(a) In a tabular form, list ten differences between subsistence agriculture and commercial agriculture. [10marks]
(b) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the following sources of farm power:
(i) wind;
(ii) internal combustion engine;
(iii) electricity. [6 marks]
Explanation
(a) Difference between subsistence agriculture and commercial agriculture
Subsistence Agriculture
- Production is mainly for family consumption
- Less capital is required
- Uses family labour/unskilled labour
- Use of local breeds of animals
- Use of local crop varieties
- Hardly use agro-chemicals/Cultural methods are used to control pests and diseases
- Records are rarely kept Use of primitive/local tools
- Poor housing facilities for rearing animals
- Peasant farmers are involved
- Doer not require improved processing facilities
- Does not involve any marketing Uses crude storage facilities
- Yield per unit area is low
- Food crops are produced
- Small area of land is cultivated
- Use of inorganic fertilizers is limited
Commercial Agriculture
- Production is mainly for sale
- Huge amount of capital is required
- Skilled/hired labour is employed
- Use of exotic/improved breeds of animals
- Use of improved crop varieties
- Mostly use agro-chemicals
- Records are kept Mechanized/use of machines
- Modern housing facilities for rearing animals
- Farmers involved may be rich
- Requires improved processing facilities
- Requires organised market Uses modern storage facilities
- Yield per unit area is high
- Cash crops are produced
- Large area of land may be cultivated
- Frequent use of inorganic fertilizers
(b) Advantages and Disadvantages of sources of farm power
(i) Wind :
Advantages
- Running cost is low
- Wind is safe to use
-Wind is a renewable source of energy
- Wind power is environmentally friendly
Disadvantages
-Wind energy converters work only during windy period and as such lie idle during less windy months/ Excessive variation in wind regimes can adversely affect the cost effectiveness of wind energy
-Too weak a wind force cannot be used for any work Success in exploitation of wind energy highly depends
on the specific site
- Wind mills occupy a large portion of land
- Requires high technical expertise
- Initial cost may be high
(ii) Internal Combustion Engine:
Advantages
- It is versatile/can be used for many farm operations
- Efficient source of power
-Not weather dependent
Disadvantages
-A high capital investment is required
- It requires specialized skills in its operation and maintenance
- In developing countries, there is inadequate spare parts for machines
-It contributes to the degradation of the environment/ It Exhaust gases pollute the environment
-Use is subject to to vagaries of fuel shortage
(iii) Electricity
Advantages:
-A very efficient source of farm Power
-it is versatile, with many valued uses
- It is a clean source of power •
-A large amount of energy can be supplied
- It is a fairly reliable source of farm Power
Disadvantages
-High capital outlay to set up
- Very dangerous to operate
- In developing countries, supply cannot be guaranteed at all time
-Needs technical know-how '
-Maintenance cost is high