WAEC Economics Past Questions & Answers - Page 77

381.

Which of the following best explains why more foreign investments are not attracted to West Africa?

A.

Small population size

B.

Small sizes of market places

C.

Instability in political and industrial policies

D.

Lack of manpower needed to work in industries

Correct answer is C

Instability in political and industrial policies is a major problem of growth and development in west Africa. An industrial policy, that led to lower growth and more inequality and instability will discourage foreign investment. A traditional criticism of industrial policies is related to 'political economy', that such policies are likely to be captured by special interests to advance themselves.

382.

Which of the following will encourage capital intensive farming?

A.

Encouraging communal system of land ownership

B.

Adopting policies that will encourage rural-urban migration

C.

Provision of subsidies on equipment

D.

Restrictive lending policies by banks

Correct answer is C

Intensive farming involves various types of agriculture with higher levels of input and output per cubic unit of agricultural land area. It is characterized by a low fallow ratio, higher use of inputs such as capital and labour, and higher crop yields per cubic unit land area.

383.

Efficiency of labour in a country is determined by the following factor except the

A.

Social attitude to work

B.

Education and training

C.

Working conditions of workers

D.

Total population

Correct answer is D

 Some of the factors affecting the efficiency of labour

- Personal Qualities of Labourers
- General Education and Intelligence
- Working Conditions
- Efficiency of Other Factors
- Welfare Services
- Motivation and Incentives

384.

One feature of a growing population

A.

Increase in the number of young people

B.

Increase in the number of old people

C.

Decrease in the dependent population

D.

Decrease in the life expectancy

Correct answer is A

A growing population is primarily determined by rates of birth, death, immigration, and emigration. Under  ideal conditions, population can grow  exponentially. The growth rate increases as the population gets larger. An increased number of young people indicates a fast growing population.

385.

One relationship between marginal utility and total utility. When total is

A.

Rising, marginal utility is rising

B.

Falling, marginal utility is negative

C.

Maximum, marginal utility is maximum

D.

Falling, marginal utility is rising

Correct answer is B

The following are the various relationships between  total and marginal utility.

  • When marginal utility is positive, total utility increases
  • When marginal utility is zero, total utility is at maximum
  • When marginal utility is negative, total utility decreases