WAEC Economics 2013 Theory question 103

Theory question 103

Agriculture

(a) What is: (i) peasant farming; (ii) commercial farming?
(b) Describe five ways in which agriculture contributes to the economic development of your country.

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a)(i) Peasant farming: small-scale farming on small plots using simple tools and family labour, mainly to feed the family with a little surplus for sale.
(ii) Commercial farming: large-scale farming mainly for sale and profit, using modern machines, hired labour and much capital.
(b) Any five: provides food for the population; supplies raw materials to industries; earns foreign exchange through exports; provides employment; source of government revenue (export duties, taxes); market for industrial goods; source of savings and capital; releases labour to other sectors as it modernises.

Explanation

Describe each contribution, not just list it.