Use Of English 2010 Jamb Examination

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the ____16____ is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ____17____ for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situation which, if not successfully ____18____ could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become ____19____ of considerable anxiety to all people. The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal ____20____ of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought prone, the consequence are ____21____. Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with ____22____ measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and ____23____ consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

Government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief ____24____. Emergency measures will be much more ____25____ if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought.