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Difficulty: MediumInferential Comprehension and Deduction

Read the passage below carefully and answer the question that follows:

In the semi-arid northern plains of Ghana, community-led land restoration projects have recently revived the traditional zaï pit system—shallow basins filled with organic compost—to combat escalating desertification. While modern agricultural extension officers initially advocated for heavy mechanical tilling and synthetic fertilizers to boost immediate grain yield, elder farmers resisted, pointing out that deep plowing broke up the delicate topsoil crust and accelerated erosion during short, torrential downpours. Subsequent ecological monitoring over five seasons revealed that fields utilizing the zaï technique retained soil moisture three times longer during mid-season droughts than tilled plots. Furthermore, termite activity inside the unplowed compost pits naturally aerated the soil without disturbing its deep structural layers. Recognizing these results, regional agricultural agencies have gradually shifted their budget allocations from subsidizing machinery to funding local farmer-to-farmer training networks on compost preparation. This policy shift demonstrates a growing acknowledgment that sustainable yield stability in fragile ecosystems depends less on capital-intensive mechanical interventions and more on adapting proven, low-tech practices aligned with natural ecological processes.

Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the regional agricultural agencies' initial strategy?

  1. A
    It collapsed because indigenous farmers rejected composting techniques.
  2. It prioritized short-term crop productivity over long-term ecological stability.Answer
  3. C
    It was revised primarily because synthetic fertilizers became financially unaffordable.
  4. D
    It successfully protected fragile topsoil from erosion during sudden rainstorms.

Answer

The correct answer is that the initial agricultural strategy prioritized short-term crop productivity over long-term ecological stability.
The passage explains that extension officers initially focused on boosting immediate grain yield through mechanical tilling. However, ecological evidence later showed this practice accelerated topsoil erosion, whereas traditional zaï pits ensured multi-season soil moisture and yield stability. It can therefore be logically deduced that the initial strategy focused on immediate output at the expense of long-term environmental balance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the passage details regarding the initial strategy.
The text notes that extension officers initially promoted heavy tilling and fertilizers to 'boost immediate grain yield'.
This establishes the primary goal of the initial agricultural approach.
2
Contrast the initial strategy with the findings and ultimate policy shift.
Mechanical tilling accelerated topsoil erosion, while low-tech zaï pits provided long-term moisture retention and soil stability.
The contrast between immediate yield gains and sustained ecological stability allows for a logical deduction.
3
Deduce the underlying character of the initial approach.
Focusing on immediate grain yield despite topsoil degradation means short-term production was prioritized over long-term stability.
An inference must be directly supported by the implicit facts presented in the passage.

Key Concept

Inferential Comprehension and Deduction
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Inferential Comprehension and Deduction

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