Theory question 102
Introduction to Agriculture(a) In a tabular form, list ten differences between subsistence agriculture and commercial agriculture.
(b) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the following sources of farm power: (i) wind; (ii) internal combustion engine; (iii) electricity.
Show the model answer
(a) Any ten in a table, subsistence vs commercial: mainly for family vs mainly for sale; small capital vs large capital; family labour vs hired/skilled labour; small land vs large land; local varieties/breeds vs improved varieties/breeds; simple tools vs machines; few agro-chemicals vs much use of fertilizers and chemicals; low yield per hectare vs high yield; records rarely kept vs records kept; mainly food crops vs cash crops too; little processing and storage vs modern processing and storage; poor farmers vs rich farmers/companies.
(b)(i) Wind: advantage – free, renewable, clean; disadvantage – unreliable (only when windy), high initial cost, weak for heavy work.
(ii) Internal combustion engine: advantage – powerful and dependable, mobile; disadvantage – fuel is costly, pollutes air, needs skilled maintenance.
(iii) Electricity: advantage – clean, efficient, easy to use for many machines; disadvantage – not available in many rural areas, power failures, risk of shock, costly installation.
Set (a) out in two columns; each row must compare the same feature.