(a) What is:
(i) peasant farming? (2marks)
(ii) Co-operative farming?(3marks)
(b) Identify any five ways through which government can assist peasant farmers. (15 marks).
Explanation
(a)(i) Peasant farming: This type is practised by peasant farmers on small farm holdings. The output of the farm is both for subsistence and for sale. The labour is mostly supplied by the farmer and his family. Simple farm implements are used.
(ii) Cooperative farming: refers to the farming activity where farmers of the same agricultural produce form an association and pool resources together in order to enjoy certain incentives from government and produce on a large scale. They also provide marketing facilities for their produce.
(b) Government can assist peasant farming through:
(i) Establishment of rural and agricultural banks to provide credit facilities for the peasant farmers.
(ii) Provision of subsidies: Farming inputs and equipments should be sold to the farmers at subsidized rates.
(iii) Control of pests and diseases: Farmers should be assisted by the government to control diseases and fight pests. Chemicals and pesticides should be supplied at subsidized rates.
(iv) The provision of infrastructural facilities in the rural areas to stem rural-urban migration so as to retain labour for agricultural purpose.
(v) Land reforms which make larger land available to the farmers should be implemented.
(vi) Provision of storage facilities. e.g. silos, sold room etc so as to minimize post-harvest losses.
(vii) Employment of extension workers to provide training for the farmers.
(viii) Marketing facilities should be made available e.g. improved transportation, establishment of market stalls in rural areas.
(ix) Implementation of adequate pricing policy to stabilize farmers' incomes.
(x) Establishment of agro-based industries to make use of farm produce.