(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]
Explanation
(a) Difference between subsistence agriculture and commercial agriculture Subsistence Agriculture
Production is mainly for family consumption Less capital is required Uses family labour/unskilled labour Use of local breeds of animals Use of local crop varieties Hardly use agro-chemicals/Cultural methods are used to control pests and diseases Records are rarely kept Use of primitive/local tools Poor housing facilities for rearing animals Peasant farmers are involved Doer not require improved processing facilities Does not involve any marketing Uses crude storage facilities Yield per unit area is low Food crops are produced Small area of land is cultivated Use of inorganic fertilizers is limited
Commercial Agriculture
Production is mainly for sale Huge amount of capital is required Skilled/hired labour is employed Use of exotic/improved breeds of animals Use of improved crop varieties Mostly use agro-chemicals Records are kept Mechanized/use of machines Modern housing facilities for rearing animals Farmers involved may be rich Requires improved processing facilities Requires organised market Uses modern storage facilities Yield per unit area is high Cash crops are produced Large area of land may be cultivated Frequent use of inorganic fertilizers
(b) Advantages and Disadvantages of sources of farm power (i) Wind : Advantages - Running cost is low - Wind is safe to use -Wind is a renewable source of energy - Wind power is environmentally friendly Disadvantages -Wind energy converters work only during windy period and as such lie idle during less windy months/ Excessive variation in wind regimes can adversely affect the cost effectiveness of wind energy -Too weak a wind force cannot be used for any work Success in exploitation of wind energy highly depends on the specific site - Wind mills occupy a large portion of land - Requires high technical expertise - Initial cost may be high (ii) Internal Combustion Engine: Advantages - It is versatile/can be used for many farm operations - Efficient source of power -Not weather dependent Disadvantages -A high capital investment is required - It requires specialized skills in its operation and maintenance - In developing countries, there is inadequate spare parts for machines -It contributes to the degradation of the environment/ It Exhaust gases pollute the environment -Use is subject to to vagaries of fuel shortage (iii) Electricity Advantages: -A very efficient source of farm Power -it is versatile, with many valued uses - It is a clean source of power • -A large amount of energy can be supplied - It is a fairly reliable source of farm Power Disadvantages -High capital outlay to set up - Very dangerous to operate - In developing countries, supply cannot be guaranteed at all time -Needs technical know-how ' -Maintenance cost is high
