(a) What is: (i) peasant farming? (ii) commercial farming? (b) Describe five ways in which agriculture contributes to the economic development of your count...

Answer Details

(a)(i) Peasant farming is small-scale farming carried out mainly by a family on a small piece of land, using crude tools and simple methods, with output produced largely for the family's own consumption and only a small surplus for sale.

(a)(ii) Commercial farming is large-scale farming carried out for the purpose of sale and profit, using modern inputs (machines, improved seeds, fertilizers) and hired labour, with output produced mainly for the market.

(b) Five ways agriculture contributes to economic development

• Provision of food: it supplies the food needed to feed the growing population and maintain a healthy, productive labour force.
• Employment: it provides jobs and income for a large proportion of the population, especially in rural areas.
• Raw materials for industry: it supplies inputs such as cotton, cocoa, palm produce and rubber to local manufacturing industries.
• Foreign exchange earnings: the export of agricultural produce earns foreign exchange used to import capital goods.
• Source of government revenue: taxes, duties and marketing-board earnings from agriculture provide revenue for the government.

Agriculture also provides a market for industrial goods and a source of savings and capital for investment.