Subject overview
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination syllabus in Agriculture is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
Official syllabus Content is taken from the official JAMB UTME syllabus (IBASS). Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm at jamb.gov.ng.
Your progress
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Study the syllabus below, then test yourself. Move each topic from Not started → Learning → Practising → Mastered.
General objectives
The Agricultural Science syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:
- AGRICULTURE
- 1. stimulate and sustain their interest in Agriculture
- 2. acquire basic knowledge and practical skills in Agriculture
- 3. acquire the knowledge of interpretation and the use of data
- 4. stimulate their ability to make deductions using the acquired knowledge in Agriculture
- The syllabus is divided into five sections as given below
- A. General Agriculture
- B. Agronomy
- C. Animal Production
- D. Agricultural Economics and Extension
- E. Agricultural Technology
How this paper is examined
JAMB Agricultural Science is a Computer-Based Test of 40 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question. It is examined alongside Use of English and two other subjects, for 180 questions in two hours overall.
How to use this syllabus: don't just read it — turn each topic into a checklist. Study a topic, then immediately practise questions on it so the knowledge sticks. Give extra time to the sections that carry the most topics, and revisit weak areas with timed practice as the exam approaches.
Topics & recommended order
Work through these topics in order. Mark each one as you go — your progress is saved on this device.
1. Meaning and Scope of Agriculture
Not started2. Importance of Agriculture
Not started3. Agricultural Ecology
Not started4. Agricultural Genetics
Not started5. Farm Inputs
Not started7. Roles of Government and NGOs in
Not started8. Rocks and Soil formation
Not started9. Soil Water and Soil Conservation
Not started10. Soil Fertility
Not started11. Land Preparation and Soil Tillage
Not started12. Plant Forms and Functions
Not started13. Growth, Development and
Not started14. Plant Propagation Methods
Not started15. Cropping Systems, Planting Patterns
Not started16. Crop Husbandry
Not started17. Pasture and Forage Crops
Not started18. Floriculture
Not started20. Crop Diseases
Not started21. Crop Pests
Not started22. Forest Management (Silviculture)
Not started24. General terminologies in animal
Not started25. Anatomy and physiology of farm
Not started26. Reproduction in farm animals
Not started27. Animal nutrition
Not started28. Livestock management
Not started29. Animal Health
Not started30. Fisheries and Wildlife
Not started31. Bee-keeping (Apiculture)
Not started32. Factors of agricultural production
Not started33. Basic Economic Principles
Not started34. Farm surveying and farmstead
Not started35. Simple farm tools
Not started36. Farm machinery and implements
Not started37. Mechanization and sources of farm
Not started38. Processing and storage
Not started39. Introduction to biotechnology
Not started40. Application of ICT in agriculture
Not startedFull Agricultural Science syllabus
Every topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, with its contents and the objectives you should be able to meet. Study a topic, then use its objectives as a checklist.
1. Meaning and Scope of Agriculture
Contents
- 1. Meaning and Scope of Agriculture a. Definition of Agriculture b. Branches of Agriculture c. Types of Agriculture i.e., subsistence and commercial
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Use the definition of Agriculture in modern terms as it relates to production, processing and marketing. differentiate between the various branches of Agriculture. differentiate between the various types of Agriculture, their advantages and disadvantages and their respective problems
2. Importance of Agriculture
Contents
- 2. Importance of Agriculture i. Provision of raw materials for agro- allied industries ii. Provision of employment iii. Development of rural areas, etc
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Relate agricultural benefits to individual farmers. relate agro-allied industries to their respective raw materials. relate the various contributions of Agriculture to economic development in West Africa
3. Agricultural Ecology
Contents
- 3. Agricultural Ecology a. Ecological zones of West Africa b. Agricultural products of each ecological zone c. Environmental factors and their effects on crop and livestock production
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between the features of the ecological Agriculture zones in West Africa. classify agricultural products according to each ecological zone. differentiate abiotic from biotic factors affecting agricultural production
4. Agricultural Genetics
Contents
- 4. Agricultural Genetics a. First and second laws of Mendel b. Cell division c. Terminologies e.g., locus, alleles, genotype, dominance d. Methods of crop improvement e.g
- introduction, selection, crossing
- quarantine etc
- e. Methods of animal improvement e.g., introduction, breeding, quarantine and selection: Breeding systems – inbreeding, line-breeding, cross- breeding, artificial insemination
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply the first and second laws of Mendel to genetics. differentiate between the types of cell division
- Determine the outcome of genetic crossing involving homozygous and heterozygous traits
- Compute simple probability ratios. give reasons for crop improvement. distinguish between various methods of crop improvement, and their respective advantages and disadvantages
- Give reasons for animal improvement
- Differentiate between the various methods of animal improvement, and their respective advantages and disadvantages
5. Farm Inputs
Contents
- 5. Farm Inputs e.g., planting materials, agrochemicals, etc
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Classify different types of farm inputs and their uses
6. History of Agricultural Development in compare various agricultural systems.
Contents
- 6. Hi We a
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Story of Agricultural Development in compare various agricultural systems. st Africa Agricultural systems e.g., shifting identify the problems, their effects and proffer cultivation, bush fallowing, etc. solutions Problems of Agricultural development e.g., land tenure systems, inadequate infrastructures, inadequate finance for agriculture, environmental degradation, etc. Establishment of national research
- Trace the history of research institutes from past institutes e.g., NCRI, IAR, IAR&T, to present. Agriculture CRIN, NIFOR, FRIN, RRI, NRCRI, NIHORT, LCRI, etc. and international
- Assess their role in the development of research institutes e.g., IITA, ILRI, agriculture. ICRISAT, WARDA, etc., leading to increased application of science to the development of agriculture. Agricultural Development Projects give reasons for the establishment of ADPs. (ADPs) e.g., RTEP, FADAMA etc. National agricultural programmes such evaluate the contributions of national agricultural as OFN, NAFPP, NALDA, Green programmes. Revolution, NCRPs, NARP, Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) etc
7. Roles of Government and NGOs in
Contents
- 7. Roles of Government and NGOs in Agricultural Development a. Development of fiscal policies favourable to agricultural production e.g. import duties, ban on importation, e.t.c
- b. Agricultural laws and reforms e.g. Land Use Act
- c. Government programmes aimed at agricultural development e.g. subsidies, credit facilities, e.t.c
- d. Provision of infrastructures e.g
- transport systems, communication systems, e.t.c
- e. Contribution of NGOs to agricultural development SECTION B
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Evaluate the effects of government policies on agricultural development. identify agricultural laws and their effect on agricultural production
- Identify the various agricultural incentives provided by the government
- Assess their effects on agricultural development. compare the various infrastructural facilities provided by government and their uses. examine the roles of NGOs in the development of agriculture. Agronomy
8. Rocks and Soil formation
Contents
- 1. Rocks and Soil formation a. Rock formation b. Factors affecting rock weathering and soil formation c. Physical properties of soil diff i. Soil profile
- ii. Soil components, texture and
- structure
- d. Chemical properties of soil i. Soil acidity and alkalinity ii. Chemical components of soil e.g
- silicate
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the major types of rocks and their formation. identify major types and properties of soils; factors and processes of soil formation. Agriculture erentiate between the horizons in a soil profile. differentiate between the components of soil. compute the proportion of soil components. analyse soil into its component parts. determine the water-holding capacity of soil. determine the soil pH
9. Soil Water and Soil Conservation
Contents
- 2. Soil Water and Soil Conservation a. Soil water: its importance, sources
- movement, management and conservation
- b. Soil conservation: meaning and
- importance, causes, effects
- prevention and control of leaching, erosion, continuous cropping, burning and oxidation of organic matter
- c. Irrigation and drainage methods
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Compare capillary, gravitational and hygroscopic water. determine water-holding capacity, wilting points and plant available/unavailable water
- Identify the methods of soil water management and conservation. identify the causes of erosion and leaching. determine control methods
- Classify irrigation and drainage systems
- Examine the importance and challenges of irrigation and drainage
10. Soil Fertility
Contents
- 3. Soil Fertility a. Macro and micro-nutrients and their
- roles in plant nutrition: carbon, water
- and nitrogen cycles
- b. The living population of the soil (flora and fauna), and their roles in soil fertility
- c. Maintenance of soil fertility: Methods of maintaining soil fertility e.g. use of cover crops, application of organic manures, etc
- d. Nutrient deficiency symptoms e.g
- chlorosis, sickle leaves, stunting, apical necrosis etc
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Classify plant nutrients. identify factors affecting their availability. examine the roles of soil flora and fauna in maintaining soil fertility
- Compare the different methods of maintaining soil fertility
- Differentiate between organic and inorganic fertilizer, and their methods of application
- Determine common fertilizer ratios
- Identify the deficiency symptoms and their causes
- Suggest remedies. Agriculture
11. Land Preparation and Soil Tillage
Contents
- 4. Land Preparation and Soil Tillage a. Principles and practices of land preparation and soil tillage b. Factors affecting choice of tillage methods: Zero tillage, minimum tillage, etc
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Compare the different methods of land preparation and soil tillage in relation to different groups of crops
- State the advantages and the disadvantages of the different methods of land preparation and soil tillage
- Give reasons for the choice of tillage methods
12. Plant Forms and Functions
Contents
- 5. Plant Forms and Functions a. Parts of monocot and dicot crop plants and their functions b. The anatomy and morphology of the storage organs of common crop plants
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify crop plant parts and their functions
- Distinguish between monocot and dicot crop plants
- Identify various storage organs of crop plants
13. Growth, Development and
Contents
- 6. Growth, Development and Reproduction a. Gametogenesis b. Pollination c. Fertilization d. Embryo formation and development
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the process of gamete formation. Identify the different types of pollination. analyse the process of fertilization. trace the process of embryo formation and development to the formation of seeds and fruits
14. Plant Propagation Methods
Contents
- 7. Plant Propagation Methods a. Sexual: the use of seeds, seed viability, viability test, seed rate and seed germination b. Asexual (vegetative propagation) e.g
- cutting, budding, grafting, layering, e.t.c
- c. Nursery and nursery management
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Classify crops propagated by sexual methods
- Determine seed viability and seed rate
- Differentiate between types of seed germination
- Examine the conditions for seed germination. classify crops into different vegetative propagation methods
- Determine appropriate nursery sites, types; their advantages and disadvantages
- Apply the techniques of transplanting seedlings Agriculture
15. Cropping Systems, Planting Patterns
Contents
- 8. Cropping Systems, Planting Patterns and Plant Densities a. Cropping systems: Monocropping
- mixed-, multiple-, inter-, relay-, strip- i and rotational cropping b. Planting patterns: Broadcasting, row spacing and drilling c. Plant densities: single, double and
- multiple stands
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify and compare cropping systems
- Apply different cropping systems to solve problems in agriculture. differentiate between the various planting patterns. examine the various types of plant densities and their effects on crop yield. compute plant density per hectare
16. Crop Husbandry
Contents
- 9. Crop Husbandry Common and scientific names, gross
- morphology, anatomy of storage organs, methods of propagation, husbandry practices, harvesting, processing and storage, common diseases and pests
- economic importance of the following groups of crops
- iii
- Group 1: Cereals e.g. maize, guinea corn, rice etc
- Group 2: Legumes e.g. cowpea, groundnut, soyabean etc
- Group 3: Tubers e.g. yam, cassava, sweet potatoes etc
- Group 4: Vegetables and Spices e.g
- tomatoes, eggplant, pepper, onions, okra, cabbage, Amaranthus sp. etc
- Group 5: Fruits e.g. citrus, pineapple, pawpaw etc
- Group 6: Beverages e.g. cocoa, kola, coffee etc
- Group 7: Oils e.g. oil palm, coconut, Shea butter etc
- Group 8: Latex e.g. para rubber, gum Arabic etc
- Group 9: Fibres e.g. jute, cotton, sisal hemp etc
- Group 10: Sugars e.g. sugarcane, beet etc
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply the different methods of crop propagation, husbandry, harvesting, processing and storage for each crop. identify common diseases and pests and their effects on crop yield. determine the economic importance of each of the crops. relate their importance to national economic development. Agriculture
17. Pasture and Forage Crops
Contents
- 10. Pasture and Forage Crops a. Study of gross morphology, methods of propagation and husbandry of common pasture grasses and legumes. Establishment, maintenance, conservation and uses of pastures and forage crops
- b. Study of natural grasslands and their distribution in West Africa c. Range management
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Classify common grasses and legumes used as pastures and forage
- Differentiate between pasture and forage crops by their common and scientific names
- Distinguish between the various methods of conserving pastures e.g. hay- and silage- making. relate different vegetational zones to their dominant pasture species. determine range types and utilization of range resources in Nigeria
18. Floriculture
Contents
- 11. Floriculture Identification, establishment, maintenance and uses of ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between common ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers
- Determine their uses and maintenance
19. Weeds
Contents
- 12. Weeds a. Gross morphology, methods of
- reproduction, dispersal and effect of weeds ii b. Weed control methods – weeding, mulching, cover cropping, tillage, herbicides and trap cropping
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify weeds with their common and scientific names
- Classify weeds according to their mode of dispersal
- Identify the characteristic features of weeds. apply various weed control methods
20. Crop Diseases
Contents
- 13. Crop Diseases a. Identification of disease–causing organisms both in store and in the field
- b. A simple account of diseases caused
- by fungi, bacteria, nematodes and viruses; symptoms, the nature of the damage, methods of transmission and
- common methods of control
- c. Side effects of application of preventive and control methods e.g
- pollution, poisoning and distribution of ecosystem
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between common store and field disease– causing organisms. relate various disease-causing organisms to the damage caused, symptoms and their mode of spread. apply appropriate control methods. Agriculture relate each control method to its side effect
21. Crop Pests
Contents
- 14. Crop Pests a. General account of pests of
- agricultural plants both in the field
- and in the store, their types
- importance, principles and methods of prevention and control b. Life cycles of: biting insects e.g
- grasshopper; boring insects e.g
- weevils; sucking insects e.g. aphids and cotton strainer
- c. Common pesticides and their side effects
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the various field and store pests. assess their economic importance. relate various prevention and control methods to different pests. describe the life cycles of various insects. apply the knowledge of the life cycles of insect pests to their prevention and control
- Differentiate between common pesticides
- Examine their mode of action on pests
22. Forest Management (Silviculture)
Contents
- 15. Forest Management (Silviculture) a. Importance: Source of wood, pulp, fibre and other forest products b. Conservation: regulation, exploitation
- regeneration, afforestation, agro-
- forestry and management systems
- taungya, alley, ley, e.t.c
- SECTION C: Anima
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Relate various forest products to their uses. compare different forest conservation methods. apply the various methods appropriately. l Production
23. Forms and classification of major farm
Contents
- 1. Forms and classification of major farm animals in West Africa a. Species, breeds, distribution and uses
- b. External features of cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, rabbits and poultry
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Classify various breeds of farm animals
- Locate where they are found
- Identify the uses of different species of farm animals. identify their characteristic features
24. General terminologies in animal
Contents
- 2. General terminologies in animal production Common terms used in animal husbandry, e.g. calving, kidding, castrate, tupping, veal, mutton, etc
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Agriculture distinguish between the various terms in animal husbandry
25. Anatomy and physiology of farm
Contents
- 3. Anatomy and physiology of farm animals a. Functions of tissues and organs of farm animals b. Animal body systems e.g. digestive (ruminants and non-ruminants), reproductive, respiratory, urinary (excretory) and nervous systems
- c. Effect of environmental changes on physiological development of farm animals e.g. climate change (temperature, relative humidity, light, e.t.c.)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between various functions of tissues and organs of farm animals. compare different body systems in farm animals. determine the effects of climate change on farm animals
26. Reproduction in farm animals
Contents
- 4. Reproduction in farm animals a. Gametogenesis, oestrus cycle, signs
- of heat and heat periods, secondary sexual characters, gestation periods
- parturition and the role of hormones in reproduction
- b. Development, nourishment and birth of the young. Mammary glands and lactation in farm animals
- c. Egg formation, incubation and hatching in poultry
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Give an account of the process of reproduction in farm animals. determine the role of hormones in reproduction. trace the development in farm animals from fertilization to birth and care of the young. trace the process of egg formation and incubation in poultry
27. Animal nutrition
Contents
- 5. Animal nutrition a. Feed nutrients and functions b. Feeds and feeding: Simple ration formulation – balanced ration, common pasture/forage crops e.g
- guinea grass, elephant grass, giant star grass. Andropogon sp, Calopogonium sp. Hay and silage preparation, different types of rations, namely maintenance ration and production ration
- c. Nutrient deficiencies: Causes and symptoms of malnutrition and their correction in farm animals
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the various feed nutrients, their sources and functions
- Differentiate between the types of animal feeds and their formulation
- Relate the various types of rations to different classes of livestock
- Trace symptoms to nutrient deficiencies in farm Agriculture animals
- Apply appropriate corrective measures to nutrient deficiencies in farm animals
28. Livestock management
Contents
- 6. Livestock management Housing, feeding, sanitation and veterinary care of ruminants, pigs, rabbits and poultry under intensive, semi- intensive and extensive systems of management from birth to slaughter
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply the different management practices for farm animals
29. Animal Health
Contents
- 7. Animal Health a. Animal diseases (pathology) i. Environmental factors predisposing animals to diseases
- causal organisms, symptoms, transmission and effects
- ii. Preventive and curative methods for diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa
- b. Parasites (parasitology) i. Life cycles and economic importance of livestock parasites e.g. endoparasites, ectoparasites and disease vectors
- ii. Prevention and control - dipping - spraying - deworming - sanitation
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify diseases of farm animals and causative agents
- Classify livestock diseases based on symptoms and mode of transmission
- Apply appropriate preventive and curative measures against diseases caused by these pathogens
- Classify livestock parasites
- Determine their role in disease transmission
- Trace life cycles of parasites from egg to adult stage. apply appropriate prevention and control methods against livestock parasites
30. Fisheries and Wildlife
Contents
- 8. Fisheries and Wildlife a. Fish culture systems; Common types of fishes e. g Tilapia, Catfish, etc
- i. Extensive systems: inland and deep sea fishing, lakes and rivers
- ii. Semi-intensive systems: dams iii. Intensive systems: fish ponds – Factors to consider in ponds establishment and pond management e.g. pond fertilization, liming and desilting
- b. Fish harvesting and processing methods
- ii. Curing, sun-drying and smoking
- iii. Fishery regulations c. Wildlife management Habitat conservation, feeding, domestication, harvesting, processing and wildlife regulations
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the common types of fishes in West Africa
- Differentiate between various systems of fish farming in West Africa
- Determine the factors to be considered in intensive fish farming
- Assess the advantages and disadvantages of different fish harvesting and processing Agriculture methods
- Determine the appropriate methods of catching fish
- Identify the various methods of fish preservation. identify the various fishery regulations in Nigeria
- Identify animals found in West African game reserves
- Give reasons for the establishment of game reserves
- Identify the common wildlife regulations
31. Bee-keeping (Apiculture)
Contents
- 9. Bee-keeping (Apiculture) a. Meaning and importance of apiculture b. Types of bees e.g. exotic and indigenous bees c. Methods of bee-keeping e.g. traditional and modern bee-keeping d. Equipment and safety measures in bee- keeping SECTION D: Agriculture Econ
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Relate bee-keeping to economic development. differentiate between various types of bees. classify methods of bee-keeping. identify bee-keeping equipment, their uses and necessary precautionary measures. omics and Extension
32. Factors of agricultural production
Contents
- 1. Factors of agricultural production a. Land i. Types of land ownership in West Africa b. Labour c. Capital prob d. Management dete agri
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Understand the meaning of land and state its uses
- Identify the various forms of land ownership
- Examine the effects of land ownership on agriculture
- Differentiate between the various features of land and their effects on land use. differentiate between the types and sources of labour and their effects on agricultural production. compare the sources of capital and associated Agriculture lems. rmine the functions of a farm manager in an cultural enterprise
33. Basic Economic Principles
Contents
- 2. Basic Economic Principles a. Demand and supply b. Production function: Input/input, Output/output Input/output relationships; stages of production, concepts of diminishing returns, scale of preference and choice
- c. Characteristic Features of Agricultural Production
- Smallness of farm holdings: biological
- limits of farm production and susceptibility of farm production to climate, seasonality of farm productions, price elasticity in demand and supply of agricultural produce
- 3 Labour Management a. Labour relations: Supervision, etc
- b. Types of labour: Permanent labour etc
- c. National labour laws and regulations
- 4 Farm Management a. Qualities, functions and problems of a farm manager
- b. Records and record-keeping: Types and importance of record-keeping – livestock records, profit and loss account book
- c. Stock evaluation: i. gross and net profits in farm management
- ii. Appreciation, depreciation and savage value d. Agricultural insurance: i i. Meaning, importance and types of i agricultural insurance d ii. Problems of agricultural insurance i e. Agricultural financing: i. meaning, importance and types of agricultural financing
- ii. Problems of agricultural finance
- 5 Marketing of Agricultural Produce C a. Importance of Marketing. e b. Marketing channels. i i c. Characteristics of agricultural products d affecting their marketing. a 6 Agricultural Extension C a. Meaning and importance. i b. The role of Agricultural Development a programmes, universities, research g institutes and farmers’ organizations e (Cooperative societies)
- c. Extension methods including d demonstration plots, use of visual aids, mass media, etc
- d. Problems of agricultural extension in i West Africa and possible solutions
- i SECTION E: Agricultu
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Relate demand to supply in agricultural production
- Interpret graphical representation of demand and supply
- Relate input to output
- Deduce economic concepts from graphic representation
- Distinguish between the common features of agricultural production and produce. compute elasticity of demand and supply. identify the various ways of achieving labour efficiency. differentiate between the various types and sources of labour. apply national labour laws and regulations. identify the qualities, functions and problems of a farm manager
- Differentiate between the types of farm records
- Give reasons for keeping farm records. determine gross and net margins, appreciation, depreciation and salvage value Agriculture
- Examine the relevance of agricultural insurance
- Determine the appropriate agricultural insurance scheme etermine the problems associated with agricultural nsurance
- Identify the relevance of agricultural finance
- Determine the problems of agricultural finance. andidates should be able to: valuate the importance of agricultural marketing
- Classify marketing agents and their functions
- Determine the various ways in which marketing channels pose problems in agricultural production. etermine the characteristics of agricultural products ffecting their marketing. andidates should be able to: dentify the importance of agricultural extension. nalyse the roles of government and non- overnmental organizations in agricultural extension ducation. ifferentiate between the various extension methods
- Examine the problems of agricultural extension in West Africa
- Provide possible solutions. Agriculture ral Technology
34. Farm surveying and farmstead
Contents
- 1. Farm surveying and farmstead planning a. Meaning and importance b. Common surveying equipment, their uses and care c. Common survey methods d. Principles of farmstead planning
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the relevance of farm surveying to agriculture. classify common surveying equipment, their uses and care. differentiate between the common survey methods
- Apply survey principles to farmstead outlay
- Identify the factors to be considered in farmstead planning
35. Simple farm tools
Contents
- 2. Simple farm tools
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify simple farm tools
- Use and maintain farm tools
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of simple farm tools
36. Farm machinery and implements
Contents
- 3. Farm machinery and implements a. Types i. Machinery e.g. tractor, milking machine etc
- ii. Implements b. Uses and maintenance of farm machinery and implements
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify common farm machinery and implements
- Classify farm machinery according to their uses
- Operate farm machines and implements. apply appropriate maintenance routines on farm machines and implements
37. Mechanization and sources of farm
Contents
- 4. Mechanization and sources of farm power a. Sources of farm power e.g. animal and machines b. Advantages and disadvantages of agricultural mechanization c. Problems and prospects of mechanized agriculture in West Africa
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of various sources of farm power and their application. distinguish between the advantages and disadvantages of mechanization. assess the problems and prospects of mechanized agriculture in West Africa
38. Processing and storage
Contents
- 5. Processing and storage a. Processing: traditional and modern methods of food processing e.g. gari, rice and groundnut processing, etc
- b. Storage
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the importance of agricultural processing. ii.differentiate between the various methods of Agriculture processing agricultural produce
- Identify and compare different storage methods
- Apply appropriate storage methods to different crops
39. Introduction to biotechnology
Contents
- 6. Introduction to biotechnology Basic terms, e.g. tissue and anther culture in vitro fertilization and genetic engineering
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Use basic terms in biotechnology
- Provide reasons for the importance and application of biotechnology
40. Application of ICT in agriculture
Contents
- 7. Application of ICT in agriculture a. Features of computers b. Uses of computers in agriculture: disease and weather forecasting, ration formulation, database and simulation studies, etc
- c. Use of communication gadgets e.g
- mobile phone, internet, etc
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the various components of a computer. use the computer to enhance agricultural practices. use communication gadgets to improve agricultural production
41. Introduction to agricultural research
Contents
- 8. Introduction to agricultural research and statistics a. Basic concepts in planning agricultural experiments e.g. hypothesis, treatment and control, etc
- b. Interpretation of results, e.g. measures of central tendency and experimental errors
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Use basic concepts in agricultural experiments
- Draw inferences from experimental results
- Compute simple measures of central tendency. Agriculture TS y Certificate Examination Agricultural Science
Recommended texts for JAMB Agricultural Science
These are the recommended textbooks listed in the official JAMB Agricultural Science syllabus. You do not need every book — one solid, complete text that follows the syllabus, paired with past-question practice, is enough.
- Adeniyi, M. O. et al (1999) Countdown to Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Agricultural Science, Ibadan: Evans
- Akinsanmi, O. (2000) Junior Secondary Agricultural Science, Uk: Longman.
- Akinsanmi, O. (2000) Senior Secondary Agricultural Science, Uk: Longman.
- Anthonio, Q. B. O. (1999) General Agriculture for West Africa, London: George Allen
- Are, L. A. et al (2010) Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools, University Press Plc.
- Egbuna, C. K. et al (2014) Extension Modern Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools (2010), Extension Publication
- Emmanuel C. A. (2003) A Dictionary of Agriculture, Benue: Agitab Publisher Makurdi
- Falusi, A. O. and Adeleye, I. O. A (2000) Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary Schools Books 1- 3, Ibadan: Onibonoje
- Komolafe, M. F., Adegbola, A. A., Are, L. A. and Ashaye, T. I. (2004) Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools 1, 2 and 3, Ibadan: University Press Ltd.
- Philips T. A. (1986) Agricultural Notebook, Lagos: Longman
- STAN (1999) Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools, Lagos: Longman
- Daramola A. M. et al (1999) Exam Focus Agricultural Science for SSCE and JME
Recommended next steps
All subjects · Subject combination checker · JAMB information · CBT practice
Frequently asked questions
What is the JAMB Agricultural Science syllabus for 2026/2027?
The JAMB Agricultural Science syllabus for the 2026/2027 UTME is the official document that lists every topic, objective and recommended text you will be examined on. It covers the meaning and importance of agriculture; agricultural ecology; crop and animal production; agricultural economics and extension; and farm management. Every question in the Agricultural Science paper is drawn from this syllabus, so studying any topic outside it is a waste of time. The complete, up-to-date syllabus is reproduced in full on this page.
What are the areas of concentration for JAMB Agricultural Science?
The areas of concentration are the sections and high-frequency topics the UTME focuses on. Crop and animal production, agricultural ecology, farm inputs and management, and agricultural economics are core — understand practical processes and interpret simple data and diagrams. Concentrate your revision on these areas first, then cover the rest of the syllabus — and practise past-question-style questions on each area so you recognise how they are tested.
How many questions does JAMB set in Agricultural Science?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Agricultural Science, worth 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60 questions). Across your four subjects the UTME totals 180 questions and 400 marks.
How long is the JAMB exam and how much time per Agricultural Science question?
The whole UTME lasts two hours (120 minutes) for all four subjects combined — roughly 40 seconds per question. Answer the questions you know quickly, flag the harder ones, and return to them. There is no negative marking, so never leave any question unanswered.
Is Agricultural Science compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject, but Agricultural Science is required or accepted for Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science and several life-science and education courses.
What are the hot topics or most repeated topics in JAMB Agricultural Science?
While JAMB does not publish a 'hot topics' list, the syllabus changes little year to year, so the same high-frequency topics recur. Crop and animal production, agricultural ecology, farm inputs and management, and agricultural economics are core — understand practical processes and interpret simple data and diagrams. Studying strictly by the syllabus and practising many questions per topic is the reliable way to prepare — never rely on 'expo' or leaked questions, which are scams and can cost you your result.
What are the recommended textbooks for JAMB Agricultural Science?
The official syllabus recommends standard texts: complete SSS Agricultural Science texts covering crop and animal production, ecology and economics. You do not need every book — one complete, syllabus-aligned textbook plus consistent past-question practice is enough. See the full recommended-texts list below.
Can I download the JAMB Agricultural Science syllabus PDF for free?
JAMB publishes the official syllabus free on the IBASS portal at jamb.gov.ng (Quick Links → Syllabus System). Rather than a static PDF, this page reproduces the complete Agricultural Science syllabus for 2026/2027 — every section, topic and recommended text — so you can study it on any phone, with progress tracking and practice built in. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.
Does the JAMB Agricultural Science syllabus change every year?
No — the core topics stay largely the same from year to year because the subject content does not change. The only occasional changes are to prescribed texts in a few subjects. Always check the official syllabus at the start of your preparation to confirm nothing in your subjects has been updated.
Is there negative marking in JAMB Agricultural Science?
No. JAMB does not use negative marking, so a wrong answer simply scores zero — there is no penalty. This means you should attempt every one of the 40 questions, even where you have to make an educated guess near the end of the time.
How do I study the JAMB Agricultural Science syllabus effectively?
Turn the syllabus into a checklist: study one topic, then immediately practise questions on it so it sticks; give the most time to the areas of concentration that carry the most topics; use one recommended textbook rather than many; and practise past-question-style questions under timed conditions to build speed. Track each topic on this page from Not started to Mastered so you always know what is left.
How can I practise JAMB Agricultural Science questions on Belmadeng?
Belmadeng offers free, timed CBT practice with worked explanations. Study a topic here, then test yourself — your weak topics are highlighted afterwards so you know exactly what to revise. Explore CBT practice to prepare the way the real Computer-Based Test works.
Source: official JAMB UTME Agricultural Science syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is not affiliated with JAMB — always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.
Courses that require Agricultural Science in JAMB
Agricultural Science is part of the UTME subject combination for 12+ popular courses. If you’re studying Agricultural Science, these are the courses it can lead to:
Commonly required for
Also accepted for (as an optional subject)
Requirements vary by institution — always confirm your exact course in the subject combinations hub and the official JAMB brochure.
Related JAMB subjects
Candidates studying Agricultural Science often study these subjects alongside it. Each links to its full official syllabus and free CBT practice: