WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science 2024/2025
Are you preparing for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in Agricultural Science? Do you want to know the topics, objectives, and recommended textbooks for this subject? If yes, then you are in the right place. In this blog post, I will share with you everything you need to know about the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science 2024/2025.
What is the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science?
The WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science is a document that outlines the content, aims, and objectives of the Agricultural Science curriculum for the SSCE. It also provides notes, examples, and references to guide the teaching and learning of the subject. The syllabus is designed to portray Agricultural Science as an applied science with emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge and skills associated with the content. It covers both the theory and practical aspects of the subject.
The syllabus is divided into seven sections, namely:
- Basic Concepts
- Agricultural Ecology
- Agricultural Engineering/Mechanization
- Crop Production
- Forestry
- Ornamental Plants
- Crop Protection
- Animal Production
- Agricultural Economics and Extension
- Practical Agricultural Science
Each section contains sub-topics, notes, and objectives that specify the expected outcomes of the learners. The syllabus also indicates the allocation of marks for each section and the duration of the examination.
What are the Aims and Objectives of the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science?
The main aims and objectives of the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science are to:
- stimulate and sustain students’ interest in agriculture;
- enable students acquire functional knowledge and practical skills to prepare them for further studies and occupation in agriculture;
- expose students to the opportunities and challenges of agriculture in the national and global context;
- develop students’ awareness of the environmental, social, and economic implications of agricultural activities;
- foster students’ appreciation of the role of agriculture in national development and food security.
What are the Topics in the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science?
The topics in the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science are as follows:
Basic Concepts
This section covers the meaning and importance of agriculture, the problems and solutions of agricultural development, the differences between subsistence and commercial agriculture, the roles of government and non-governmental organizations in agricultural development, and the agricultural laws and reforms.
Agricultural Ecology
This section covers the concepts and principles of ecology, the factors affecting agricultural production, the classification and characteristics of soil, the soil formation and profile, the soil physical and chemical properties, the soil water and air, the soil organisms and their activities, the soil conservation and improvement, the climatic elements and their effects on agriculture, the agro-climatic zones of West Africa, and the adaptation of crops and animals to different ecological zones.
Agricultural Engineering/Mechanization
This section covers the meaning and importance of agricultural engineering and mechanization, the sources and forms of farm power, the types and functions of farm tools, implements, and machines, the maintenance and repair of farm tools, implements, and machines, the farm structures and their uses, the farm surveying and land use planning, the irrigation and drainage systems, and the farm safety and health measures.
Crop Production
This section covers the meaning and importance of crop production, the classification and botanical names of crops, the factors affecting crop growth and development, the cultural practices for crop production, the propagation methods and nursery management of crops, the harvesting, processing, and storage of crops, the improvement of crop varieties, and the production of some major crops in West Africa.
Forestry
This section covers the meaning and importance of forestry, the classification and characteristics of forest trees, the forest ecology and management, the forest products and their uses, the forest conservation and protection, and the afforestation and reforestation.
Ornamental Plants
This section covers the meaning and importance of ornamental plants, the classification and botanical names of ornamental plants, the propagation methods and nursery management of ornamental plants, the cultural practices for ornamental plants, the landscaping and garden design, and the maintenance and protection of ornamental plants.
Crop Protection
This section covers the meaning and importance of crop protection, the causes and agents of crop diseases, the symptoms and control measures of some common crop diseases, the types and classification of crop pests, the damage and control measures of some common crop pests, the methods and principles of pest and disease control, the safe use and disposal of pesticides, and the integrated pest management.
Animal Production
This section covers the meaning and importance of animal production, the classification and scientific names of farm animals, the anatomy and physiology of farm animals, the breeds and breeding of farm animals, the feeding and nutrition of farm animals, the management practices for farm animals, the products and by-products of farm animals, the improvement of farm animals, and the production of some major farm animals in West Africa.
Agricultural Economics and Extension
This section covers the meaning and scope of agricultural economics and extension, the basic economic concepts and principles, the factors of production and their rewards, the types and systems of farming, the farm records and accounts, the farm budgeting and planning, the marketing and distribution of farm produce, the agricultural cooperatives and credit facilities, the meaning and functions of agricultural extension, the methods and techniques of agricultural extension, the problems and prospects of agricultural extension, and the role of information and communication technology in agriculture.
Practical Agricultural Science
This section covers the practical skills and activities related to the various sections of the syllabus. It involves the identification, observation, and manipulation of specimens, materials, tools, implements, machines, structures, and systems. It also involves the collection, recording, and analysis of data, the drawing and interpretation of graphs, tables, and diagrams, and the calculation and application of formulae.
What are the Recommended Textbooks for the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science?
The recommended textbooks for the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science are:
- Adeniyi, M.O. et al (2000) Countdown to Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Agricultural Science, Ibadan: Evans
- Akinsanmi, A.O. (2000) Junior Secondary Agricultural Science, Uk: Longman
- Akinsanmi, O.A. (2000) Senior Secondary Agricultural Science, Uk: Longman
- Anthonio, Q.B.O. (1999) General Agriculture for West Africa, London: George Allen
- Are, L.A. et al (2010) Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary School, University Press Plc.
- Egbuna, C.K. et al (2014) Extension Modern Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools (2010), Extension Publication
- Emmanuel C.A. (2003) A Dictionary of Agriculture, Benue: Agitab Publisher Makurdi
- Falusi, A.O. and Adeleye, I.O. (2000) Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary Schools Books 1- 3, Ibadan: Onibonoje
- Komolafe, M.F. et al (2004) Agricultural Science for senior secondary Schools 1, 2 and 3, Ibadan: University Press Ltd.
- Nwaka, D.E. and Michael, C.U. (2005) Agricultural Science for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Awka: Meks Publishers
- Oguntona, C.R.B. and Ogungbile, A.O. (1999) West African Agricultural Science, Ibadan: Longman
- Olabiyi, T.I. and Oguntona, C.R.B. (2000) West African Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools, Ibadan: Longman
- Olayide, S.O. et al (1999) Introduction to Agricultural Production Economics, Ibadan: University of Ibadan Press
Conclusion
The WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science 2024/2025 is a useful resource for students, teachers, and parents who want to prepare well for the SSCE in Agricultural Science. It provides the content, aims, objectives, notes, and references for the subject. It also covers both the theory and practical aspects of the subject. By studying the syllabus, you will be able to know the topics to read, the skills to acquire, and the expectations of the examiners. You will also be able to plan your time and resources effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science 2024/2025
Q: How can I download the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science 2024/2025?
A: You can download the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science 2024/2025 from the official website of the West African Examination Council (7) or from other reliable sources online.
Q: How many sections are there in the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science 2024/2025?
A: There are seven sections in the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science 2024/2025, namely: Basic Concepts, Agricultural Ecology, Agricultural Engineering/Mechanization, Crop Production, Forestry, Ornamental Plants, Crop Protection, Animal Production, Agricultural Economics and Extension, and Practical Agricultural Science.
Q: How many marks are allocated for each section in the WAEC Syllabus for Agricultural Science 2024/2025?