1. A) Compare and contrast agricultural practices during the pre-colonial era and what we have today in Kenya. Jor(10 Marks) b) Outline the constraints to Agricultural production in Kenya and in each case, proposing a solution. (10 Marks) mucd faming gio Explain how soil fertility is managed for crop production (10 marks) b) Outline the importance of agriculture to the economy of Kenya, (10 Marks) food employmen 3. Outline the significance of the following in the historical dexelopment of Kenyan agriculture a) White settler farmers v (5 marks) (1) Second World War 1939-1945 (5 marks) (5 marks) (c) Devonshire white paper declaration 1923. coute for (5 marks) (c) d) The construction of Uganda railways pute a) Explain the effect of the following ecological factors on crop growth and development. (i)Light (ii)Moisture (iii)Temperature (iv) Wind (10 marks) (10 Marks) 5. Briefly outline the roles of thefollowin:institutionson agricultural Development a) Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)(5 marks) (b) Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) (5 marks) c) Agricultural Finance Cooperation (5 marks) d) University of Eldoretv (5 marks)

1. **a) Comparison of Pre-Colonial and Modern Agricultural Practices in Kenya:**<br /><br />**Pre-Colonial Era:** Primarily subsistence farming characterized by shifting cultivation, intercropping, and the use of simple tools. Livestock keeping was integral, with nomadic pastoralism practiced in arid and semi-arid areas. Indigenous knowledge systems guided practices like crop selection and pest control.<br /><br />**Modern Era:** A mix of subsistence and commercial farming. Modern practices include mechanization (tractors, irrigation), use of fertilizers and pesticides, improved crop varieties, and specialized livestock breeds. Large-scale commercial farms exist alongside smallholder farms. Market forces and government policies play a significant role.<br /><br />**b) Constraints and Solutions to Agricultural Production in Kenya:**<br /><br />* **Constraint:** Climate change leading to unpredictable rainfall patterns. **Solution:** Invest in drought-resistant crops, water harvesting technologies, and climate-smart agriculture.<br />* **Constraint:** Limited access to credit and financial services. **Solution:** Strengthen microfinance institutions, government subsidies, and accessible loan schemes for farmers.<br />* **Constraint:** Post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage and transportation. **Solution:** Invest in cold storage facilities, improve road networks, and promote value addition through processing.<br />* **Constraint:** Pests and diseases. **Solution:** Promote integrated pest management, disease-resistant varieties, and timely access to veterinary services.<br />* **Constraint:** Land degradation and soil erosion. **Solution:** Encourage conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and sustainable land management practices.<br /><br /><br />2. **a) Managing Soil Fertility for Crop Production:**<br /><br />Soil fertility management involves practices that maintain or enhance the soil's ability to support plant growth. Key methods include:<br /><br />* **Organic matter incorporation:** Adding compost, manure, or cover crops improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.<br />* **Crop rotation:** Alternating different crops helps prevent nutrient depletion and controls pests and diseases.<br />* **Mineral fertilizers:** Applying fertilizers provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.<br />* **Liming:** Raises soil pH, making nutrients more available to plants, especially in acidic soils.<br />* **Soil testing:** Helps determine nutrient deficiencies and guides fertilizer application.<br /><br />**b) Importance of Agriculture to Kenya's Economy:**<br /><br />* **Food security:** Provides food for the population, reducing reliance on imports.<br />* **Employment:** Employs a significant portion of the workforce, both directly and indirectly.<br />* **Foreign exchange earnings:** Agricultural exports contribute to the country's foreign exchange reserves.<br />* **Raw materials:** Supplies raw materials for industries like textiles, processing, and manufacturing.<br />* **Rural development:** Drives economic growth and development in rural areas.<br /><br /><br />3. **Significance of Historical Developments in Kenyan Agriculture:**<br /><br />* **a) White settler farmers:** Introduced large-scale farming, cash crops (coffee, tea), and modern farming techniques. However, their presence also led to land dispossession and inequalities.<br />* **b) Second World War (1939-1945):** Increased demand for agricultural products from Kenya, leading to expansion of production and infrastructure development.<br />* **c) Devonshire White Paper Declaration 1923:** Affirmed African land rights, though implementation was limited. It represented a step towards recognizing African interests in land ownership.<br />* **d) Construction of Uganda Railway:** Facilitated transportation of agricultural goods to the coast for export, opening up new markets and stimulating production.<br /><br /><br />4. **Effect of Ecological Factors on Crop Growth:**<br /><br />* **i) Light:** Essential for photosynthesis, influencing plant growth, flowering, and fruiting. Different crops have different light requirements.<br />* **ii) Moisture:** Crucial for nutrient uptake, transport, and overall plant development. Water stress can severely limit growth.<br />* **iii) Temperature:** Affects enzyme activity and metabolic processes. Each crop has an optimal temperature range for growth.<br />* **iv) Wind:** Can cause physical damage to plants, increase transpiration (water loss), and affect pollination.<br /><br /><br />5. **Roles of Institutions in Agricultural Development:**<br /><br />* **a) Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO):** Conducts research to develop improved crop varieties, livestock breeds, and farming techniques.<br />* **b) Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS):** Ensures quality control of agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers) and prevents the spread of pests and diseases.<br />* **c) Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC):** Provides financial services and credit to farmers.<br />* **d) University of Eldoret:** Offers agricultural education and training, conducts research, and provides extension services to farmers.<br />