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(a) In a tabular form, list ten differences between subsistence agriculture and ...

(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]
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    Correct Answer: Option n
    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

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