This question was attempted by almost all of the candidates. The candidates were required to differentiate between subsistence farming and commercial farming, state four features of subsistence farming and outline two positive and two negative effects of mining on the economy of West African countries in the (a), (b) and (c) parts of the question respectively. Most of the candidates were able to differentiate between subsistence farming and commercial farming in the (a) part of the question. The features of subsistence farming were well identified and the positive and negative effects of mining on the economy of West African countries were properly outlined as required in the (b) and (c) parts of the question respectively, however few candidates just listed and did not bother explaining their points in the (c) part of the question. Candidates’ performance in this question was quite impressive. 

The candidates were expected to give the following answers to score the maximum marks:

(a) Subsistence farming- This form focuses on growing food to feed ones’ family.
  Commercial farming- Is concerned with the production of food crops and livestock on a large scale with the aim of making profits.                                                         

(b)(i) It is done on a small scale.
(ii)  Simple tools like hoe and cutlass are used.
(iii) Relies solely on the weather.
(iv) Little or no pesticides are used.
(v) It relies on family labour.
(vi) Food crops are mainly cultivated for home consumption and not for sale.
(vii) Yields are usually low.
(viii) Mixed farming and mixed cropping is practiced.
(ix) Individual farmers are owners of the farm.

(c) (i)    Positive effects:

• It is a source of foreign exchange.
• It serves as employment.
• It is a source of raw material for local industries.
• Government generates revenue in the form of royalties.
• Contributes to infrastructural development
• Contributes towards community development
• Source of energy as e.g. coal
• Avenue for transfer of technology

    (ii)   Negative effects:

• It leads to loss of farm lands.
• It leads to pollution of water bodies.
• It leads to loss of lives when people fall into abandoned pits.
• It increases expenditure for government in land reclamation.
• Able-bodied young men venture into it and abandon farming.
• It destroys animals and tree species.
• Contributes to corruption.
• It has led to the neglect of other sectors.
• Depletion of non-renewable resources.