Multiple choice

In the passage, the author does NOT identify which of the following as a characteristic of agriculture in Africa?

Passage:
Many governments among African nations are trying to translate the abundance of land into an asset that can actually feed their population. Frequently, these efforts are very broad based and are aimed at accomplishing multiple objectives. A multi-pronged project that aims to bolster crop yields, increase area under cultivation, diversify crop types, introduce modern farming techniques, and perhaps increase infrastructure to handle it all is trying to do too much at the same time. In many nations the funds are not ample, and support from donor nations powers such projects. In such a scenario, a concentrated approach that focuses on one parameter, in a single region, is more likely to produce results. Once the objective is attained, the same can be replicated across other regions, with the lessons from the pilot project factored in. Doing so also ensures that if the aid dries up at some time, the areas where the project had been initiated successfully will keep benefiting.
Another roadblock in the path to progress is the measurability of the government objectives in the developing African nations. Aiming for agrarian progress, without quantifying how to measure it, is a sure-fire way to ensure a stillborn economy. Governments work better when the targets are laid out in crisp detail.

  1. Recipient of well-meaning but misdirected political support

  2. In need of support on multiple fronts

  3. Yields lower than elsewhere in the world

  4. Insufficiently empowered to fulfill its desired role

  5. In need of original thinking
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Incorrect. The author states that multiple plans, executed at the same time, reduce the effectiveness of the measures.

Incorrect. The author states that there is a need to diversify, the need to bring more area under cultivation, and the need for other measures. So, it can be inferred that the agriculture needs support on many issues.
Correct. We cannot infer whether or not the agricultural yields are lower than anywhere else in the world.
Incorrect. The author states that the governments are trying to promote agriculture so that the populations can be fed. This shows that right now, the sector is incapable of doing so. Incorrect. Because there is a need to diversify, and to introduce newer farming techniques, we can say that the sector needs some original thinkers.

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