Gce Model Questions Vol1 2018 Agricultural Science Question 10

A smallholder intends to start a mixed crop‑livestock enterprise on a 10‑hectare farm. The objectives are to produce enough food for the household, generate cash income, and provide feed for a modest herd of cattle. The farmer has access to a reliable market for maize, beans and live cattle. The following average yields and prices are assumed: - Maize: 2.5 t ha⁻¹ at ₦30,000 per tonne. - Beans: 1.0 t ha⁻¹ at ₦45,000 per tonne. - Pasture (dry matter): 5 t ha⁻¹. Each tonne of dry matter can sustain 0.2 cattle per year. Each mature cattle generates a gross annual income of ₦200,000 (milk, meat and sales). Variable production costs are estimated at: - Maize: ₦50,000 ha⁻¹ - Beans: ₦40,000 ha⁻¹ - Pasture: ₦30,000 ha⁻¹ The farmer wishes to allocate the land among the three enterprises to meet the household’s food needs (minimum 4 t of maize and 0.8 t of beans per year) and keep a herd of at least three cattle. Using the data above, answer the following: