AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

THEME – BASIC CONCEPTS 

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1) 

TOPIC – MEANING AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SUBSISTENCE AND COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE

LEARNING AREAS 

1. Meaning of Subsistence and Commercial Agriculture

2. Difference between Susbsistence and Commercial Agriculture based on characteristics

3. Advantages and disadvantages of Subsistence and Commercial Agriculture

4. Problems of Susbsistence and Commercial Agriculture

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL

1. White/Black board

2. Textbook

3. Field Trip

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of subsistence and commercial agriculture.

2. enumerate characteristics of subsistence and commercial agriculture for comparison.

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Subsistence agriculture is a type of farming in which farmers grow crops and raise livestock primarily to feed themselves and their families. The main goal of subsistence agriculture is to provide enough food to meet the basic needs of the household, rather than producing crops and livestock for commercial sale.

On the other hand, commercial agriculture is a type of farming in which crops and livestock are grown and raised primarily for sale on the market, rather than for personal consumption. The main goal of commercial agriculture is to generate profit by producing high yields of crops and livestock that can be sold to consumers, food processors, or other businesses. Commercial agriculture often involves the use of modern technology, large-scale farming operations, and specialized crops and livestock that are in demand in the market.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUSBSISTENCE AND COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE BASED ON CHARACTERISTICS

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUSBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE 

Some key characteristics of subsistence agriculture include:

1. Small-scale Farming – Subsistence agriculture is typically practiced on small plots of land by individual families or small communities.

2. Diversified Crops and Livestock – Subsistence farmers often grow a variety of crops and raise livestock to meet their nutritional needs and reduce risk of crop failure.

3. Limited Use of Modern Technology – Subsistence farmers often rely on traditional farming methods and tools, with limited access to modern agricultural technology.

4. Self-sufficiency – Subsistence farmers primarily produce food for their own consumption, with little surplus for sale on the market.

5. Labor-intensive – Subsistence farming requires a significant amount of manual labor, as farmers often do not have access to mechanized equipment.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUSBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE 

Some key characteristics of commercial agriculture include:

1. Large-scale Farming Operations – Commercial agriculture is often practiced on large farms or plantations, with the goal of maximizing yields and profits.

2. Specialization – Commercial farmers often focus on growing a small number of high-demand crops or raising specialized livestock to meet market demands.

3. Use of Modern Technology – Commercial agriculture relies heavily on modern agricultural technology, such as tractors, irrigation systems, and genetically modified seeds, to increase productivity and efficiency.

4. Market Orientation – Commercial farmers grow crops and raise livestock primarily for sale on the market, rather than for personal consumption.

5. Capital-intensive – Commercial agriculture requires significant investment in technology, infrastructure, and inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides to maximize production and pr ofitability.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SUBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE 

ADVANTAGES OF SUBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE 

1. Food Security – Subsistence agriculture ensures that farmers are able to produce enough food to feed themselves and their families, reducing the risk of hunger and malnutrition.

2. Cultural Preservation – Subsistence farming often involves traditional agricultural practices that have been passed down through generations, helping to preserve cultural heritage and knowledge.

3. Environmental Sustainability – Subsistence farmers tend to use more sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation and organic farming, leading to less environmental degradation.

4. Self-sufficiency – Subsistence farmers are less dependent on external inputs and markets, giving them greater control over their food production and livelihoods.

5. Strong Community Ties – Subsistence farming often fosters close-knit communities that support each other in times of need and share resources and knowledge.

DISADVANTAGES OF SUBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE 

1. Limited Access to Resources – Subsistence farmers often lack access to modern tools, technology, and inputs, hindering their productivity and yield potential.

2. Vulnerability to Climate Change – Subsistence farmers are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, which can disrupt crop cycles and food production.

3. Poverty and Lack of Economic Opportunities – Subsistence farmers may struggle to generate income from their crops, leading to poverty and limited access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

4. Food Insecurity – Subsistence farming may not always produce enough surplus to sell or trade for other essentials, leading to food insecurity during periods of low production.

5. Limited Market Access – Subsistence farmers may have limited access to markets to sell their produce, restricting their ability to generate additional income.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE 

ADVANTAGES OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE 

1. Increased Productivity – Commercial agriculture uses modern technology, inputs, and practices to maximize yields and production, leading to higher productivity and profitability.

2. Economic Development – Commercial agriculture can stimulate economic growth by generating employment opportunities, increasing agricultural output, and contributing to GDP.

3. Market Access – Commercial farmers have better access to markets to sell their produce, allowing them to earn income and expand their businesses.

4. Improved Infrastructure – Commercial agriculture often leads to investments in infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems, benefiting not only farmers but also rural communities.

5. Innovation and Specialization – Commercial agriculture encourages innovation, specialization, and diversification of crops and livestock, leading to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

DISADVANTAGES OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE 

1. Environmental Degradation – Commercial agriculture can lead to environmental degradation through deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

2. Exploitation of Natural Resources – Commercial agriculture may result in excessive use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to soil degradation, water scarcity, and pollution.

3. Displacement of Small Farmers – Commercial agriculture can displace small-scale farmers and indigenous communities, leading to land grabbing, loss of livelihoods, and social conflicts.

4. Monoculture and Loss of Biodiversity – Commercial agriculture often promotes monoculture and the use of genetically modified crops, leading to loss of agrobiodiversity and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

5. Market Volatility – Commercial farmers are exposed to fluctuations in market prices, input costs, and global trade, making them vulnerable to economic risks and uncertainties.

PROBLEMS OF SUSBSISTENCE AND COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE

PROBLEMS OF SUBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE 

1. Low Productivity – Subsistence agriculture often relies on traditional farming methods and limited access to modern inputs and technology, resulting in low productivity and inadequate food production.

2. Lack of Access to Markets – Subsistence farmers may have limited access to markets to sell their produce, leading to food insecurity and economic challenges.

3. Vulnerability to Climate Change – Subsistence farmers are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, which can disrupt crop cycles and food production.

4. Poverty and Lack of Economic Opportunities – Subsistence farmers may struggle to generate income from their crops, leading to poverty and limited access to essential services such as education and healthcare.

5. Limited Access to Resources – Subsistence farmers often lack access to modern tools, technology, and inputs, hindering their productivity and ability to improve their farming practices.

PROBLEMS OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE 

1. Environmental Degradation – Commercial agriculture can lead to environmental degradation through deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity due to the use of agrochemicals and unsustainable farming practices.

2. Exploitation of Natural Resources – Commercial agriculture may result in overuse of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to soil degradation, water scarcity, and pollution.

3. Displacement of Small Farmers – Commercial agriculture can displace small-scale farmers and indigenous communities, leading to land grabbing, loss of livelihoods, and social conflicts.

4. Market Volatility – Commercial farmers are exposed to fluctuations in market prices, input costs, and global trade, making them vulnerable to economic risks and uncertainties.

5. Loss of Agrobiodiversity – Commercial agriculture often promotes monoculture and the use of genetically modified crops, leading to loss of agrobiodiversity and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. discusses the meaning and differences of subsistence and commercial agriculture.

2. states the advantages and disadvantages of subsistence and commercial agriculture.

3. lists the problems of subsistence and commercial agriculture.

4. plans field trips to commercial farms and small holder farms in the locality.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. participate in class discussion.

2. participate in field trips to commercial farms and small holder farms in the locality.

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. explain the meaning of Subsistence and Commercial Agriculture.

2. highlight 5 differences between Susbsistence and Commercial Agriculture based on characteristics

3. state and discuss 5 advantages and 5 disadvantages of Subsistence and Commercial Agriculture.

4. mention and explain 5 problems of Susbsistence and 5 problems of Commercial Agriculture.