Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on Agricultural Science exam questions. We will cover Agricultural Science exam questions for SS3 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass Agricultural Science examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Introduction to Agricultural Science as a School Subject

Before we venture into Past Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS3 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

Agricultural Science is a practical and applied subject that teaches students the principles and practices of farming, crop production, and animal husbandry. It helps learners understand how food is produced, processed, and preserved for human use. The subject also exposes students to modern methods of agriculture, farm management, and environmental conservation.

Through Agricultural Science, students gain useful knowledge and skills that prepare them for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, and related fields. It also encourages self-reliance by promoting interest in practical farming and the use of science and technology to solve agricultural problems.

Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS3 First Term are divided into two parts:

• Part One
• Part Two

The first part, namely, Part One is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Part Two is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.

Note that what you have below are SS3 Agricultural Science First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

PART ONE (1): Objectives

Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.

1. The achievement of agricultural extension programmes can be assessed by stakeholders at the
A. development stage
B. evaluation stage
C. identification stage
D. implementation stage

2. Which of the following farm accounts can be used to determine the net worth of a farm?
A. Balance sheet
B. Cash analysis account
C. Income statement account
D. Profit and loss account

Use the information below to answer Questions 3 and 4.

Government bought maize seeds at ₦100 per kg and sold them at ₦80 per kg to farmers during the planting season.

3. The intention of the government is to give
A. bonus         B. credit
C. grant          D. subsidy

4. Calculate the percentage reduction given to the farmers.
A. 20%         B. 30%
C. 40%         D. 50%

5. When a farmer lists farm inputs to be purchased in order of priority, he is said to have drawn a
A. choice list
B. demand schedule
C. resource list
D. scale of preference

6. Semen for artificial insemination is processed mainly to
A. ease its reception by the female animals
B. extend its shelf life
C. facilitate transportation
D. improve its quality and purity

7. The problem associated with selection in animal improvement is that
A. desirable traits of some parents may be excluded
B. it emphasizes disease control
C. it depends on naturally available animals
D. only the best performing animals are selected

Use the information below to answer Questions 8 and 9.

An experiment involving poultry birds conducted in Kano was replicated in Yenagoa under similar management practices. It was observed that birds in Yenagoa consumed significantly more feed than those raised in Kano.

8. Which of the following was likely experienced by the birds in Kano?
A. Huddling
B. Feeding on mouldy feed
C. Heat stress
D. High mortality

9. What could have led to the high feed consumption by the birds raised in Yenagoa?
A. Feed and water served ad libitum
B. High relative temperature
C. High relative humidity
D. Moderate wind velocity

10. To ensure that honey-producing bees are not disturbed frequently, a farmer should
A. never put warning signs at apiaries
B. place the apiaries far from human dwellings
C. set smokers away from the apiaries
D. wear protective clothing to the apiaries

11. Which of the following additives is used in preparing ensiled grasses to improve palatability?
A. Calcium bicarbonate
B. Molasses
C. Salt lick
D. Sodium chloride

Use the information below to answer Questions 12 and 13.

A farmer harvested pasture grasses for his lactating cow instead of allowing it to graze. Later, the animal developed a swollen stomach and appeared uncomfortable.

12. The method of feeding used by the farmer is known as
A. continuous grazing
B. paddock grazing
C. strip grazing
D. zero grazing

13. The disease responsible for the condition observed in the cow is
A. bloat
B. ketosis
C. milk fever
D. osteomalacia

14. During exhalation in farm animals,
A. the diaphragm contracts
B. the diaphragm forms a dome shape
C. the intercostal muscles contract
D. the thoracic cavity volume increases

15. A farmer who administers iron dextran injection to his piglets aims to prevent
A. anaemia
B. haemorrhage
C. nervous disorder
D. night blindness

16. The purpose for which an animal is kept should be considered in feed formulation to
A. increase feed intake
B. improve feed palatability
C. meet the nutrient requirements
D. reduce production cost

17. The part of the digestive system of a pig that performs a function similar to the rumen in a goat is the
A. caecum      B. duodenum
C. colon          D. rectum

Use the information below to answer Questions 18 and 19.

Mr. Ameen, who resides in the rainforest zone, observed tall perennial grasses in large clumps that were drought-resistant and high-yielding.

18. The grass observed is
A. Bahama grass
B. Carpet grass
C. Elephant grass
D. Guinea grass

19. The botanical name of the grass is
A. Axonopus compressus
B. Cynodon plectostachyus
C. Panicum maximum
D. Pennisetum purpureum

20. Black pod disease of cocoa is caused by a
A. bacterium     B. fungus
C. nematode     D. virus

21. The cocoa disease characterized by branch swelling and premature leaf fall is transmitted by
A. infected tools
B. mealybugs
C. rain splash
D. whiteflies

22. Weed control is important in rangeland management because
A. some weeds are poisonous to animals
B. weeds prevent pest infestation
C. weeds help in nutrient recycling
D. weeds stop light penetration

23. Crop yield is reduced by weeds because they
A. serve as alternate hosts for diseases
B. increase soil fertility
C. serve as mulching materials
D. control erosion

Use the information below to answer Questions 24 and 25.

A cassava farm was attacked by variegated grasshoppers and rodents.

24. Which of the following methods is inappropriate for controlling rodents?
A. Fencing the farm
B. Setting traps
C. Setting the farmland on fire
D. Using rodenticides

25. What preventive measure could have prevented the grasshopper attack?
A. Spraying leaves with insecticides
B. Timely planting at proper spacing
C. Treating planting materials before planting
D. Using natural enemies

26. Chlorosis in crops can be corrected by applying
A. basic slag
B. gypsum
C. muriate of potash
D. urea

27. In the water cycle, the land receives water through
A. evaporation
B. infiltration
C. respiration
D. transpiration

28. Alkaline soils are found mainly in
A. arid areas
B. freshwater swamps
C. guinea savannah
D. mangrove swamps

29. Which of the following soil factors can cause toxicity to plants and animals?
A. Fertility          B. pH
C. Structure       D. Texture

30. An example of a secondary rock mineral is
A. hematite     B. hornblende
C. limonite      D. pyroxene

31. The most important benefit of agriculture in West Africa is the provision of
A. food
B. raw materials
C. foreign exchange
D. employment

32. The land tenure system that allows for individual ownership is the
A. leasehold system
B. freehold system
C. tenancy system
D. pledge system

33. The farming system that makes the use of machines difficult is
A. mixed cropping
B. alley cropping
C. mixed farming
D. crop rotation

34. Which of the following chemicals is used for liming soils?
A. Ammonium hydroxide
B. Calcium oxide
C. Copper oxide
D. Sodium hydroxide

35. The ecological zone of West Africa that best supports ruminant production is the
A. mangrove swamp
B. guinea savannah
C. deciduous forest
D. rainforest

36. Land rotation is a modified form of
A. pastoral farming
B. crop rotation
C. shifting cultivation
D. mixed farming

37. Spillage of organic waste from farms into rivers would likely cause a decrease in
A. oxygen concentration
B. turbidity
C. silt content
D. bacterial population

38. Determine the ratio of nutrients in NPK 5–10–15.
A. 1 : 2 : 3
B. 1 : 1 : 2
C. 1 : 3 : 2
D. 2 : 1 : 3

39. The method of fertilizer application most suitable for supplying micronutrients is
A. broadcasting
B. side dressing
C. drilling
D. foliar application

40. Sprinkler irrigation is an example of
A. surface irrigation
B. subsurface irrigation
C. overhead irrigation
D. basin irrigation

41. Wood ash is usually added to soil to
A. increase soil pH
B. reduce soil moisture
C. increase organic matter
D. increase acidity

42. An advantage of animal traction over tractor use is that it
A. minimizes hardpan formation
B. improves soil water holding capacity
C. enhances soil texture
D. increases soil acidity

43. A characteristic of solar energy in West Africa is that it
A. is abundant
B. is expensive to install
C. has a low output
D. needs frequent maintenance

44. The scythe is a farm tool used for
A. planting seeds
B. harvesting grains
C. grinding maize
D. gathering trash

45. The tank of a knapsack sprayer is made of plastic mainly to
A. prevent corrosion
B. minimize temperature fluctuation
C. decrease droplet size
D. prevent leakage

46. The type of regulatory control of plant diseases is
A. rouging
B. quarantine
C. soil sterilization
D. crop rotation

47. The main purpose of mulching soil is to
A. conserve soil moisture
B. improve soil structure
C. increase soil aeration
D. prevent erosion

48. A plot of land where fruit trees are cultivated is called
A. a garden
B. a nursery
C. an orchard
D. a paddock

49. Cocoa mirids can be controlled effectively by spraying with
A. insecticides
B. fungicides
C. herbicides
D. rodenticides

50. Seed producers grow their crops in isolation to
A. prevent bird damage
B. maintain genetic purity
C. promote early maturity
D. improve yield

51. The gestation period of a ewe is
A. 114 days      B. 145 days
C. 240 days      D. 280 days

52. Male kids not kept for breeding should be
A. castrated     B. quarantined
C. isolated       D. disbudded

53. Nervous disorders in farm animals may result from a deficiency of
A. calcium       B. potassium
C. sodium       D. phosphorus

54. The part of an incubator that holds eggs in place is the
A. felt tray
B. thermostat
C. thermometer
D. water tray

55. The average gestation period of a cow is
A. 114 days
B. 145 days
C. 240 days
D. 280 days

56. A mill that processes flour for bread production needs
A. maize      B. millet
C. rice          D. wheat

57. The farming system that allows mutual interaction between plants and animals is
A. mixed farming
B. mixed cropping
C. monocropping
D. continuous cropping

58. In the water cycle, the land receives water mainly through
A. infiltration
B. transpiration
C. evaporation
D. precipitation

59. Which of the following edaphic factors can cause toxicity to plants and animals?
A. Soil pH
B. Soil structure
C. Soil type
D. Soil texture

60. The ecological zone of West Africa that supports the highest population of ruminants is the
A. guinea savannah
B. Sudan savannah
C. mangrove swamp
D. rainforest

Read Also: Agric Science Exam Questions for SS3 Second Term (WAEC Mock)

PART TWO (2): THEORY / ESSAY

There are four sections in this part. Answer one question only from each section. All questions carry equal marks.

SECTION A

1a. Mention four roles of government in the development of agriculture in your country.
b. State three roles of science and technology in agricultural development under the following headings:
i. Animal breeding
ii. Soil science
c. State three reasons why farm mechanization is not widely practiced in West Africa.
d. Mention three advantages of manual labour over the use of machines in farm operations.

2a. State three problems of agricultural development in West Africa.
b. Mention three benefits of commercial farming.
c. List two examples each of farm machinery and farm implements.
d. Describe how the Gunter’s chain is used in land measurement.

SECTION B

3a. Distinguish between macronutrients and micronutrients.
b. Mention three factors that influence nutrient availability in soil.
c. Explain four ways by which each of the following affects land availability for agriculture in your country:
i. Communal land tenure system
ii. Soil type
iii. Leasehold tenure system
d. Mention three problems associated with drainage systems on farms.

4a. Mention four biotic factors that affect agricultural production.
b. State four negative effects of each of the following practices on the soil:
i. Continuous cropping
ii. Overgrazing
c. State two advantages and two disadvantages of surface drainage.

SECTION C

5a. Discuss the cultivation of maize under the following headings:
i. Climatic requirements
ii. Soil requirements
iii. Cultural practices
iv. Processing and storage
v. Two common diseases
b. State four benefits of forests to the economic development of your country.
c. Mention two effects of diseases on crops.

6a. Name six cereal crops grown in your country.
b. State two advantages and two disadvantages of afforestation.
c. i. List the three major groups of insect pests of crops based on their mouthparts.
ii. Give two examples of pests in each group listed in 6(c)(i).

SECTION D

7a. List two intensive systems of poultry management.
b. State one advantage and one disadvantage of each system listed in 7(a).
c. State two functions of each of the following nutrients in the diet of farm animals:
i. Vitamins
ii. Proteins
iii. Carbohydrates
d. Mention four signs of heat in farm animals.

8a. List two viral and two protozoan diseases of livestock.
b. State three sanitation practices that help prevent disease outbreaks on livestock farms.
c. Define the following terms:
i. Ovulation
ii. Lactation
d. List three classes of animal feeds based on nutrient composition.
e. Mention two methods of improving local breeds of farm animals.

Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Answers to Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Answers to Part One (1) (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Agricultural Science exam questions for SS3 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

So here you have the answers to the objective section of Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS3 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

Answers to Part Two (2) (Theory)

SECTION A

1a. Four roles of government in the development of agriculture are:
1. Provision of credit facilities to farmers through agricultural banks.
2. Establishment of agricultural research institutes and extension services.
3. Construction of rural roads to ease transportation of farm produce.
4. Provision of subsidized farm inputs such as fertilizers and improved seeds.

b. Roles of science and technology in agricultural development:

i. Animal breeding:
1. Use of artificial insemination to improve livestock breeds.
2. Application of biotechnology to enhance genetic traits.
3. Use of performance testing for selection of superior breeds.

ii. Soil science:
1. Soil testing and analysis for proper fertilizer application.
2. Development of improved soil conservation techniques.
3. Use of modern irrigation systems to improve soil moisture.

c. Three reasons why farm mechanization is not widely practiced in West Africa are:
1. Small and fragmented land holdings.
2. High cost of farm machinery and maintenance.
3. Lack of skilled manpower to operate and repair machines.

d. Three advantages of manual labour over the use of machines:
1. It is cheaper to employ manual labour for small-scale farms.
2. Labourers can work on rough and small plots unsuitable for machines.
3. It reduces soil compaction and does not destroy crops during operation.

2a. Three problems of agricultural development in West Africa are:
1. Poor transportation and storage facilities.
2. Low level of mechanization.
3. Inadequate funding and access to credit.

b. Three benefits of commercial farming are:
1. Increases food production and supply.
2. Creates employment opportunities.
3. Promotes agro-based industries.

c. Two examples of farm machinery and farm implements:
Farm machinery: Tractor, Harvester.
Farm implements: Hoe, Cutlass.

d. The Gunter’s chain is used in land measurement by stretching the chain between two points on the land. The number of full chain lengths between the two points is recorded, and the total distance is calculated by multiplying the number of chains by the chain length (usually 66 feet per chain).

SECTION B

3a. Macronutrients are nutrients required by plants in large quantities (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), while micronutrients are needed in small quantities (e.g. iron, zinc, copper).

b. Three factors that influence nutrient availability in soil are:
1. Soil pH.
2. Soil texture and structure.
3. Organic matter content.

c. Effects of factors on land availability for agriculture:

i. Communal land tenure system:
1. Limits individual ownership and long-term investment.
2. Causes land disputes.
3. Restricts mechanized farming.

ii. Soil type:
1. Sandy soils are less fertile and unsuitable for some crops.
2. Clay soils retain too much water, hindering cultivation.
3. Loamy soils encourage continuous farming due to fertility.

iii. Leasehold tenure system:
1. Limits long-term planning on land use.
2. Tenants are reluctant to make improvements.
3. Land may be withdrawn before projects mature.

d. Three problems associated with drainage systems on farms are:
1. High cost of construction and maintenance.
2. Clogging of drainage channels by debris.
3. Loss of soil nutrients through leaching.

4a. Four biotic factors that affect agricultural production are:
1. Pests.
2. Diseases.
3. Weeds.
4. Predators.

b. Negative effects of the following practices on the soil:

i. Continuous cropping:
1. Leads to depletion of soil nutrients.
2. Increases pest and disease buildup.
3. Reduces soil fertility and structure.
4. Encourages erosion.

ii. Overgrazing:
1. Leads to soil compaction.
2. Destroys vegetation cover.
3. Encourages erosion.
4. Reduces soil fertility.

c. Advantages and disadvantages of surface drainage:

Advantages:
1. Reduces waterlogging on farms.
2. Improves aeration of the soil.

Disadvantages:
1. Encourages soil erosion.
2. Requires regular maintenance.

SECTION C

5a. Cultivation of maize:

i. Climatic requirements:
Requires warm temperatures (21–27°C) and moderate rainfall (600–1200 mm annually).

ii. Soil requirements:
Grows best in well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter.

iii. Cultural practices:
Land preparation, planting, fertilizer application, weeding, pest and disease control, and harvesting.

iv. Processing and storage:
Maize is dried, shelled, and stored in airtight containers or silos to prevent pest attack.

v. Two common diseases:
1. Maize streak virus.
2. Downy mildew.

b. Four benefits of forests to the economic development of the country:
1. Provides timber and non-timber products.
2. Serves as a source of revenue through export.
3. Provides employment for forest workers.
4. Helps in soil and water conservation.

c. Two effects of diseases on crops:
1. Reduction in yield and quality of produce.
2. Increased cost of production due to control measures.

6a. Six cereal crops grown in the country are: Maize, Rice, Sorghum, Millet, Wheat, and Barley.

b. Advantages and disadvantages of afforestation:

Advantages:
1. Prevents desertification.
2. Conserves wildlife habitat.

Disadvantages:
1. Requires long time before economic returns.
2. May reduce land available for farming.

c. i. Three major groups of insect pests based on mouthparts:
1. Biting and chewing insects.
2. Piercing and sucking insects.
3. Boring insects.

ii. Two examples of each group:
Biting and chewing: Grasshopper, Caterpillar.
Piercing and sucking: Aphid, Mealybug.
Boring: Stem borer, Fruit fly.

SECTION D

7a. Two intensive systems of poultry management are:
1. Battery cage system.
2. Deep litter system.

b. Advantages and disadvantages:

Battery cage system:
Advantage – Easy collection of eggs.
Disadvantage – High cost of installation.

Deep litter system:
Advantage – Allows free movement of birds.
Disadvantage – Increases disease spread if not cleaned regularly.

c. Functions of nutrients in animal diet:

i. Vitamins: Regulate body metabolism and improve disease resistance.
ii. Proteins: Build body tissues and repair worn-out cells.
iii. Carbohydrates: Provide energy for body activities.

d. Four signs of heat in farm animals:
1. Restlessness.
2. Frequent urination.
3. Mounting other animals.
4. Mucus discharge from the vulva.

8a. Two viral diseases: Foot and mouth disease, Newcastle disease.
Two protozoan diseases: Trypanosomiasis, Coccidiosis.

b. Three sanitation practices to prevent disease outbreaks:
1. Regular cleaning and disinfection of animal houses.
2. Proper disposal of dead animals.
3. Isolation of sick animals.

c. Definitions:
i. Ovulation: The release of a mature egg from the ovary.
ii. Lactation: The secretion of milk from the mammary glands after birth.

d. Three classes of animal feeds based on nutrient composition:
1. Energy feeds.
2. Protein feeds.
3. Mineral feeds.

e. Two methods of improving local breeds of farm animals:
1. Crossbreeding with exotic breeds.
2. Selection of superior local breeds for breeding.

How to Pass Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Passing your Agricultural Science exam questions for SS3 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Know the syllabus

Get the SS3 syllabus and study it. Focus on topics listed for the term. Teachers often set questions from the syllabus. Don’t study what is not required.

2. Read past questions

Practice with past objective and theory questions. Time yourself for objective tests. Write full answers for essay questions. Past questions help you know the style and level of the exam.

3. Master practical topics

Learn the practical skills: crop spacing, planting methods, animal handling, simple laboratory tests. Practical knowledge is often tested in theory questions. Visit a farm or practice in the school lab when you can.

4. Learn command words

Know what words like “state”, “describe”, “explain”, “discuss” and “mention” expect from you. Give short facts for “state”. Give reasons and details for “explain” and “discuss”.

5. Use simple notes and diagrams

Make short notes for each topic. Use bullet points. Draw clear diagrams and label them. Diagrams earn marks fast when well labeled.

6. Practice time management

Plan how long to spend on each paper. For objective tests, do quick answers first. For essays, spend time planning before you write. Leave time to review your answers.

7. Improve calculation skills

Work on simple farm calculations: percentages, ratios, fertilizer rates, dosages. Show working steps in the exam. Mistakes often come from poor calculation, not theory.

8. Memorize key facts

Learn important definitions, gestation periods, common pests and diseases, and crop requirements. Keep a short list you can review daily.

9. Practice writing essays

Write full answers to past essay questions. Practice clear structure: introduction, main points, conclusion. Use short sentences and keep answers direct.

10. Read instructions and questions carefully

Always read the question twice. Answer exactly what is asked. If it says “answer one question”, do not answer two.

11. Keep your answers neat

Write legibly. Number your answers correctly. Use paragraphs and headings where needed. Examiners reward clear presentation.

12. Use practical examples

When you explain, give a short example from farm practice. Examples make your answers believable and score extra marks.

13. Revise smartly

Review weak topics more often. Use short, frequent study sessions. Rest well the night before the exam. A fresh mind remembers better.

14. On exam day

• Arrive early and bring all tools: pens, ruler, calculator, exam card.
• Read the entire paper before starting.
• Answer easy questions first to build confidence.
• Check time and leave five minutes to review your work.

Follow these steps and keep practicing. Stay focused and calm. You can pass.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS3 First Term Questions on Agricultural Science, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap. Don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Best wishes…