By Elimu Assistant Team 
Top KCSE Questions: Introduction to Agriculture (with Marking Scheme)
🌿 KCSE Agriculture Revision
Introduction to Agriculture
Learning Progress0 / 8 revealed
Agricultural Systems
1
What is plantation farming system?
Model Answer
This is a system of farming in which one crop is grown in large scale. [cite: 227]
2
State the main characteristics of shifting cultivation.
Model Answer
- When fertility of the soil goes down crops are not grown again until fertility is restored. [cite: 229]
- Plenty of land is available to the farming community. [cite: 230]
- Practicable with annual crops not with the perennials. [cite: 231]
- Agricultural output from the whole system is low / subsistence production. [cite: 232]
- Inputs such as pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers are rarely used. [cite: 234]
- Build up of pests and diseases is avoided by periodic movements to new lands. [cite: 234]
- Use of simple hand tools. [cite: 235]
3
Differentiate between olericulture and pomoculture.
Model Answer
Olericulture: This is the branch of agriculture that deals with the production of vegetables.
Pomoculture: This is the branch of agriculture that deals with the production of fruits.
Importance of Agriculture
4
State six reasons why agriculture is important in Kenya's economy.
Model Answer
- It is a source of food for the population. [cite: 236]
- Earns foreign exchange for the country. [cite: 237]
- Provides market for industrial goods. [cite: 238, 243]
- Farmers earn a lot of income. [cite: 239]
- Provides employment both directly and indirectly. [cite: 240]
- Provides raw materials that are used in industries. [cite: 244]
5
State two ways in which agriculture contributes directly to the development of industries.
Model Answer
- Providing raw materials that are used in industries. [cite: 244]
- Providing a market for industrial goods (e.g., machinery, fertilizers). [cite: 243]
Livestock Systems
6
Give the limitations of pastoral farming.
Model Answer
- Drought and aridity. [cite: 245]
- Diseases and parasites. [cite: 245, 246]
- Attack by wild animals. [cite: 247]
- Soil erosion due to overstocking. [cite: 248]
- Poor pasture species. [cite: 249]
- Inadequate land / overpopulation. [cite: 250]
7
State any two disadvantages of pastoral nomadism system of farming.
Model Answer
- Low production levels. [cite: 252]
- Uncontrolled mating among livestock. [cite: 253]
- Difficulty in controlling parasites and diseases. [cite: 254]
- Leads to overgrazing hence soil erosion. [cite: 255]
8
State three characteristics of shifting cultivation.
Model Answer
- Use of simple hand tools. [cite: 235]
- Agricultural output is primarily for subsistence. [cite: 232]
- Periodic movement to new lands to allow soil fertility restoration. [cite: 234]
