(a) Discuss the effects of rural-urban migration on agricultural production. (b) Explain how: (i) demand affects agricultural production given that supply i...

(a) Effects of rural-urban migration on agricultural production

Rural-urban migration is the movement of people, especially the young and able-bodied, from the villages to the towns. Its effects on agriculture are largely negative: it causes a shortage of farm labour in the rural areas so that farms are under-cultivated; it leaves farming in the hands of the old, women and children who cannot work large farms; it lowers total food and cash-crop production and can cause food scarcity and higher food prices; it leads to abandonment of farmland and reduced use of improved practices; and it raises the cost of the few available labourers. A minor positive effect is that the migrants may send money (remittances) home to invest in farming, and reduced pressure on land can, in some cases, allow mechanisation.

(b) Effect of demand and supply on production

• (i) Demand (supply constant): When the demand for a produce rises while supply stays constant, its price rises; the higher price encourages farmers to produce more of that commodity. If demand falls, price falls and farmers reduce production.
• (ii) Supply (demand constant): When supply increases while demand stays constant, price falls, which discourages farmers and they cut back production; when supply is scarce, price rises and farmers are encouraged to produce more.

(c) Effects on farmers' income

• (i) Demand on income (price constant): a rise in demand means more produce is sold, so total income rises; a fall in demand means less is sold, so income falls.
• (ii) Supply on income (demand constant): a large supply (glut) forces prices down, which can reduce total income; a moderate/short supply raises price and can increase income per unit sold.

(d) Five roles expected of a farm manager [5 marks]

• Planning and organising the farm's activities and resources.
• Directing and supervising the farm workers.
• Keeping proper farm records and accounts.
• Making decisions on what, how and when to produce and market.
• Sourcing inputs and finance, and controlling/evaluating the farm to ensure it makes a profit.