(a) What is: (i) peasant farming? (2marks) (ii) Co-operative farming?(3marks) (b) Identify any five ways through which government can assist peasant farmers...

Answer Details

(a)(i) Peasant farming is small-scale farming carried on by an individual or family, using simple tools and mainly family labour, on a small piece of land, chiefly to produce food for the family's own consumption (subsistence), with only a small surplus sold.

(a)(ii) Co-operative farming is a form of farming in which a group of farmers voluntarily pool their resources (land, labour, capital and equipment), work together, and share the costs, risks and proceeds of production.

(b) Five ways government can assist peasant farmers

• Provision of credit and loans at low interest through agricultural banks, so farmers can buy inputs and expand.
• Subsidies on farm inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, agro-chemicals and machinery, to lower production costs.
• Agricultural extension services and education to teach modern farming methods and improve yields.
• Provision of infrastructure such as feeder roads, irrigation, storage and electricity to reduce waste and ease the movement of produce.
• Guaranteed minimum prices and organised marketing (for example marketing boards) so that farmers have assured, stable incomes.

(Other valid points: research into improved crop and animal varieties, and land reform to give farmers secure access to land.)