Theory question 108
Agriculture(a) Differentiate between subsistence farming and commercial farming.
(b) State four features of subsistence farming.
(c) Outline two positive and two negative effects of mining on the economy of West Africa countries.
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(a) Subsistence farming is small-scale farming mainly to feed the farmer's family, with simple tools; commercial farming is large-scale farming mainly for sale and profit, using machines, hired labour and much capital.
(b) Any four: small farm size; simple tools (hoe, cutlass); family labour; low output; little capital; mixed cropping; little use of fertiliser/improved seeds; production mainly for family consumption.
(c) Positive (any two): foreign exchange earnings; government revenue (royalties, taxes); employment; infrastructure development in mining areas; raw materials for industry.
Negative (any two): land degradation and destruction of farmland; water and air pollution; displacement of communities; neglect of agriculture; conflicts over resource control; health hazards.
Subsistence farming feeds the family; commercial farming feeds the market.