Gce Model Questions Vol1 2024 Agricultural Science Question 22

An extension officer plans a programme to promote a new high‑yield maize variety. The cost of the programme per farmer is \(\text{₦}12{,}000\). The variety can increase yield by 1.8 t ha⁻¹. Adoption probability depends on farm size: farms ≤2 ha adopt with probability 0.6, farms >2 ha up to 5 ha adopt with probability 0.8, and farms >5 ha adopt with probability 0.5. The farmer population is distributed as follows: 30 % have ≤2 ha (average 1.5 ha), 50 % have 2-5 ha (average 3.5 ha), and 20 % have >5 ha (average 7 ha). Market price of maize is \(\text{₦}150\) per kg and variable production cost (excluding extension) is \(\text{₦}40\) per kg. Calculate the expected net benefit per farmer (revenue increase minus additional variable cost minus the programme cost) and state whether the programme is economically justified.