(a) Differentiate between subsistence farming and commercial farming. (b) State four features of subsistence farming. (c) Outlines two positive and two nega...

Answer Details

(a) Subsistence farming vs commercial farming.

(b) Four features of subsistence farming.

• Production is mainly for family consumption, not for sale.
• Small farm size and scattered plots.
• Use of simple, crude tools and traditional methods.
• Reliance on family labour with little hired labour.
• Low yield and little or no surplus for the market.
• Heavy dependence on natural rainfall and little use of modern inputs.

(c) Effects of mining on the economy of West African countries.

Two positive effects:

• Earnings and revenue. Mining (for example crude oil, gold, bauxite) earns foreign exchange and government revenue used for development.
• Employment and infrastructure. It creates jobs and often brings roads, electricity, and towns to mining areas.

Two negative effects:

• Environmental damage. Mining causes land degradation, pollution of water and air, and destruction of farmland.
• Over-dependence on one product. Heavy reliance on a single mineral makes the economy vulnerable to falls in world prices, and it can draw labour away from agriculture.

Examination takeaway. For the comparison in (a) contrast the same feature (purpose, scale, tools, output) on both sides, and in (c) give a balanced answer with clearly separated positive and negative effects as the question demands.