In this question, candidates were expected to define peasant farming, co-operative farming and identify ways through which the government can assist peasant farmers. This question was quite popular with the candidates, but only few were able to expatiate on their point given in the (b) part of the question. Most of them were able to define peasant and co-operative farming save a few who mistook peasant farming for subsistence farming. Candidates were expected to answer thus:

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) Establishement of rural and agricultural banks to provide credit facilities for the peasant farmers

(ii) Provision of subsidise: 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 purposes.

(v) Land reforms which make larger land available to the farmers should be implemented.

(vi) Provision of storage facilities. e.g. silos, cold room etc soas 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 stablilze farmers' income.

(x) Establishment of agro-based industries to make use of farm produce.