WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Areas of Concentration 2027/2028
By Rabiu Francis ✨ Last Updated: October 16, 2026See the WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Areas of Concentration 2027/2028, including field crops, vegetables, nursery practices, ornamental plants, landscaping and practical topics.
The WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 will help you organise your revision around the major crop-production, vegetable-production, ornamental-horticulture, landscaping and practical topics contained in the syllabus.
The subject requires both theoretical knowledge and practical agricultural skills. You are expected to understand factors affecting crop production, identify and classify important crops, explain how crops are propagated and managed, recognise pests and diseases, carry out nursery and field practices, handle harvested produce correctly and understand the business side of crop production.
READ: Access 2027 WAEC Questions and Answers in all Subjects – Free Study Guide
ALSO READ: WAEC Specimens 2027
The major areas you should concentrate on include:
- Factors Affecting Crop Production
- Classification of Field Crops
- Distribution of Crops in West Africa
- Crop Breeding and Improvement
- Seed Production
- Cereal Production
- Legume Production
- Root and Tuber Crop Production
- Cotton Production
- Sugarcane Production
- Fruit Crop Production
- Tree Crop Production
- Vegetable Production
- Specific Vegetable Crops
- Nursery Practices
- Ornamental Plants
- House Plants
- Lawns
- Hedges
- Beds and Borders
- Landscaping
- Crop-Based Vocations
- Farm Tools and Equipment
- Soil Properties
- Seed Testing
- Fertilizer Application
- Weed Management
- Pest and Disease Control
- Irrigation
- Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
- Farm Records
- Practical Horticulture
READ ALSO: WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download
WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Areas of Concentration at a Glance
Important topics to give attention to include:
- Solar Radiation
- Temperature
- Rainfall
- Wind
- Soil Factors
- Biotic Factors
- Crop Classification
- Crop Life Cycles
- Crop Distribution
- Good Planting Materials
- Crop Introduction
- Selection
- Hybridization
- Seed Production
- Seed Viability
- Seed Processing
- Seed Storage
- Maize
- Rice
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Stem Borer
- Cowpea
- Groundnut
- Soya Bean
- Bruchid
- Cassava
- Sweet Potato
- Yam
- Cocoyam
- Cotton
- Cotton Stainer
- Sugarcane
- Fruit Crops
- Citrus
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Banana
- Avocado Pear
- Pawpaw
- Tree Crops
- Cocoa
- Cashew
- Coconut
- Oil Palm
- Cocoa Capsids or Mirids
- Vegetable Classification
- Vegetable Production Systems
- Cropping Patterns
- Site Selection
- Land Preparation
- Seedbed Preparation
- Soil Sterilization
- Drilling
- Pricking Out
- Hardening Off
- Transplanting
- Supplying
- Thinning
- Mulching
- Staking
- Pruning
- Vegetable Harvesting
- Vegetable Grading
- Vegetable Packaging
- Vegetable Preservation
- Vegetable Seed Production
- Tomato
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- French Bean
- Lettuce
- Cauliflower
- Ornamental Plants
- Plant Propagation
- House Plants
- Lawn Establishment
- Hedge Establishment
- Beds and Borders
- Landscape Design
- Crop-Based Enterprises
- Farm Tools
- Soil Texture
- Soil Structure
- Soil pH
- Soil Salinity
- Germination Test
- Seed Health Test
- Seed Purity Test
- Plant Spacing
- Plant Density
- Fertilizers
- Weeds
- Herbicides
- Crop Pests
- Crop Diseases
- Pesticides
- Spraying Equipment
- Irrigation Equipment
- Signs of Crop Maturity
- Seed Extraction
- Processing
- Storage
- Yield Estimation
- Farm Records
- Landscaping Practical
These topics follow the major theory and practical sections of the syllabus.
Factors Affecting Crop Production
You should understand how environmental and biological factors affect:
- Crop Growth
- Development
- Yield
- Distribution
The syllabus specifically includes:
- Solar Radiation
- Temperature
- Rainfall
- Wind
- Edaphic or Soil Factors
- Biotic Factors
- Inorganic Elements
Solar Radiation
Study the importance of sunlight to crop growth.
You should understand how the amount of solar radiation available can influence plant development and productivity.
Temperature
Different crops perform best under different temperature conditions.
Study how temperature can influence:
- Germination
- Growth
- Flowering
- Maturity
- Yield
Rainfall
Give attention to:
- Amount of Rainfall
- Distribution
- Timing
- Duration
Understand why adequate rainfall at the correct period is important to different crops.
Wind
Study both useful and harmful effects of wind on crop plants.
Wind can influence:
- Pollination
- Moisture Loss
- Crop Damage
- Soil Erosion
where applicable.
Soil Factors
Important soil factors include:
- Soil Texture
- Soil Structure
- Soil pH
- Soil Salinity
The practical syllabus specifically expects candidates to determine important physical and chemical soil properties.
Biotic Factors
Biotic factors are living organisms that influence crop production.
Examples include:
- Weeds
- Pests
- Disease-Causing Organisms
Understand how they affect crop performance and yield.
Classification of Field Crops
You should know the common and scientific names of important crops and understand their classification according to:
- Use
- Life Cycle
Staple Food Crops
The syllabus groups staple crops into areas such as:
Cereals
Examples include:
- Maize
- Rice
- Sorghum
- Millet
- Wheat
Grain Legumes
Examples include:
- Cowpea
- Groundnut
- Bambara Groundnut
- Soya Bean
- Lima Bean
- Pigeon Pea
- Broad Bean
- Jack Bean
- Sword Bean
- Winged Bean
Root and Tuber Crops
Examples include:
- Cassava
- Sweet Potato
- Yam
- Cocoyam
- Irish Potato
Plantain is also included among the staple field crops.
Special-Purpose Field Crops
The syllabus includes:
Fibre Crops
- Cotton
- Jute
- Kenaf
- Roselle
- Sisal Hemp
Spice Crops
- Ginger
- Black Pepper
Sugar Crops
- Sugarcane
Oil Crops
- Sunflower
Medicinal Crops
- Moringa
- Aloe
Aromatic Crops
- Citronella
- Lemon Grass
Other groups in the syllabus include fumitories and masticatories.
Crop Classification by Life Cycle
Know the differences among:
- Annual Crops
- Biennial Crops
- Perennial Crops
Be able to give suitable examples.
Distribution of Field Crops in West Africa
Study how the distribution of crops is influenced by:
- Climate
- Soil
- Socio-Cultural Factors
- Biological Factors
You should also know the major geographical areas where important crops are produced.
Crop Breeding and Improvement
The syllabus requires knowledge of:
- Selection of Good Planting Materials
- Methods of Crop Improvement
- Maintenance of Improved Varieties
- Seed Production
- Seed Marketing
Good Planting Materials
Study the characteristics and sources of good:
- Seeds
- Vegetative Planting Materials
Good planting materials should be suitable for successful crop establishment.
Methods of Crop Improvement
The methods specifically listed are:
- Introduction
- Selection
- Hybridization
Understand the purpose of each method.
Seed Production
Give attention to:
- Factors Affecting Seed Production
- Methods of Production
- Processing
- Storage
- Marketing
- Qualities of Good Seed
- Seed Viability
Cereal Crop Production
The major cereal crops emphasised are:
- Maize
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Rice
For each cereal, study:
Classification → Botanical Characteristics → Distribution → Land Preparation → Planting → Cultural Practices → Harvesting → Processing → Storage → Uses → Marketing
Botanical Characteristics of Cereals
Know important features of:
- Roots
- Stems
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Seeds
You should also understand the relevant cross-sectional features of seeds.
Cereal Land Preparation and Planting
Study:
- Land Preparation
- Sowing
- Transplanting where applicable
- Recommended Planting Practices
Cultural Practices in Cereal Production
Important practices include:
- Supplying
- Thinning
- Weeding
- Irrigation
- Fertilizer Application
- Pest Control
- Disease Control
Stem Borer
The syllabus specifically requires knowledge of the life cycle of the stem borer in cereal production.
You should understand:
- Important Stages
- Crop Damage
- Suitable Control Measures
Harvesting Cereals
Study:
- Signs of Maturity
- Harvesting
- Processing
- Storage
Cereal Uses and Value Chains
Understand the:
- Uses
- Processing
- Marketing
- Importance of Value Chains
for cereals.
Leguminous Crop Production
The syllabus gives particular attention to:
- Cowpea
- Groundnut
- Soya Bean
For each crop, study:
- Classification
- Botanical Characteristics
- Distribution
- Land Preparation
- Planting
- Cultural Practices
- Harvesting
- Processing
- Storage
- Uses
- Marketing
Cultural Practices for Legumes
Give attention to:
- Seed Selection
- Sowing
- Supplying
- Thinning
- Weeding
- Fertilizer Application
- Pest Control
- Disease Control
Bruchid
Knowledge of the life cycle of the bruchid is specifically required in the syllabus.
Study its relationship with leguminous crops and how it can be controlled.
Harvesting and Storage of Legumes
Prepare:
- Signs of Maturity
- Harvesting Methods
- Processing
- Storage
Root and Tuber Crop Production
This is another major field-crop area.
Important crops include:
- Cassava
- Sweet Potato
- Yam
- Cocoyam
You should understand the differences between:
- Root Crops
- Tuber Crops
and study their morphological and anatomical features, especially their storage organs.
Yam Species
The syllabus includes different yam species such as:
- Guinea Yam
- Water Yam
- Yellow Yam
- Bitter Yam
- Chinese or Trifoliate Yam
- Aerial Yam
- Bush Yam
Cocoyam Types
The syllabus includes:
- Tania
- Taro
Climatic and Soil Requirements
Know the climatic and soil requirements for growing:
- Cassava
- Sweet Potato
- Yam
- Cocoyam
Land Preparation for Root and Tuber Crops
Methods include:
- Clearing
- Mounding
- Ridging
and other appropriate land-preparation methods.
Planting Materials for Root and Tuber Crops
The syllabus includes:
- Stems
- Vines
- Cuttings
- Setts
- Minisetts
- Microsetts
- Bulbils
- Suckers
- Tissue-Culture Plantlets
Know which planting material is appropriate for each crop.
Cultural Practices for Root and Tuber Crops
Study:
- Correct Spacing
- Orientation of Planting Materials
- Staking
- Training
- Remounding
- Weeding
- Fertilizer Application
- Pest Control
- Disease Control
Harvesting Root and Tuber Crops
Give attention to:
- Signs of Maturity
- Harvesting Methods
- Harvesting Precautions
- Preservation
- Storage
- Processing
- Uses
Cotton Production
Study cotton under:
- Classification
- Morphology
- Climatic Requirements
- Soil Requirements
- Distribution
- Land Preparation
- Planting
- Cultural Practices
- Pest Control
- Disease Control
- Harvesting
- Ginning
- Grading
Cotton Stainer
The syllabus specifically includes the cotton stainer and expects candidates to understand its life cycle in relation to control measures.
Sugarcane Production
Give attention to:
- Classification
- Species
- Botanical Characteristics
- Climatic Requirements
- Soil Requirements
- Water Requirements
- Land Preparation
- Planting Materials
- Planting
- Cultural Practices
- Harvesting
- Processing
- Uses
Sugarcane Land Preparation
Study:
- Clearing
- Ploughing
- Harrowing
- Ridging
Sugarcane Planting Materials
The syllabus includes:
- Short Setts
- Long Setts
- Soldier Setts
Cultural Practices in Sugarcane Production
Study:
- Weed Control
- Earthing-Up
- Fertilizer Application
- Factors Affecting Cane Quality
Sugarcane Harvesting
Know:
- Signs of Maturity
- Optimum Harvesting Time
- Harvesting Method
- Ratooning
Sugarcane Processing
The main processing stages include:
- Crushing or Milling
- Clarification
- Concentration
- Crystallization
- Refining
You should also know the uses of sugarcane products and by-products.
Fruit Crop Production
The syllabus includes tropical and subtropical fruits such as:
- Citrus
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Banana
- Avocado Pear
- Pawpaw
- Shea
- Miraculous Berry
- Hog Plum
- Apple
- Grapes
For fruit crops, study:
- Botanical Names
- Characteristics
- Environmental Requirements
- Distribution
- Land Preparation
- Nursery Practices
- Transplanting
- Field Maintenance
- Harvesting
- Post-Harvest Handling
- Marketing
Fruit Crop Nursery Practices
Important practices include:
- Budding
- Grafting
- Potting
- Soil Sterilization
- Shading
- Roguing
- Hardening
- Fertilizer Application
- Pest Control
- Disease Control
- Irrigation
Fruit Crop Field Maintenance
Study:
- Lining
- Pegging
- Planting Patterns
- Transplanting
- Fertilizer Application
- Mulching
- Weed Control
- Pest Control
- Disease Control
Fruit Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Prepare:
- Signs of Maturity
- Harvesting Methods
- Harvesting Equipment
- Precautions
- Sorting
- Grading
- Packaging
Also understand:
- Marketing Channels
- Quality Standards
- Safety Standards
- Value Chains
Tree Crop Production
Important areas include:
- Types of Tree Crops
- Characteristics
- Classification
- Importance
- Distribution
- Environmental Requirements
- Adaptations
- Seed Dormancy
- Nursery Management
- Harvesting
- Processing
- Storage
- Marketing
Seed Dormancy
Study:
- Causes
- Methods of Breaking Dormancy
Tree Crop Nursery Management
Important practices include:
- Budding
- Grafting
- Potting
- Soil Sterilization
- Shading
- Weed Management
- Mulching
- Roguing
- Fertilizer Application
- Pest Control
- Disease Control
- Irrigation
Major Tree Crops
The specific tree crops emphasised are:
- Cocoa
- Cashew
- Coconut
- Oil Palm
For each one, study:
Classification → Botanical Features → Distribution → Land Preparation → Nursery Practices → Planting → Cultural Practices → Pests and Diseases → Harvesting → Processing → Storage → Uses → Marketing
Cocoa Capsids or Mirids
The syllabus specifically requires knowledge of pests including the cocoa capsids or mirids.
Study their effect on cocoa and appropriate control measures.
Tree Crop Post-Harvest Activities
Depending on the crop, the syllabus includes processes such as:
- Dehusking
- Hulling
- Fermentation
- Canning
- Drying
- Coagulation
- Smoking
Vegetable Production
Vegetable production is one of the largest syllabus sections.
Study:
- Vegetable Types
- Characteristics
- Nutritional Importance
- Economic Importance
- Production Systems
- Cropping Patterns
- Environmental Requirements
- Site Selection
- Land Preparation
- Nursery Practices
- Field Practices
- Harvesting
- Processing
- Storage
- Quality and Safety
- Seed Production
- Marketing
Important Vegetable Crops
Examples in the syllabus include:
- Cabbage
- African Spinach
- Indian Spinach
- Cocoyam
- Lettuce
- Talinum
- Cauliflower
- Tomato
- Pepper
- Garden Egg
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
- Okro
- Sweet Pepper
- French Bean
- Agushi
- Lima Bean
- Shallot
- Onion
- Carrot
- Radish
Biological Drawings of Vegetables
You should practise biological drawings of the important economic parts of vegetables.
Your drawings should be:
- Large
- Clear
- Properly Labelled
Vegetable Production Systems
The syllabus includes systems such as:
- Backyard or Home Gardening
- Market Gardening
- Truck Farming
- Production for Processing
- Irrigated Vegetable Farming
- Dry-Season Farming
- Vegetable Seed Production
It also contains a specialised gardening system within this section.
Cropping Patterns
Study:
- Crop Rotation
- Intercropping
- Succession Cropping
- Relay Cropping
- Phased Cropping
For each one, know:
- Meaning
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
Environmental Requirements for Vegetables
Study both:
- Climatic Requirements
- Soil Requirements
Site Selection for Vegetable Production
Know the factors considered when selecting land for a vegetable enterprise.
Vegetable Land Preparation
Methods include:
- Raised Beds
- Sunken Beds
- Ridges
- Flat Land
Be able to explain the merits and demerits of the different methods.
Vegetable Nursery Practices
Important nursery activities include:
- Seed-Box Preparation
- Seedbed Preparation
- Soil Sterilization
- Drilling
- Pricking Out
- Hardening Off
- Transplanting
Vegetable Field Practices
Study:
- Supplying
- Watering
- Irrigation
- Thinning
- Mulching
- Staking
- Weed Management
- Fertilizer Application
- Pruning
- Pest Control
- Disease Control
Vegetable Harvesting
Know:
- Signs of Maturity
- Harvesting Equipment
- Harvesting Precautions
- Harvesting Methods
Post-Harvest Handling of Vegetables
Practices include:
- Trimming
- Washing
- Removing Malformed Produce
- Removing Damaged Produce
- Grading
Vegetable Preservation and Processing
Methods listed include:
- Drying
- Curing
- Milling
- Pasteurization
- Refrigeration
- Pickling
- Canning
Vegetable Quality and Safety Standards
Study:
External Quality
- Shelf Life
- Appearance
- Colour
- Shape
Internal Quality
- Taste
- Nutritive Value
Vegetable Seed Production
Study:
- Seed Extraction
- Seed Storage
- Labelling
- Pricing
- Marketing
Specific Vegetable Crops
The syllabus gives particular attention to:
- Tomato
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- French Bean
- Lettuce
- Cauliflower
For each one, study:
- Family
- Genus
- Species
- Varieties
- Cultivars
- Environmental Requirements
- Land Preparation
- Nursery Practices
- Cultural Practices
- Harvesting
- Post-Harvest Handling
Vegetable Classification by Economic Part
Leafy Vegetables
Examples:
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
Floral Vegetables
Example:
- Cauliflower
Fruit Vegetables
Examples:
- Tomato
- Pepper
- Garden Egg
- Okro
Pod and Seed Vegetables
Examples:
- French Bean
- Agushi
Vegetables With Fleshy Storage Structures
Examples:
- Onion
- Carrot
Ornamental Plants
The syllabus requires knowledge of both:
- Outdoor Ornamental Plants
- Indoor Ornamental Plants
Outdoor plants are further grouped into:
- Bedding Plants
- Shrubs
- Climbers
- Ground-Cover Plants
- Water Plants
You should also know the scientific names and functions of important ornamental plants.
Propagation of Ornamental Plants
Study:
- Seed Propagation
- Vegetative Propagation
- Propagation Media
- Containers
- Seed Collection
- Seed Cleaning
- Seed Viability
- Nursery Management
House Plants
Study:
- Types
- Uses
- Selection
- Placement
- Containers
- Management
- Marketing
Management of House Plants
Important practices include:
- Provision of Light
- Provision of Air
- Watering
- Fertilizer Application
- Pruning
- Trimming
- Pest Control
- Disease Control
- Cleaning
- Polishing
Marketing House Plants
Study:
- Production
- Demand
- Supply
- Packaging
- Pricing
- Transportation
Lawns
Study:
- Characteristics
- Importance
- Planting Materials
- Propagation
- Common Lawn Grasses
- Site Preparation
- Maintenance
Lawn Maintenance
Important practices include:
- Watering
- Weeding
- Spiking
Hedges
Study:
- Common Hedging Plants
- Characteristics
- Importance
- Planting Materials
- Methods of Propagation
- Site Preparation
- Maintenance
Important maintenance practices include:
- Watering
- Weeding
- Pruning
Beds and Borders
Study:
- Common Bed Plants
- Common Border Plants
- Differences Between Beds and Borders
- Differences Between Hedges and Borders
- Establishment
- Plant Selection
- Maintenance
Landscaping
Landscaping is a major horticultural area.
Study:
- Meaning
- Importance
- Components
- Principles of Landscape Design
Importance of Landscaping
The syllabus gives examples such as:
- Conservation
- Beautification
- Screening
- Green Belts
- Windbreaks
Components of Landscape Design
Study:
- Landform
- Plant Materials
- Water
- Sculpture
- Stone Work
- Garden Boundaries
- Ground Patterns
Principles of Landscape Design
Important principles include:
- Unity
- Scale
- Time
- Space Division
- Texture
- Light and Shade
- Tone
- Colour
- Style
- Line
- Variety
- Balance
- Repetition
- Emphasis
Do not simply memorise the terms. Understand how each can affect the appearance and function of a landscape.
Vocations and Crop-Based Enterprises
The syllabus also covers occupations and business opportunities connected with crop production and horticulture.
Study:
- Available Vocations
- Tasks Performed
- Educational Requirements
- Training
- Resources
- Benefits
- Importance to Individuals
- Importance to Communities
- Importance to the Nation
Examples of Crop-Based Vocations
Areas mentioned include:
- Produce Marketing
- Exporting
- Importing
- Provision of Services
- Supply of Inputs
Establishing a Crop-Based Enterprise
Study factors and procedures such as:
- Resources Required
- Business Planning
- Registration of Business
- Management
Practical Areas of Concentration
The practical syllabus contains six broad areas:
- Introduction to Crop Production
- Nursery Practices
- Field Practices
- Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
- Record Keeping
- Landscaping and Ornamental Horticulture
Plant Identification
You should be able to identify and classify:
- Field Crops
- Vegetables
- Fruit Crops
- Tree Crops
- Ornamental Plants
You should also be able to make biological drawings of:
- Whole Plants
- Plant Parts
- Plant Sections
Farm Tools and Equipment
You should be able to:
- Identify Farm Tools
- Identify Equipment
- State Their Uses
- Explain Their Maintenance
Do not prepare farm tools from names alone.
Study their physical features so that you can identify actual specimens.
Soil Practical
The syllabus expects candidates to determine:
Physical Properties
- Soil Structure
- Soil Texture
Chemical Properties
- Soil pH
- Soil Salinity
Nursery Practical
You should be able to:
- Select Containers
- Prepare Containers
- Prepare Propagation Media
- Carry Out Budding
- Carry Out Grafting
- Conduct Seed Tests
- Sow Seeds
- Manage Seedlings
- Harden Seedlings
- Transplant Seedlings
Seed Tests
The practical syllabus specifically includes:
- Germination Test
- Seed Health Test
- Purity Test
Seedbed Practices
Study:
- Types of Seedbeds
- Seed Rate
- Planting Materials
- Planting Methods
- Cropping Calendar
Plant Spacing and Density
You should be able to:
- Calculate Plant Spacing
- Calculate Plant Density
- Interpret Plant-Population Data
Fertilizers
Study both:
- Organic Fertilizers
- Inorganic Fertilizers
Methods of application include:
- Granular Application
- Foliar Application
- Banding
- Broadcasting
Weeds
You should be able to:
- Identify Weeds
- Explain Their Adaptations
- Recommend Control Measures
Weed-control measures in the syllabus include:
- Cover Cropping
- Mulching
- Herbicide Application
Pests and Diseases
You should be able to:
- Identify Pests
- Identify Diseases
- Recognise Disease Symptoms
- Explain Effects on Host Plants
- Understand Important Insect Life Cycles
- Recommend Control Measures
Spraying Equipment and Pesticides
Study:
- Calibration of Spraying Equipment
- Types of Pesticides
- Pesticide Formulations
Irrigation Practical
Know the types, uses and maintenance of irrigation equipment such as:
- Watering Can
- Watering Hose
- Sprinklers
- Laterals
- Water Pump
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Practical
Study:
- Signs of Maturity
- Harvesting Methods
- Seed Extraction
- Processing
- Storage
- Grading
- Yield Estimation
Farm Records
You should understand:
- Types of Farm Records
- Uses of Farm Records
- How Farm Records Are Kept
Practical farm activities should be recorded accurately.
Landscaping and Ornamental Horticulture Practical
You should be able to:
- Identify Ornamental Plants
- State Their Uses
- Identify Landscape Components
- Identify Horticultural Tools
- Use Containers
- Prepare Propagation Media
- Carry Out Basic Ornamental-Plant Management
Important Crops to Study Thoroughly
Make sure you can confidently discuss the production of:
- Maize
- Rice
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Cowpea
- Groundnut
- Soya Bean
- Cassava
- Sweet Potato
- Yam
- Cocoyam
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
- Citrus
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Banana
- Pawpaw
- Cocoa
- Cashew
- Coconut
- Oil Palm
- Tomato
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- French Bean
- Lettuce
- Cauliflower
- Pepper
- Garden Egg
- Okro
- Onion
Important Crop Pests to Know
Give particular attention to the pests specifically highlighted in the syllabus:
- Stem Borer — Cereals
- Bruchid — Legumes
- Cotton Stainer — Cotton
- Cocoa Capsids or Mirids — Cocoa
For each one, connect:
Pest → Host Crop → Life Cycle → Damage → Control
Important Nursery Practices to Master
Make sure you understand:
- Seedbed Preparation
- Soil Sterilization
- Seed Drilling
- Broadcasting
- Sowing
- Pricking Out
- Thinning
- Hardening Off
- Transplanting
- Budding
- Grafting
- Shading
- Watering
- Mulching
Important Post-Harvest Topics to Master
Give attention to:
- Signs of Maturity
- Harvesting
- Sorting
- Grading
- Washing
- Packaging
- Processing
- Preservation
- Storage
- Transportation
- Marketing
- Quality Standards
- Value Chains
How to Study Each Crop
Use the same revision structure for every major crop:
Classification → Botanical Characteristics → Distribution → Environmental Requirements → Land Preparation → Planting Materials → Planting → Cultural Practices → Pests and Diseases → Harvesting → Processing → Storage → Uses → Marketing
This makes it easier to compare crops and remember their production requirements.
Best Order to Study WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production
Stage 1 Crop Production Foundations
Start with:
- Factors Affecting Crop Production
- Crop Classification
- Crop Distribution
- Planting Materials
- Crop Breeding
- Seed Production
Stage 2 Field Crops
Study:
- Cereals
- Legumes
- Roots and Tubers
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
Stage 3 Fruit and Tree Crops
Study:
- Fruit Crops
- Fruit Nursery Practices
- Tree Crops
- Cocoa
- Cashew
- Coconut
- Oil Palm
- Post-Harvest Handling
Stage 4 Vegetables
Study:
- Vegetable Types
- Vegetable Production Systems
- Cropping Patterns
- Site Selection
- Land Preparation
- Nursery Practices
- Field Practices
- Harvesting
- Preservation
- Seed Production
Stage 5 Ornamental Horticulture
Study:
- Ornamental Plants
- Propagation
- House Plants
- Lawns
- Hedges
- Beds and Borders
- Landscaping
Stage 6 Crop-Based Enterprise
Study:
- Vocations
- Marketing
- Exporting
- Input Supply
- Business Planning
- Enterprise Establishment
Stage 7 Practical Revision
Finish the main cycle with:
- Plant Identification
- Farm Tools
- Soil Tests
- Nursery Practices
- Seed Tests
- Fertilizers
- Weeds
- Pests and Diseases
- Irrigation
- Harvesting
- Farm Records
- Landscaping Practical
Continue practical work throughout every stage.
How to Use These WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Areas of Concentration
Start With the Complete Syllabus
Use the complete syllabus as your main study checklist.
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Divide Your Notebook by Crop Groups
Create separate sections for:
- Cereals
- Legumes
- Roots and Tubers
- Industrial Crops
- Fruit Crops
- Tree Crops
- Vegetables
- Ornamental Plants
Learn Common and Scientific Names
The syllabus expects knowledge of common and scientific names for many crops.
For important crops, record:
Common Name → Family → Genus → Species
where required.
Practise Biological Drawings
Practise drawing:
- Roots
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Storage Organs
- Economic Parts of Vegetables
Use Actual Specimens
Whenever possible, study:
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Farm Tools
- Fertilizers
- Weeds
- Pests
- Diseased Plant Materials
- Ornamental Plants
Practical identification is easier when you have seen the actual material before the examination.
Practise Farm Calculations
Give attention to calculations involving:
- Plant Spacing
- Plant Density
- Seed Rate
- Yield Estimation
Study Pests Together With Their Host Crops
Do not memorise pest names separately.
For example:
Stem Borer → Cereal Crops
Bruchid → Leguminous Crops
Cotton Stainer → Cotton
Capsids/Mirids → Cocoa
Keep a Farm Diary
Record:
- Date
- Crop
- Activity
- Tools Used
- Materials Used
- Observations
- Results
The syllabus itself recommends practical notebooks and farm diaries based on laboratory and field observations.
What Should You Concentrate on Most for WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production
You should cover the complete syllabus, but make sure you are particularly confident in:
- Factors Affecting Crop Production
- Classification of Crops
- Crop Breeding
- Seed Production
- Cereals
- Legumes
- Roots and Tubers
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
- Fruit Crops
- Tree Crops
- Cocoa
- Cashew
- Coconut
- Oil Palm
- Vegetable Production
- Nursery Practices
- Specific Vegetable Crops
- Ornamental Plants
- House Plants
- Lawns
- Hedges
- Landscaping
- Farm Tools
- Soil Properties
- Seed Tests
- Fertilizers
- Weeds
- Crop Pests
- Crop Diseases
- Irrigation
- Harvesting
- Post-Harvest Handling
- Farm Records
- Practical Crop Production
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Areas of Concentration for 2027
The major areas include Field Crop Production, Vegetable Production, Ornamental Horticulture, Landscaping, Crop-Based Enterprises and practical crop-production skills.
What Should I Focus on Most for WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production
Give strong attention to crop production practices, major field crops, vegetables, nursery practices, pests and diseases, ornamental plants, landscaping and practical work.
Are Factors Affecting Crop Production Included
Yes.
Study:
- Solar Radiation
- Temperature
- Rainfall
- Wind
- Soil Factors
- Biotic Factors
- Inorganic Elements
Are Cereals Included
Yes.
The major cereals emphasised include:
- Maize
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Rice
Is Stem Borer Included
Yes.
The syllabus specifically requires knowledge of the life cycle of the stem borer in cereal production.
Are Legumes Included
Yes.
The major legumes include:
- Cowpea
- Groundnut
- Soya Bean
Is Bruchid Included
Yes.
Knowledge of the life cycle of the bruchid is specifically required for leguminous crops.
Are Root and Tuber Crops Included
Yes.
Study:
- Cassava
- Sweet Potato
- Yam
- Cocoyam
Is Cotton Included
Yes.
Prepare its classification, morphology, environmental requirements, land preparation, cultural practices, pests, harvesting, ginning and grading.
Is Cotton Stainer Included
Yes.
The syllabus requires knowledge of its life cycle and how this knowledge can be used in control.
Is Sugarcane Included
Yes.
Study planting materials, cultural practices, maturity, harvesting, ratooning and processing.
Are Fruit Crops Included
Yes.
Examples include:
- Citrus
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Banana
- Avocado Pear
- Pawpaw
What Tree Crops Should I Study
Give particular attention to:
- Cocoa
- Cashew
- Coconut
- Oil Palm
Are Cocoa Capsids Included
Yes.
The syllabus specifically mentions cocoa capsids or mirids among the pests candidates should know.
Is Vegetable Production Included
Yes.
It is one of the largest sections of the syllabus.
What Vegetable Crops Should I Study
Examples include:
- Tomato
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- French Bean
- Lettuce
- Cauliflower
- Pepper
- Garden Egg
- Okro
- Onion
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
What Cropping Patterns Should I Study
Study:
- Crop Rotation
- Intercropping
- Succession Cropping
- Relay Cropping
- Phased Cropping
Are Nursery Practices Important
Yes.
Study:
- Seedbed Preparation
- Soil Sterilization
- Drilling
- Pricking Out
- Hardening Off
- Transplanting
- Watering
- Shading
- Mulching
Are Budding and Grafting Included
Yes.
Both are included under propagation and nursery practices.
Are Ornamental Plants Included
Yes.
Study both outdoor and indoor ornamental plants, their scientific names, uses and propagation.
Are House Plants Included
Yes.
Study their selection, placement, containers, maintenance and marketing.
Are Lawns Included
Yes.
Study lawn characteristics, importance, establishment and maintenance.
Are Hedges Included
Yes.
Study hedging plants, establishment and maintenance.
Are Beds and Borders Included
Yes.
You should know their differences, suitable plants, establishment and maintenance.
Is Landscaping Included
Yes.
Study:
- Meaning
- Importance
- Components
- Principles of Landscape Design
Are Crop-Based Vocations Included
Yes.
The syllabus covers crop-related occupations and procedures for establishing enterprises.
Is Practical Work Important
Yes.
The syllabus contains a separate practical section covering crop identification, nursery work, field practices, harvesting, record keeping and ornamental horticulture.
What Soil Properties Should I Study
The practical syllabus includes:
- Soil Structure
- Soil Texture
- Soil pH
- Soil Salinity
What Seed Tests Should I Know
Study:
- Germination Test
- Seed Health Test
- Seed Purity Test
Are Fertilizers Included
Yes.
Study:
- Organic Fertilizers
- Inorganic Fertilizers
- Granular Application
- Foliar Application
- Banding
- Broadcasting
Are Weeds Included
Yes.
You should be able to identify weeds, explain their adaptations and recommend suitable control methods.
Are Pests and Diseases Included
Yes.
You should be able to identify important pests and diseases, recognise symptoms and explain their control.
Is Irrigation Included
Yes.
Important irrigation equipment includes:
- Watering Can
- Watering Hose
- Sprinklers
- Laterals
- Water Pump
Is Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling Included
Yes.
Study:
- Signs of Maturity
- Harvesting
- Seed Extraction
- Processing
- Grading
- Storage
- Yield Estimation
Is Farm Record Keeping Included
Yes.
You should understand the types and uses of farm records and know how to keep them.
Where Can I Download the Complete Horticulture and Crop Production Syllabus
Use the WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download page to access the complete syllabus.
Where Can I Find Areas of Concentration for Other WAEC Subjects
Use the WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects page to access the other subject guides.
Conclusion
The WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 give you a structured way to revise the major field-crop, vegetable, ornamental-horticulture, landscaping and practical topics in the syllabus.
For Field Crop Production, give strong attention to factors affecting crop production, crop classification, breeding, seed production, cereals, legumes, roots and tubers, cotton and sugarcane.
For Fruit and Tree Crop Production, prepare nursery practices, propagation, cultural practices, harvesting, processing, storage and marketing. Make sure you understand important crops such as citrus, pineapple, mango, banana, cocoa, cashew, coconut and oil palm.
Vegetable Production is another major area. Study production systems, cropping patterns, site selection, land preparation, nursery practices, field management, harvesting, preservation, seed production and quality standards.
For Ornamental Horticulture, prepare ornamental plants, house plants, lawns, hedges, beds, borders and landscaping.
Do not neglect the practical section. You should be able to identify crops, farm tools, weeds, pests and diseases; carry out seed tests and nursery practices; understand fertilizer application and irrigation; identify signs of maturity; estimate yield; and keep appropriate farm records.
Use the complete syllabus as your main revision checklist and combine it with regular farm practice and WAEC past questions.
READ ALSO: WAEC Horticulture and Crop Production Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download
READ ALSO: WAEC Agriculture Areas of Concentration 2027/2028
READ ALSO: WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects
READ ALSO: WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects
READ ALSO: WAEC Timetable 2027
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