Question

Difficulty: MediumInferential Comprehension and Deduction

Read the passage below carefully:

In the dense rainforest belt of Ikom, Cross River State, cocoa farmers traditionally relied on complete forest clearing to maximize short-term crop yields. However, this sun-exposed monoculture rapidly depleted soil nutrients and left young cocoa trees vulnerable to rising temperatures. To mitigate these environmental losses, the local agricultural extension board introduced a shade-grown agroforestry model, encouraging farmers to integrate indigenous hardwood trees such as iroko and mahogany alongside their cocoa crops. While this transition initially reduced immediate canopy exposure, the canopy cover significantly regulated ambient microclimates, retained soil moisture, and naturally suppressed pest infestations. Consequently, participating farmers noted a marked reduction in chemical fungicide expenditure. Although shade-grown trees take several seasons to yield secondary economic benefits such as timber and native fruits, the improved cocoa pod quality has already secured premium pricing from international organic export buyers, compensating for the early transition costs.

Based on the passage, evaluate the statement: The adoption of the shade-grown agroforestry model in Ikom resulted in immediate net financial gains for cocoa farmers purely from secondary tree products like timber and native fruits.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is False. Secondary economic benefits from timber and fruits require several seasons to yield returns, whereas early financial offset was achieved through higher cocoa pod quality and reduced chemical inputs.
The statement is false because the passage specifies that secondary benefits like timber and fruit require several seasons to mature. The initial financial viability of the agroforestry project relied instead on lower fungicide costs and higher market prices for premium cocoa pods.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the claim regarding the timing and source of financial gains.
The claim asserts that financial gains were immediate and derived purely from secondary products (timber and fruits).
To verify the statement against textual evidence.
2
Examine the passage's explanation of secondary tree product timeline.
The text states that shade-grown trees take several seasons to yield secondary economic benefits such as timber and native fruits.
Determining the timeframe for revenue from secondary tree products.
3
Identify the actual source of early economic relief for the farmers.
Early transition costs were offset by a reduction in fungicide expenditure and premium pricing from international organic buyers due to improved cocoa pod quality.
Differentiating between initial financial mechanisms and long-term secondary benefits.

Key Concept

Inferential Deduction of Cause-and-Effect Timelines in Reading Passages
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