(a) What is subsistence farming? (b) Distinguish between crop farming and livestock farming with specific examples. (c) Identify four measures that the gove...

Answer Details

(a) Subsistence farming is a type of farming in which the farmer produces crops and rears animals mainly to feed himself and his family, with little or nothing left over for sale. It is usually small in scale, uses simple tools and family labour, and depends on natural rainfall.

(b) Crop farming versus livestock farming. Crop farming is the cultivation of plants for food, cash or raw materials, for example growing maize, yam, cassava, cocoa and rice. Livestock farming is the rearing of domestic animals for meat, milk, eggs, hides or work, for example keeping cattle, goats, sheep, poultry and pigs. Thus crop farming deals with plants while livestock farming deals with animals, though a mixed farm may combine both.

(c) Four measures government can adopt to boost agricultural production:

1. Provide agricultural credit: make loans available to farmers at low interest through agricultural banks so they can buy inputs and expand output.
2. Supply improved inputs and extension services: provide improved seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and trained extension officers to raise yields.
3. Guarantee prices and provide markets: set minimum guaranteed prices and buy surplus produce to give farmers a stable income and encourage production.
4. Provide infrastructure: build feeder roads, irrigation, storage and processing facilities to reduce waste and ease the movement of produce to markets.

(Other acceptable measures: land reform to give farmers secure access to land, and subsidies on farm inputs.)