Theory question 102
Farm Machinery and Mechanisation(a) State eight reasons why agriculture has not been fully mechanized in West Africa.
(b) List four characteristics of each of (i) subsistence agriculture; (ii) commercial agriculture
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(a) Any eight: small, scattered holdings; land tenure problems; high cost of machines and spare parts; lack of capital/credit; lack of skilled operators and mechanics; poor maintenance facilities; unsuitable topography and tree stumps; illiteracy; poor roads/infrastructure; seasonality leaving machines idle; high fuel costs; cheap available labour
(b)(i) Subsistence: small farm size; family labour; simple tools; low yields; produces mainly for family; low capital and inputs; mixed cropping
(ii) Commercial: large farms; hired labour; mechanised; high capital and input use; produces for sale/profit; often specialised (monoculture); high yields
Eight reasons, then four contrasting characteristics.