Green Bridge Learning Resource For Meaning And Scope Of Agriculture

Overview

Agriculture is a fundamental aspect of human civilization that involves the cultivation of land, raising and rearing of animals for food, fiber, medicines, and other products used to sustain life. The scope of agriculture goes beyond traditional farming practices to include modern concepts such as agribusiness, agroforestry, aquaculture, and sustainable agricultural systems.

Definition of Agriculture:

**Agriculture** can be defined as the science, art, and business of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock. In modern terms, agriculture extends to not only the primary production of food, but also encompasses activities related to processing, distribution, and marketing of agricultural products. It involves the utilization of natural resources to meet the needs of an ever-growing population in a sustainable manner.

Branches of Agriculture:

**Agriculture** is a broad field that encompasses diverse branches catering to various aspects of food production, natural resource management, and rural development. Major branches of agriculture include agronomy (crop production), horticulture (fruit and vegetable cultivation), animal husbandry (livestock farming), agricultural engineering (farm machinery and structures), and agricultural economics (agribusiness and market analysis).

Types of Agriculture:

**Agriculture** can be broadly classified into subsistence agriculture and commercial agriculture. **Subsistence agriculture** focuses on producing just enough to meet the needs of the farmer and their family, with little or no surplus for sale. In contrast, **commercial agriculture** involves the production of agricultural goods primarily for sale in the market. Commercial agriculture is characterized by the use of modern technologies, large-scale production, and a profit-oriented approach.

Understanding the meaning and scope of agriculture is crucial for developing sustainable food systems, ensuring food security, and promoting economic growth in agricultural-based societies. By delving into the different branches and types of agriculture, individuals gain insights into the diverse practices and strategies employed in the agricultural sector.

Objectives

Differentiate between the various types of Agriculture
Differentiate between the various branches of Agriculture
Use the definition of Agriculture in modern terms as it relates to production, processing and marketing

Lesson Note

Agriculture is a vital sector that encompasses the vast system of activities involved in cultivating plants, breeding animals, and various practices closely tied with producing food, fiber, and other desired products. Its meaning has evolved over time, reflecting changes in society, technology, and economic activities. Understanding agriculture's meaning and its scope provides valuable insight into how it impacts our daily lives and the global economy.

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Meaning And Scope Of Agriculture. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

What is the modern definition of Agriculture? A. The science or practice of farming
B. The study of outer space C. The study of history D. The study of human behavior
Which of the following is not a branch of Agriculture? A. Agronomy B. Fisheries C. Meteorology D. Entomology
What is the difference between subsistence and commercial agriculture? A. Scale of production and purpose of farming
B. Color of crops grown C. Location of the farms D. Types of animals reared
Which type of agriculture focuses on producing mainly for family consumption and local trade? A. Subsistence Agriculture
B. Commercial Agriculture C. Industrial Agriculture D. Sustainable Agriculture
Which branch of Agriculture studies the physical environment and atmosphere? A. Meteorology
B. Entomology C. Horticulture D. Floriculture
What branch of Agriculture deals with the study of plant diseases? A. Plant Pathology
B. Genetics C. Microbiology D. Animal Science
In Agriculture, what does processing refer to? A. Converting raw agricultural products into intermediate goods or final products
B. Conducting research on plants and animals C. Marketing agricultural products D. Planting crops
Which type of Agriculture involves large scale production for sale in the market? A. Commercial Agriculture
B. Organic Agriculture C. Aquaculture D. Arable Agriculture
Which branch of Agriculture focuses on the study of soil management and crop production? A. Agronomy
B. Sericulture C. Apiculture D. Floriculture
What is the primary goal of marketing in Agriculture? A. Ensuring agricultural products reach the right consumers at the right time and right place
B. Ensuring all products are consumed by the farmers C. Increasing the cost of agricultural products D. Decreasing the production of agricultural products

Recommended Books

	Introduction to Agriculture Subtitle Understanding the Basics of Agriculture Publisher Pearson Education Year 2015 ISBN 978-0135135972
	Fundamentals of Agriculture Subtitle Exploring Agricultural Principles Publisher McGraw-Hill Education Year 2012 ISBN 978-0071763827

Past Questions

Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Meaning And Scope Of Agriculture from previous years

WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 2020 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

An important reason for staking yam is to?

expose the leaves to sunlight

prevent water logging on the farm

enhance the formation of leaves

expose the flowers to pollination

View Answer

JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2023 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

What is subsistence agriculture?

Export-oriented agricultural production

Intensive farming using advanced technology

Farming for self-sufficiency and survival

Large-scale commercial farming

Answer Details

Subsistence agriculture refers to a way of farming where individuals or families primarily grow crops and raise animals for their own consumption and survival. In this type of agriculture, the focus is on meeting the basic needs of the farmer and their family, rather than producing goods for sale or export.

Unlike export-oriented agricultural production where crops are grown and animals are raised to be sold to external markets, subsistence agriculture serves the purpose of fulfilling the immediate food and other needs of the farmer and their household.

This type of farming often involves intensive farming techniques where small plots of land are utilized efficiently to grow a variety of crops. Farmers may also practice animal husbandry by raising livestock such as cows, chickens, or goats for food and other resources like milk, eggs, and wool.

Subsistence agriculture typically relies on traditional farming methods and may not always involve the use of advanced technology or machinery. It is rooted in the sustainable use of local resources and may vary depending on the climate, geography, and available resources in a particular region.

While subsistence agriculture is primarily focused on self-sufficiency and survival, it does not exclude the possibility of trading or selling any surplus produce or livestock. However, the main objective is to provide enough food and resources to meet the basic needs of the farming household.

Large-scale commercial farming, on the other hand, is characterized by the cultivation of extensive agricultural land for the purpose of producing crops or raising animals on a large scale for commercial purposes. This type of farming is often done with the use of advanced technology, machinery, and specialized techniques to maximize production and profit.

In summary, subsistence agriculture is a farming practice where individuals or families cultivate crops and raise animals primarily for their own consumption and survival, focusing on meeting their basic needs rather than producing goods for sale or export.

View Answer