(a) In a tabular form, list ten differences…

Question 1 Report

(a) In a tabular form, list ten differences between subsistence agriculture and commercial agriculture. [10marks]

(b) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the following sources of farm power:

(i) wind;

(ii) internal combustion engine;

(iii) electricity. [6 marks]

Answer

Answer Details

(a) Ten differences between subsistence and commercial agriculture

Subsistence agriculture	Commercial agriculture
Produces mainly to feed the farmer's family	Produces mainly for sale and profit
Farm size (holding) is small	Farm size is large
Uses simple, local tools such as hoe and cutlass	Uses machines such as tractors and harvesters
Requires little capital	Requires large capital
Uses family labour	Uses hired/skilled labour
Output/yield is low	Output/yield is high
Many crops are grown together (mixed cropping)	Usually one crop is grown on large scale (monocropping)
Little or no use of improved inputs	Uses improved seeds, fertilisers and agro-chemicals
Low level of technology and management	High level of technology and scientific management
Little or no surplus for storage/processing	Large surplus for storage, processing and export

(b) Sources of farm power

Source	One advantage	One disadvantage
(i) Wind	It is free, renewable and does not pollute the environment	It is unreliable because it does not blow steadily at all times
(ii) Internal combustion engine	It is powerful and can do heavy work quickly	It is costly to buy, fuel and maintain and it pollutes the air
(iii) Electricity	It is clean, convenient and easy to control	Supply is often not available in rural areas and can be interrupted

(a) In a tabular form, list ten differences between subsistence agriculture and commercial agriculture. [10marks] (b) State one advantage and one disadvanta...