE TWO.

ROUGHAGES

Feeds with high fibre

Feeds which per unit of mass contains lage volume and

small percentage of digestible nutrients/low biological

value

CONCENTRATES

Feds with low fibe content

Feeds which per unit mass contains large volume,and a

small percentage of digestible nutrients/high biological

value

12. A PURE BRED BLACK BULL (BB) IS CROSSED WITH A PURE BRED WITH A

PURE BRED WHITE COW (bb).COMPLETE THE GENETIC DIAGRAM TO

SHOW PARENAL GAMETES.F1 GENOTYPE AND PHENOTYPE

PARENTS BLACK BULL WHITE

PARENT GENOTYPE BB bb



27

GAMATES B B b b

F1 GAMATES Bb Bb Bb Bb

F1 PHENOTYPE ALL BLACK

13. GIVE THREE SYMPTOMS OF WORM INFESTATION IN LIVESTOCK

blood stains in feaces

worms/eggs in dung

pot belly

rough coat/skin

bottle jaw

loss of weight/stuned growth

reduced production

reduced appetite

increased diseases

diarhea

anaemia

14. EXPLAIN THE REASON FOR THE PRACTICE OF NAIL CLIPPING IN RABBITS

OR DEBEAKING IN LAYERS

NAME OF PRACTICE

Nail clipping...avoid damage when fighting,reduce

diseases,easy movement of rabbits,easy handling

Debeaking...reduced egg eating ,reduced

cannibalism,reduce feather pecking,reduce vices,reduce

food wastage

15. STATE TWO REASON WHY FARMERS PRACTICE ARTIFICIAL

INSEMINATION

To control diseases

To make use of injured bulls

Avoid physical damage by heavy bulls

Reduced feeding s cost of bulls

Cheaper to import semen than bulls

Make use of proven bulls



28

16. GIVE THE FUNCTION OF THE FOLLOWING PARTS IN THE

REPRODUCTION SYSTEM OF A BULL

SEMINAL VESICLES

Stores semen

Produces seminal fluids

Nourishes sperms

Dilute sperms

lubrication

EPIDIDYMUS

Stores sperms for maturity

17. FARMERS IN SOME PARTS OF ZIMBABWE USE LIVE WIRE FENCING TO

PROTECT THEIR VEGETABLES GARDENS.STATE FOUR ADVANTAGES OF

USING THIS METHOD

Very effective

Takes short time to erect

Durable/strong

Can be altered/shifted

Add beauty

Resistant to termites

Not affected by termites

18. DESCRIBE WITH REASON TWO CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ROAD

Wide enough to allow animals/vehicles to go along easily

A firm surface to prevent wheels from sinking down,durable

Well drained to avoid flooding/erosion

Gentle slope to avoid erosion

Camber,improve drainage/mitre drain/culverts/inverts for

drainage

19. STATE ANY TWO DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF MATERIALS USED

FOR MAKING YOKES

Straight

Light



29

Durable

Resistant to pest

Crack free

Splinter

Knot free

20. LIST ANY THREE SOURCES OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO A FARMER

WHEN BUDGETING FOR A GIVEN ENTERPRISE

Farm record

Neighbours

Banks

Agritex

Price of inputs

Agro dealers/gorvenment

Magazines

Radio/tv/internet

newspaper

21. THE TABLE BELOW SHOWS SUPPLY AND DEMAND SCHEDULE FOR

POTATOES AT A PARTICULAR MARKET FOR THE FIRST

PRICE PER KG

30 60 90 120 150 180

POTATOES DEMAND IN KG

210 180 140 120 50 20

POTATOES SUPPLIED IN KG

10 40 60 80 100 130

PLOT A GRAPH SHOWING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

PRICE,SUPPLY AND DEMAND

DETERMINE THE EQUILIBRIUM PRICE

2008............



30

1. WHY ARE FARMERS ENCOURAGED TO SEND SOIL FOR SOIL SAMPLES

FOR ANALYSIS

To know the ph

For fertilizer recommendation/type of fertilizer/quantity/rate of

fertilizer application

Determine crop to grow

To know the fertility of the soil

2. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN TOP SOIL AND SUB SOIL

Top soil has more humus than subsoil

Top soil is darker in colour/subsoil is lighter in colour

Top soil is more fertile than subsoil

Top soil has more microbial activity tan subsoil

3. EXPLAIN THE PROCESS OF CHEMICAL WEATHERING IN SOIL

FORMATION

Carbonation..arbon dioxide mixes with rain water forms a weak

carbonic acid,dissolves rock particles

Hydrolysis...replacement of cations of hydrogen weaken chemical

bond cause rock disintergration

Oxidation......with iron ores to form rust,weakening the rock

Hydration....new minerals formed/haematite forms limonie

4. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDING ORGANIC MATTER TO THE SOIL

Improves soil fertility

loosen sticky soils/bind loose soils

improves soil structures

improves water holding capacity

raises soil temperature

improves seed emergence

5. COMPLETE THE WORD EQUATION IN THE PROCESS OF AEROBIC

RESPIRATION TAKING PLACE IN MAIZE PLANT

Sugar/glucose + oxygen------------ carbon dioxide+water+energy

6. TWO POTATOES CUBES 5CM WERE CUT AND THE INSIDE SCOOPED

OUT.SUGAR SOLUTION WAS PLACED IN F,WHILE DISTILLED WATER

WAS PLACED IN CUB H.ALL CUBES WERE PLACED IN WATER.THE LIQUID



31

IN EACH WAS MARKED.THE APPARATUS WAS LEFT STANDING FOR 2-

3HRS

NAME THE PROCESS WHICH WAS BEING INVESTIGATED IN THIS

EXPERIMENT

Osmosis

WHAT CHANGES WERE OBSERVED IN THE CUBES 2-3 HRS

Level of water inside the cube

Little changes occur/no change

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS EXPERIMENT IN RELATION

TO WATR UPTAKE BY PLANT ROOTS

Root cells have more solution than the surrounding

soil/hypertonic solution

Water will move from the soil into the root

High diffusion gradient

7. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE GEOTROPISM IN PLANT

GROWTH

Allows roots to grow downwards in search of

water,minerals,to anchor the plant

8. STATE THREE REASON FOR STUMPING TREES IN VIRGIN LAND BEFORE

PLANTING

To make straight rows

To reduce competition for light /food/water

To increase crop space/plant population

Easy movement of machinery

Reduce breakages of machinery/injury to animals

9. EXPLAIN ANY THREE REASON WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR A FARMER

TO READ LABELS BEFORE USING CHEMICALS

To know expiry date of chemical

To know ratio

Protective clothing to wear

To know residual period

Know method of application

Know pest and diseases to be controlled



32

Know first aid to be done

To crops/animals

To know the toxicity level

10. SUGGEST FOUR PRACTICSES A FARMER AN CARRY OUT TO REDUCE

DISEASES IN A CEREAL CROP

Control of vectors/pests

Crop rotation

Rouging

Use of certified seed/clean seed

Hygiene/weeding

Use of fungicides/chemicals

Correct crop spacing

Timely planting/early planting

11. EXPLAIN WITH REASON DIFFERENCE IN THE DIETS OF A PIG AND GOAT

Goats

Ability to utilize roughages

Can survive on fibes

Has rumen flora bacteria

Takes more carbohydrates

Pigs

Efficient utilisation of cereals

Requires less fibre

Have no rumen bacteria

Takes less carbohydrates

12. LIST THREE USES OF CARBOHYDRATES IN THE DIET OF FARM ANIMALS

Source of heat/warmth

Converted into fats

Provide energy/reproduction work

13. CALCULATE THE MIXING OF FEED STUFF WITH 10% DIGESTIVE CRUDE

PROROTEIN (DCP)IF SUNFLOWER HAS 42% DCP AND MAIZE 6%DCP.USE

PEARSON SQUARE METHOD

4 parts sunflower



33

32 parts maize

(1:8)

14. DIFFERENTIATE

MITOSIS FROM MEIOSIS

Mitosis

Process by which cell nucleus divides to produces two

daughter nuclei/cells containing identical sets of

chromosomes to he parent cell/diploid

Meiosis

Cell nucleas divides to produce four daughter

nuclei/each containg half number of chromosomes of

original nucleus/haploid

GENOTYPE FROM PHENOTYPE

Genotype

Genetic expression of a characteristics in terms of

alles,genetic make up of an individual/organism

Phenotype

Outward appearance of an organism,physio-chemical

expression of a character

15. USING SYMBOLS A,B AND C ILLUSTRATE HOW A THREE WAY HYBRID IS

PRODUCED

16. WHAT FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN SELECTING A BULL

FOR BREEDING

High milk/meat yield

Pest/diseases resistant

Growth rate

Food conversion ratio

Drought tolerant

Birth weight

Hardness

Conformation/body shape/size/height

Age of bull

fertility



34

17. STATE THREE REASON WHY GRAVEL MATERIAL IS COMMONLY USED IN

MAINTAINING ROADS

Easily drained

Not slippery/provide grip/firm/hard

Not easily eroded/last longer and stronger

18. MR CHAKA A DAIRY FARMER TREATED TIMBER BEFORE FENCING

PADDOCKS.GIVE TWO ADVANTAGES OF TREATING POLES

To prevent termites attack

To prevent rotting

For durability/last long

19. CALCULATE THE NUMBER OF STRAINING POST,STANDARDS AND

DROPPERS NEEDED TO FENCE AN 800MITRES BOUNDARY IF

NUMBER OF STRINING POSTS

800/400m=2+1=3

The distance between straining post is 400m apart.number of

straining post is 3

NUMBER OF STANDARDS

400m/14=28X2=56-2=54

NUMBER OF DROPPERS

14m/3.5m=4-1=3x56=168 droppers

20. THE DIAGRAM IS A GRAPH SHOWING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

YIELD AND FERTILIZER APPLICATION IN MAIZE

FIND THE YIELD OBTAINED AFTER APPLYING A 200KG OF

AMMONIUM SULPHATE FERTILIZER

7,5-8t

AT WHICH POINT SHOULD THE FARMER STOP INCREASING

FERTILIZER?EXPLAIN

300-350kg,cost outweigh returns as farmers increases

fertilizer,yield is not increasing/it is becoming

unprofitable,diminishing returns

STATE THE EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE APPLICATION OF

AMMONIUM SULPHATE TO A CROP OF MAIZE



35

Delayed ripening/maturity

Leaves become dark green in colour

Lodging/stem unable to support the plant

Make soil acidity

Plants become susceptible to pest/diseases

Vegetative growth

Scortching/burning

WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE THE DEMAND OF MILK ON THE

MARKET

Quality of milk

Level of income

Availability of substitutes

Advertising

Religious beliefs

Taste/preference

Price of commodity

2009........

1. EXPLAIN HOW PLANTS ARE ADAPTED TO PREVENT SELF POLLUNATION

Protrandous..stamens ripen first before stigma eg paw paw

Protogynous...stigma ripen first before stamens

2. DESCRIBE HOW LEAVES ARE ADAPTED TO REDUCE TRANSPIRATION IN

HOT DRY CLIMATE

Narrow in shape/smaller surface area

Hairy

Stomata under leaf surface

Thick waxy cuticle

Oily surface

Leaves fold to reduce transpiration

Stomata opens at night and closes during the day



36

3. EXPLAIN THREE ROLES OF LIVING ORGANISMS IN THESOIL

Release nutrients in the soil

Denitrification

Decomposition/breaking of organic matter

Fix nitrogen

Aeration and drainage

Modification of soil ph

4. STATE THE SYMPTOMS THAT COULD BE SHOWN BY A CEREAL CROP IF

THE SOIL IN WHICH IT IS GROWING HAS A SHORTAGE OF THE

FOLLOWING NUTRIENTS

NITROGEN

Stunted growth

Slow growth rate

Leaves turn yellow

Poor grain filling

Premature ripening

PHOSPOROUS

Leaves turn purplish

Poor root development

Stunted growth

Poor grain or flower production

5. STATE FOUR STAGES WHICH TAKE PLACE WHEN A CELL IS

UNDERGOING MITOSIS

Prophase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Telephase

6. STATE THREE FACTORS CONSIDERED WHEN COMPUTING A RATION

FOR EITHER RABBITS OR LAYERS

Age of animal

Potential production

Maintenance/production

Digestibility



37

Palatability

Availability of ingredients

Availability of vitamins/minerals/carbohydrates/proteins/fats

Availability of minerals

7. DISCRIBE THE PREVENTION OF COCCIDIOSIS IN EITHER RABBITS OR

LAYERS

Hygiene/cleanliness

Change bedding

Use feeds with a coccidiostat

Use of disinfectants

Killing/isolation

Siting/pegging

8. LIST STAGES TO FOLLOW WHEN CONSTRUCTING A FARM ROAD

Clearing

Levelling

Subsoiling/ploughing/ripping

Grading/cambering/graveling

Pressing/compaction

Conservation measure/mitre drains

9. THE DIAGRAM BELOW SHOWS A TYPE OF FENCE ANCHOR

NAME THIS TYPE OF ANCHOR

Wire anchor/convectional anchor

WHAT IS THE HEIGHT OF THE ANCHORING POST FROM THE

GROUNG LEVEL

1.2-1.8

NAME MATERIAL AT POINT X

Bolder/stone/deadman

10. WHAT FACTOS WOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN SITING LIVESTOCK

KRAALS IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE FARM HOUSE

Western side of the home stead

Good drainage

High ground or slope

Security



38

Distance from home

Direction of wind

11. PEST CAUSE GREAT LOSSES IN THE PRODUCTION OF CEREAL CROPS IN

ZIMBABWE,GIVE ANY TWO EXAMPLES OF PEST THAT FOLLOW UNDER

EACH OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPINGS

BITING AND CHEWING PEST...grass hopper,locust

PIERCING AND SUCKING PEST....aphids,mearly bugs,scales

BORING PEST....weevils,stalk borer,American ball worm

12. A NEW FARMER WANTS TO GROW MAIZE ON A 60 000M2 PIECE OF

LAND.MAIZE SEED RATE IS 25KG/HA.CALCULATE THE NUMBER OF

50KG BAGS OF MAIZE SEED NEEDED

60 000/10000=6ha

6/2=3 bags

13. EXPLAIN WHY DRY SOIL IS APPROPRIATE TO COVER SEED IN SEED IN

WATER PLANTING METHOD

Reduce evaporation

Create soil mulch

Prevents capping

Facilitates germination/emergence

14. IN THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ANIMALS,STATE THE PART WHERE THE

FOLLOWING PROCESSESS TAKE PLACE

FERTILISATION......fallopian tube/oviduct

IMPLANTATION......uterus/womb

LACTATION.....udder

15. IN LIVESTOCK BREEDING,LIST ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS WHICH ARE

LIKELY TO INFLUENCE GENETIC VARIATION

Temperature

Nutrition

Pest and diseases

Length of daylight

16. WHICH TWO NUTRIENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR BONE FORMATION IN

THE BODY OF AN ANIMAL

Magnesium,calcium,phosphorus



39

17. WHICH NUTRIENTS ARE SUPPLIED BY COTTON SEED CAKE WHEN FED

TO CATTLE

Proteins,fats,oils,carbohydrates

18. LIST THE ECONOMIC FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE DECISION MAKING

IN COMING UP WITH AN AGRICULTURE ENTERPRICE

Distance from the market

Transport

Availability of resources/inputs/capital/machinery/land

Profitability/viability

19. EXPLAIN THREE PRINCIPLES OF FORMING COOPERATIVES

Open membership/nuetrality

Democracy/equal say

Equal voting

Sharing of profits/interest

Education

Free to leave

Have share

20. STATE ANY FOUR FUNCTIONS OF MARKETING

Transporting

Grading

Financing

Storing

Processing

Packaging

Assembling

Risk bearing

Buying

Advertising

Pricing/selling



40

2010.................

1. EXPLAIN THE EFFECTS OF HUMAN POPULATION ON LAND USE

Destruction of trees/vegetation causes soil erosion

Increased demand for land

Increased pollution

Competition for resources and degradation



41

2. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES CAN A FARMER PRACTISE

MONOCULTURE

Unsuitability for other crops

Specialisation/only one crop

Same type of machinery

3. LIST ANY TWO POSSIBLE DISADVANTAGES OF MONOCULTURE

Poor nutritional balance/same nutrients absorbed

Pest and diseases build up

No alternative if crop fail

Weeds build up

Soil erosion

4. STATE HOW IRRIGATING A CROP EARLY IN THE MORNING REDUCES THE

INCIDENCE OF FROST

Water has high specific heat, takes a lot of cold before it freezes

5. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF SOIL TEMPERATURES ON CROP GROWTH

Seed germination

Increased soil micro organism activities/nitrification

Activate enzymes activity

Increase growth rate

Uptake of water/nutrients

Fruits ripen earlier

6. STATE ANY FOUR BENEFITS OF LIMING HEAVY SOILS

Neutralises acidity

Improves soil structure

Defloculation of soil particles

Increased microbial activity

Drainage/aeration

Increased fertility

Increases ca content/reduces toxicity

7. EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING TERMS

LEACHING..washing down of dissolved nutrients beyond root zone

NODULATION..development of nodules in legumes,rhizobia

bacteria fix nitrogen into plant



42

VOLATALISATION....burning/breaking down of notrate into

nitrogen gas

8. STATE ANY TWO PROCESS WHICH LEAD TO LOSS OF NITROGEN FROM

THE SOIL

plant up take of nutrients

denitrification

leaching

soil erosion

volatalisation/burning

waterlogging

9. EXPLAIN HOW SOIL EROSION IN ARABLE LANDS IS REDUCED THROUGH

BIOLOGICAL MEANS

High plant population leaves act as mulch,reduce raindrop/bomb

action,stem reduce speed of run off water,more infiltration into

soil,roots bind soil particles

Stubble mulch reduces run off

Trash farming,rain drop,erosion reduced

10. STATE ANY THREE REASONS FOR SEED BED PREPARATION FOR A CEREAL

CROP

Loosen the soil

Incorporate manure/fertiliser

Aerate soil

Weed control,pest and diseases control

To promote root penetration

11. STATE ANY TWO FACTORS THAT AFFECT FARM YARD MANURE

Age of animal

Type of breed

Method of storage

Addition of bedding

Type of animal

Weather condition/rainfall/temp/humidity

12. FOR EITHER MAIZE STREAK VIRUS OR ROSETTE OF

GROUNDNUTS,DESCRIBE THE DISEASES UNDER THE FOLLOWING

HEADINGS



43

rosset

SIGNS OF INFECTION

Retarded growth/stunted growth/dwarf

Curls/deformed leaves.yellow leaves

Bushy yellowish plants tiny leaves

Effects..fewer pods,pods fail to fill,poor yield

METHODS OF CONTROL

Use of certified seed

Early planting

Correct spacing

Remove volunteer groundnuts

Control aphids with dimethoate

Remove affected plants

Crop rotation

Maize streak virus

Signs

Chlorosis/pale green

Narrow broken lines parallel to leaf margins

Control

Spray with chemical/dimethoate

Remove affected plants

Clear boundary 10-15m to prevent hoppers

Crop rotation

13. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF MECHANISED FARMING

Improves operation/faster done on time

Increases crop yield

Quality of produce improved

Usefull when there is labour shortage

Efficient/prevent drudgery

14. EXPLAIN HOW VACCINATION HELPS TO PREVENT DISEASES IN LIVESTOCK

Animal induced to produce antibiotics which fight

pathogens,boost immunity,pest and diseases



44

15. A 300KG COW CONSUMES 3% OF ITS BODY MASS AS DRY MATTER PER

DAY.CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF DRY MATTER CONSUMER PER

WEEK.SHOW WORKING

Amount per day =3/100x300=9kg

Amount per week=9x7=63kg per week

16. STATE TWO DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING

VITAMINS

VITAMIN E...sterity,mascular dystrophy in calves, heart failure

VITAMIN A...blindness, lowers resistance to diseases, poor

reproduction

17. FOR EITHER EGGS OR PELTS EXPLAIN HOW THEY ARE PREPARED FOR

MARKET

Eggs

Picking

Cleaning,using moist cloth

Grading

Put in an egg tray

Packing/crates/boxes

Store away of anions/strong odours

Cool dark place

Pricing

Collect in baskets

Pelts

Salting

Turn inside out on hanger in a shed for ventilation

Drying by allowing it to drip of blood

Grading

Packing

Pricing

18. STATE ANY THREE DISEASES CAUSING ORGANISM FOR EITHER RABBITS

OR LAYERS

Protozoa,virus,bacteria,fungi

19. STATE ANY DIFFICULTIES ASSOCIATED WITH COOPERATIVES

Conflict/disagreement



45

Mistrust

Poor training

Selfishness

Absenteesm

Lack of education

Theft

Lack of capital

Politics

Lack of transport

20. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD A FARMER USE PARTIAL

BUDGET

When making minor changes

Hiring instead of buying a sprayer

Adding a few more to the existing

Get rid of non performing enterprices

Assess financial effects of fairly large changes

21. EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONTROLLED AND UNCONTROLLED

MARKETING

CONTROLLED MARKETING

Price gazzeted by gorvenment

It is an moffence to hoard a product and to sell it above

gazzeted price

Products sold to boards

UNCONTROLLED MARKETING

it is not gazzeted

price depend on laws of supply and demand



46

2011........

1. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FOLOWING ENVIRONMENTAL

FACTORS ON CROP PRODUCTION

WIND

Spreads out pollen

Regulate atmosphere humidity/evapotransipiration

Seed dispersal

Affects plant by lodging

Shakes off flower/fruits prematurely

Breaks branches/leaves

Spread diseases/pest

Causes erosion

TEMPERATURE

Assist in vernalization

Removes moisture from soil/plants

Assist in plant food manufacture/photosynthesis

Affects enzymes activities/germination/respiration

Affects microbial activities

Extreme temperature kills plants



47

2. HUMAN POPULATION WORLD WIDE HAS BEEN INCREASING OVR THE

YEARS.WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF OVERPOPULATION ON LAND USE

Destruction of forests for energy

Shortage ofland for agriculture

Food shortages

High pollution

Land degradation

Soil erosion

Extinction of wildlife

Land disputes

3. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING TERMS AS THEY ARE USED

IN AFRICULTURE

LEASEHOLD AND FREEHOLD

Leasehold

Is when land is given to a tenant,he/she pays rent

for a given period

Freehold

Is when the occupier has title deeds ,may sell the

land or part of the land

MIXED FARMING AND INTERCROPPING

Mixed farming

When the farmer grows crops ,keeps livestock on

the same farm

Intercropping

Growing more than one crop in the same piece of

land

BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY

Biodiversity

Is variability within living organism

Ecology

Is the study of ways in which living organisms

interact with the environment

4. BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TOP SOIL



48

Dark in colour

High root density

High level of micro and macra organism

Fertile

High organic matter/humus

Highly weathered

5. EXPLAIN ANY THREE CHARACTERISTICS THAT DIFFER BETWEEN

TOP,SUB SOIL,PARTIALLY WEATHERED AND PARENT ROCK

Colour

Arrangement of soil particles

Size of soil particles

Chemical composition

Drainage/aeration

Micro organisms

Root density

6. WHICH PART OF THE DIAGRAM DETERMINES THE TYPE OF SOIL

PRODUCED DURING WEATHERING

Parent rock

7. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ON PLANT GROWTH

SOIL TEXTURE

Determines type of crop to grow

Influences drainage/aeration

Determines soil temperature

Affects water holding capaciy

SOIL STRUCTURE

Determines workability

Determines fertility

Determine Root development

Determine Water holding capacity

Determine organic matter

Determine drainage/aeration

8. A FARMER APPLIED 250KG/HA OF COMPOUND D FERTILIZER AT

PLANTING AND 200KG/HA AMMONIUM NITRATE FOR TOP DRESSING



49

CALCULATE THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF NITROGEN APPLIED TO

THE SOIL,GIVEN THE FOLOWING INFORMATION.

COMPOUND D=8N.14P.7K=8%.14%.7%

AMMONIUM NITRATE=34.5%

SHOW ALL WORKING

=8/100x250=20kg/ha N in compound D

=34.5/100x200=69kg N in ammonium nitrate

Total amount of N =20+69=89kg

9. EXPLAIN HOW THE APPLICATION OF LIME IMPROVES THE STRUCTURE

OF THE SOILS

Has calcium ions

Flocculate soil into aggregate

Binds sands soil

Loosens clay soil

Micro/macro organism flourish

Improves aeration/drainage

Neutralises acid soil

Feryility improves nutrient availability/phosphorus availability

10. DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENS DURING ANAPHASE STAGE OF MITOSIS

Centromere of each chromosome divides into two equal parts

Two chromosomes move apart

Chromatids become bent like hair pins

Chromatids move to opposite poles

Daughter chromosomes produced

11. EXPLAIN HOW ANIMALS ARE SELECTED FOR BREEDING

Healty animals selected

Free from deformation

Adapted to environment

High food conversion efficient

Fast growing/pedigree/parental performance

Resistance to diseases/parasites

High milk/meat/wool/egg yield/

Fertility/fecundity/litter size



50

Conformation/shape

age

12. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF A PRODUCTION RATION IN LIVESTOCK

PRODUCTION

Feed given above maintenance ration for milk/egg/wool/meat

roduction/for growth/provide energy for work

13. DESCRIBE THESYMPTOMS SHOWN BY AN ANIMAL WITH A

DEFICIENCY OF THE FOLLOWING

VITAMINS

Lowering resistance to diseases

Blindness in ivestock

Infertility

Mascular diptophy

CALCIUM

Malformation of bones

IRON

anaemia

14. INTERNAL PARASITES IN LIVESTOCK REDUCES PRODUCTIVITY.IN THE

SPACES BELOW DRAW THE LIFE CYCLE OF A ROUND WORM

15. DESCRIBE THREE MEASURES A FARMERS CAN TAKE TO PREVENT

INTERNAL PARASITES IN LIVESTOCK

Dosing with antihelminths/valbazin/tramisols

Avoid wet/swamp areas

Rotational grazing

16. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF TILLAGE

Drainage/aeration

Water conservation

Incorporates soil with manures

Breaking soil/plough pans/subsoiling

Burry crop residues

Destroy weeds

Exposes pest to prey



51

17. GIVE TWO TYPES OF SECONDARY TILLAGE METHODS OF LAND

PREPARATION

Discing

Harrowing

rolling

18. A FARMER INTENDS TO GROW 21/2 HA OF A MAIZE CROP.IF

RECOMMENDED FERTILISER APPLICATION RATE OF TOP DRESSING IS

200KG/HA,HOW MANY 50KG OF TOP DRESSING FERTLIZER ARE

REQUIRED.SHOW ALL WORKING

2.5x200kg=500/50kg=10 bags

19. EXPLAIN THE EFFECTS OF OVER APPLICATION OF NITROGEN ON

CROPS

Rank/vegetative growth at the expense of reproductive growth

Susceptibility to frost/pest/disease attack

Plant become flaccid/plasmolysis/scotched

Excessive succulency of such crops as pumpkins

Delayed maturity

20. PRICES OF TOMATOES FLACTUATE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AT

MBARE PRODUCE MARKET

EXPLAIN THE CAUSES OF FLACTUATIONS

Supply-fewer farmers at certain times/more at other

times

Seasons-affect supply,production affected during cold

Temperatures-more farmers during hot season

Income of buyers

Pest/diseases outbreak

Transport availabilty

EXPLAIN WITH THE AID OF A DIAGRAM HOW EQUILIBRIUM

PRICE IS DETERMINED

21. HOW CAN FARMERS REDUCE RISKS IN PROPDUCTION OF CEREAL

CROPS

Installing irrigation

Growing the crops at theright time of the year



52

Gathering information

Choosing the right varieties

Proper storage facilities

Insurance

Disease /pest control

fireguards



53

2012..........

FILL IN THE TABLE ANY TWO TYPES OF INDIGENOUS HARD WOODS

AND ANY TWO EXOTIC SOFTWOODS GROWN IN ZIMBABWE

INDIGENOUS HARDWOODS EXOTIC SOFT WOODS

Blood wood /mukwa Pine

Zimbabwean teak Cyprus Mopane Gumtree

1. OUTLINE ANY FOUR ADVANTAGES OFPRACTISING AGRO FORESTRY

Effective use of land

Trees benefit from fertilizer applied to crops

Crops bring income before trees mature

There is increased cover from crops and trees ensure protection

from erosion

Higher yield from honey when apiculture is introduced because of

crop flowersincreased infiltration of rain into the soil due to tillage

undertaken when growing crops

Trees establish faster than in plantations with trees only

2. SUGGEST ANY TWO SOLUTIONS TO DEFORESTATION

Establish exotic and indigenous woodlot

Preserve the remaining foest

Rural electrification so that people wil stop cutting rees

Provision of alternative energy sources

3. EXPLAIN WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR A FARMER TO READ

INSTRUCTIONS KWHEN USING CHEMICALS

T o know expiring dates for chemicals

To know protective clothing to wear

Residual period

Method of application/diseases or pest to be contolled

First aid to be done

Know toxicity level



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Know types of crops where chemical works

4. NAME ANY ONE PLANT VIRAL DISEASE SPREAD BY AN INSECT

Maize streak virus,rosette of ground nuts

5. EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONTACT AND SYSTEMIC

PESTICIDES

Contact kill insects when they get in contact with ang part of the

body and systematic are absorbed by the plant and pest is killed

when it sucks the sap or plant juice containing the poison

6. ALTHOUGH WEEDS ARE HARMFULL TO CROPS,THEY DO HAVE SOME

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS .LIST ANY FOUR WAYS IN WHICH THEY ARE

BENEFICIAL

Provide ground cover for erosion

Add organic matter to the soil

Used as livestock feed

Used as human food-amaranthus and okra

Provide medicine/drugs

Provide nector for bees

Used as sweeping brooms

Building shelter-thatching

shelter and food for wild animals

sources of geneticmaterial for crop improvement

some beautify landscape

weed provides employment for weeders

7. STATE WORD EQUATION FOR AEROBIC RESPIRATION

Carbohydrates +oxygen----------carbon dioxide +water +energy

Source of energy for growth and cell division

Chemical synthesis of substances

Active transport of minerals salts from the soil into roots

Anaerobic-------release energy used by brewers bakers

8. BRIEFLY DESCRIBE HOW A LEAF STRUCTURE IS ADAPTED TO

TRANSPIRATION

Xerophytes(grow in dry conditions) have thick cell

Thick cuticle

Sunken stomata



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Covering of epidermal hairs

Succulent leaves

Reduced leaf size

Deep layers of palisade layer

9. COMPLETE THE TABLE BELOW,AN EXAMPLE IS GIVEN FOR YOU

PLANT FOOD STORAGE ORGAN

MAIZE SEED ONION Bulb

SUGARCANE Stem

CARROT root 10. EXPLAIN THE MAJOR FUNCTION OF THE FOLLOWING PARTS OF THE

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF A NON RUMINANT MANIMAL

OESOPHAGUS......passage of food from mouth to rumen through

peristalsis

PANCREASE...produces enzymes and bicarbonate

CAECUM...bacterial digestion of cellulose in post gastric animals

such as horses

11. EXPLAIN THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE

FUNCTIONS OF GENES OF AN ANIMAL

Amount of food

Quality of food

Temperature

Length of day light

12. BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE STEPS TAKEN WHEN SLAUGHTERING RABBIT OR

AN OFF LAYER FOR MARKETING

Rabbit

Reduce amount of food in abdomen for easy handling by

starving them of food for 12 hrs before slaughter

Place in a horizontal position on a work bench

Ears held forward with one hand

Head stuck behind ears with a short heavy weapon



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Head cut off for bleeding

Death is immediate

Carcass hang neck down suspended by hooks for skinning

Skin with a sharp knife

Knife start from the thigh to the anus

Cut off wrists

Offals removed (drawing)

Layers

Kill by cutting the head off

Bleed by holding the carcass facing downwards

Scald in very hot water to make plucking of feathers easy

Pluck feathers

Cut off the legs

Remove internal parts

Clean carcass

Wrap in plastics and refrigerate or freeze

13. IN WHICH PART OF REPRODUCTION SYSTEM DOES FERTILISATION TAKE

PLACE

Oviduct/fallopian tube

14. EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MITISISI AND MEIOSIS

Mitosis is process by which cell nucleus divides bto produce two

daughter nuclei containing identical sets of chromosomes to the

parent

Meiosis cell nucleus divides to produce four daughter nuclei each

containing half number of chromosomes of original nucleus

15. ILSTRATE USING DIAGRAM HOW A THREE WAY PLANT HYBRID IS

PRODUCED

16. STATE ANY TWO ADVANTAGES OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES

Can resist pest/diseases

Easily adapted to local climatic conditions

The varieties can be maintained

17. A FARMER INTENDS O START A GOAT REARING PROECT AND HAS TO

CONSTRUCT A PADDOCK MEASURING 100M BY 50 M



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HOW MANY 50KG BUNBLES OF MESH WIRE DOES THE FARMER

NEED IF CASH BUNDLE COVERS 25M

Perimeter of fence (100x50m)2=300m

Number of 50kg bundles=300m/25m=12 bundles

WHAT OTHER FENCIND MATERIALS WOULD THE FARMER

REQUIRE FOR THE PADDOCK

Standards,gate,posts,corner post,droppers

18. THE DIAGRAM SHOWS A STANDARD DOUBLE NECK YOKE FOR

HARNESSING OXEN DURING PLOUGING

NAME THE PARTS LABELLED A,B ,C

Skei

Stropes

Clamp

1.2m

MARKETING ASSISTS A FARMER TO PRESENT GOODS TO

CONSUMERS.EXPLAIN ANY THREE MARKETING FUNCTIONS

Packaging..protects products,make handing easy

Financing...to minimize problems

Risk bearing...include deterioration in quality so products

should take as short a time as possible on the market

Transporting..cost depends on quantity and distance to the

market

Storing..in case of oversupply,storing surplus is necessary

Assembling of commodities...different products need to be

brought together

Selling...need to study demand for products to sell well

Processing...some products need processing before

marketing

19. THE SCHEDULE BELOW SHOWS THE LAYOUT OF THE FARMERS DIARY

FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2005

DATE ACTIVITY

11.09.05 BOUGHT 10 BAGS OF MAIZE SEED AT $500 EACH



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11.09.05 PAID $400 FOR FARM RATES 15.09.05 BOUGHT CHEMICAL FOR DIPPING FOR $400

18.09.05 HIRED A TRACTOR TO PLOUGH FOR $500 20.09.05 PAID $400 INSURANCE FOR THE FARM

24.09.05 PURCHASED 2 SOWS FOR BREEDING FOR $500

28.09.05 HIRED EQUIPMENT FOR FENCING FOR $200

20. CALCULATE THE FARMERS TOTAL VARIABLE COST FOR SEPTEMBER

Maize seed10(500)=$5000

Dipping chemicals =$ 400

Sows2(500) =$1000

$6400

21. STATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INFORMATION IN THE TABLE

To assess profitability or loss of enterprises

Compare performance of different enterprises for farm evaluation

Enable calculation of tax

Guide farmer in planning and decision making


mathew zimsec prescribed questions and answers

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