Small scale farming is one of the oldest and most widely practiced systems of agriculture in the world today. It is a type of farming where crops are grown and animals are raised on a small piece of land mainly to provide food for the farmer and his or her family. In many developing countries like Nigeria, small scale farming is very common in both rural and urban areas, and it plays a major role in feeding the population.
For secondary school students, understanding small scale farming or Subsistence agriculture is very important because it forms the foundation of Agriculture Science. Many students have already seen or practiced it in their homes, school farms, or communities. Learning about it helps students understand how food is produced, how farmers survive, and how agriculture supports daily life. It also prepares students for exams, where questions on farming systems are very common.
What is Small Scale Farming?
Small scale farming can be defined as the production of crops and rearing of animals on a small area of land using simple tools, little capital, and mostly family labour. The main aim of this type of farming is to provide food for the household, although a small portion of the produce may be sold in local markets to generate income.
In small scale agriculture, farmers depend more on their personal effort and traditional knowledge rather than advanced machines or modern technology. This makes it easier for many people to start farming even without much money. It is a simple system, but it is very important for food security and survival, especially in rural communities.
Main Features and Characteristics of Small Scale Farming
Small scale farming has several clear features that make it different from large scale agriculture. These features help students easily identify it in exams and real-life situations.
1. Small land size:
Small scale agriculture is carried out on a limited area of land, usually less than a few hectares. The land is often located close to the farmer’s home, making it easy to manage and supervise daily farming activities without much stress.
2. Use of simple farm tools:
Farmers use basic tools such as hoes, cutlasses, rakes, spades, and watering cans. These tools are easy to handle, affordable, and do not require special training, but they also limit the speed and amount of work that can be done.
3. Low capital requirement:
Small scale agriculture does not require a large amount of money to start. Farmers can begin with little savings, using local seeds, simple tools, and family labour, which makes it accessible to many people.
4. Family labour:
Most of the farm work is done by family members, including men, women, and children. This reduces the cost of hiring workers and also helps to involve everyone in productive activities.
5. Mixed cropping system:
Farmers often grow different crops on the same land at the same time. For example, maize may be planted together with beans or cassava. This helps to reduce risk and make better use of the land.
6. Low level of technology:
Traditional farming methods are commonly used, such as manual planting, natural rainfall, and local storage methods. Modern machines and advanced techniques are rarely used.
7. Production mainly for subsistence:
The main goal is to feed the family. Only the extra produce is taken to the market for sale.
8. Low output:
Because of the small land size and simple methods used, the total production is usually low compared to large scale farming.
Different Types of Small Scale Farming
Small scale farming can be practiced in different ways depending on the farmer’s location, resources, and needs.
1. Subsistence Farming:
This is the most common type of small scale farming. Farmers grow crops mainly for their own consumption, with little or no surplus for sale. Common crops include yam, cassava, maize, and vegetables. This type of farming helps families survive and reduces hunger.
2. Mixed Farming:
Mixed farming involves growing crops and rearing animals on the same farm. For example, a farmer may grow maize and also keep poultry or goats. This system provides different sources of food and income, and animal waste can be used to improve soil fertility.
3. Backyard Farming:
Backyard farming is practiced around the home using small available spaces. Farmers grow vegetables like tomatoes, pepper, and spinach or keep small animals like chickens. This type of farming is common in urban areas and helps families get fresh food easily.
4. Shifting Cultivation:
In this system, farmers use a piece of land for a few years and then move to another area, allowing the old land to rest and regain fertility. It is common in areas where land is available, but it can lead to deforestation if not properly managed.
5. Pastoral Farming:
This involves rearing animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep. Farmers move the animals from place to place in search of fresh grass and water. It is common in dry regions where crop farming is difficult.
Importance of Small Scale Farming
Small scale agriculture plays a very important role in the lives of individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.
- Food supply for families:
It helps families produce their own food, reducing hunger and improving nutrition. - Source of income:
Farmers earn money by selling surplus produce in local markets, which helps them meet their daily needs. - Employment opportunities:
It provides work for family members and sometimes for other people in the community. - Rural development:
Farming activities help to improve rural areas by supporting local markets and small businesses. - Preservation of culture:
Traditional farming methods and local crops are maintained and passed from one generation to another. - Reduction of poverty:
It helps families survive and reduces dependence on external support. - Self-reliance:
Farmers depend less on buying food since they produce what they eat. - Supply of fresh food:
Local markets receive fresh vegetables, fruits, and other farm produce.
Problems Facing Small Scale Farming
Despite its importance, small scale farming faces many challenges that limit its growth and productivity.
- Lack of capital:
Farmers often do not have enough money to buy better tools, fertilizers, or improved seeds. - Use of crude tools:
Simple tools make farming slow, stressful, and less efficient. - Low productivity:
The amount of food produced is usually small due to limited land and resources. - Pest and disease attack:
Crops and animals can be destroyed by pests and diseases, leading to losses. - Poor soil fertility:
Continuous farming without proper soil management reduces soil nutrients. - Lack of modern technology:
Farmers cannot easily access machines, irrigation systems, or improved farming methods. - Unfavourable weather:
Irregular rainfall, drought, or flooding can affect crop growth. - Poor storage facilities:
Lack of proper storage leads to spoilage and waste of produce.
Comparison Between Small Scale and Large Scale Farming
| Feature | Small Scale Farming | Large Scale Farming |
|---|---|---|
| Land Size | Small plots of land | Very large areas of land |
| Tools Used | Simple tools like hoes | Machines like tractors |
| Labour | Family labour | Hired workers |
| Capital | Low capital required | High capital required |
| Purpose | Mainly for family use | Mainly for commercial sale |
| Technology | Traditional methods | Modern technology |
| Output | Low production | High production |
| Management | Simple and less organized | Well planned and organized |
Conclusion
Small scale farming or Subsistence agriculture is a simple but very important system of agriculture that supports millions of people around the world. It involves farming on small land using simple tools and mainly family labour. It helps families produce food, earn income, and survive daily life.
Although it faces many challenges such as low capital, poor tools, and low productivity, it remains a key part of Agriculture Science and rural development. Students should understand small scale farming because it is the foundation of agricultural knowledge. With better support, improved tools, and modern methods, small scale agriculture can become more productive and beneficial to both farmers and the economy.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. What is small scale farming?
Small scale farming is the production of crops and rearing of animals on a small piece of land mainly for family use and small sales.
2. Who practices small scale farming?
It is mostly practiced by rural farmers, families, and individuals with limited resources and land.
3. What tools are used in small scale farming?
Simple tools like hoes, cutlasses, rakes, watering cans, and spades are commonly used.
4. What is the main aim of small scale agriculture?
The main aim is to provide food for the family and sell small surplus for income.
5. What are examples of small scale farming?
Examples include subsistence farming, backyard farming, mixed farming, shifting cultivation, and pastoral farming.
6. What are the advantages of small scale farming?
It provides food, creates employment, requires low capital, and supports rural livelihoods.
7. What challenges do small scale farmers face?
They face problems like lack of capital, poor tools, low productivity, pests, diseases, and poor storage facilities.
8. How is small scale agriculture different from large scale farming?
Small scale agriculture uses small land, simple tools, and family labour, while large scale farming uses large land, machines, and hired labour for commercial production.
Revision Questions
- Define small scale farming.
- List and explain four main features of small scale farming.
- Mention five types of small scale farming and give one example for each.
- State five importance of small scale agriculture to individuals or communities.
- Highlight five problems facing small scale farmers.
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