Theory question 104
Agriculture(a) What is: (i) peasant farming? (ii) co-operative farming?
(b) Identify any five ways through which the government can assist peasant farmers.
Show the model answer
(a)(i) Peasant farming: small-scale farming on small plots, using simple tools and family labour, mainly for family consumption with a little surplus for sale.
(ii) Co-operative farming: farmers voluntarily pool land, labour, capital and equipment, farm and market together and share the benefits.
(b) Any five: credit/loans at low interest; subsidised fertilisers, seeds and chemicals; extension services and training; provision of rural infrastructure (roads, storage, water); guaranteed minimum prices/marketing; land reform; mechanisation (tractor hire services); irrigation schemes; research into improved varieties; insurance against crop failure.
Help should raise productivity or income of small farmers.