Category: AGRICULTURE

HERE YOU WILL GET KNOWLEDGE ON AGRICULTURE COVERING AREAS SUCH AS
SMALL SCALE AGRICULTURE,
LARGE SCALE AGRICULTURE
LIVESTOCK KEEPING

Distinguish between large-scale and small scale farming

Large-scale farming and small-scale farming are two distinct approaches to agricultural production that differ in various aspects.




Here are the key differences between large-scale and small-scale farming:

Land Size

Large-scale farming typically involves extensive land holdings, often spanning hundreds or thousands of hectares. In contrast, small-scale farming operates on smaller land areas, typically ranging from a few hectares to a few acres.

Distinguish between large-scale and small scale farming
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Production Output

Large-scale farming focuses on high-volume production for commercial purposes. It employs mechanization, advanced technologies, and economies of scale to maximize yields and meet market demands. Small-scale farming, on the other hand, emphasizes subsistence or local market-oriented production. The output is typically lower in volume but may involve a diverse range of crops or livestock for self-consumption or local trade.

Capital Investment

Large-scale farming requires substantial capital investment for machinery, equipment, infrastructure, and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. It often relies on significant financial resources and access to credit. Small-scale farming generally has lower capital requirements, with farmers relying on traditional tools, manual labor, and simpler technologies. Capital investment is typically limited to basic tools and inputs.




Labor Force

Large-scale farming relies heavily on hired labor or machinery, with fewer family members directly involved in day-to-day operations. It often employs specialized workers for specific tasks. In contrast, small-scale farming is predominantly family-based, with family members participating in various agricultural activities. Labor is often multifunctional, with family members engaged in multiple farm tasks.

Market Orientation

Large-scale farming is primarily oriented towards national or international markets. It aims to achieve economies of scale and compete on a broader scale. Small-scale farming is more localized, focusing on meeting local or regional food demands. It may involve direct selling to consumers, local markets, or nearby communities.

Technology and Input Use

Large-scale farming frequently utilizes advanced agricultural technologies, such as precision farming, mechanization, and genetically modified crops. It relies on intensive use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation systems. Small-scale farming generally relies on traditional or low-input agricultural practices. Farmers often use organic or natural fertilizers, traditional crop varieties, and simple irrigation methods.




Environmental Impact

Large-scale farming, due to its intensive nature and scale, can have significant environmental impacts. It may lead to deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Small-scale farming, with its reliance on traditional methods and lower input use, generally has a lesser environmental footprint.

It is important to note that the distinction between large-scale and small-scale farming is not always clear-cut, and there are various intermediate or mixed farming systems that combine elements of both approaches. Additionally, the specific characteristics and practices of large-scale and small-scale farming can vary depending on the region, context, and agricultural sector in question.

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10 Characteristics of Ranching

Ranching is a form of agricultural activity focused on raising livestock, typically cattle, on a large-scale property known as a ranch. Here are ten characteristics that are commonly associated with ranching:




  • Large Land Holdings: Ranching typically involves the ownership or control of extensive land holdings, often covering thousands of acres. The size of the land is necessary to provide ample grazing space for livestock.
  • Livestock Production: Ranching primarily focuses on the production and management of livestock, particularly cattle. Other livestock species, such as horses, sheep, or goats, may also be raised depending on the region and market demands.
  • Grazing and Pasture Management: Ranchers engage in strategic grazing and pasture management practices to ensure the availability of adequate forage for the livestock. This includes rotational grazing, controlled grazing, and pasture maintenance techniques.
  • Ranch Infrastructure: Ranches are equipped with various infrastructure elements to support livestock management. These may include fences, corrals, barns, livestock handling facilities, water sources, and machinery for feeding or transportation.




  • Ranching Culture and Heritage: Ranching often holds deep cultural and historical significance, particularly in regions where it has been practiced for generations. Ranching communities and families often have unique traditions, skills, and knowledge passed down through generations.
  • Sustainable Resource Management: Ranchers are increasingly adopting sustainable land and resource management practices to ensure the long-term viability of their operations. This includes conservation measures, soil health management, water conservation, and wildlife habitat preservation.
  • Weather and Environmental Considerations: Ranching is often influenced by weather patterns, seasonal variations, and environmental factors specific to the region. Ranchers must adapt their management practices to address climatic conditions and mitigate the potential impact of extreme weather events.
  • Multi-generational Operations: Ranching is often a multi-generational endeavor, with families passing down their ranching traditions and properties to future generations. This creates a sense of heritage and continuity within ranching communities.




  • Economic Viability: Ranching is a business venture aimed at generating profit through the sale of livestock and related products. Ranchers must navigate market fluctuations, manage costs, and make strategic decisions to maintain economic viability.
  • Connection to Nature and Rural Lifestyle: Ranching is often associated with a strong connection to nature, as ranchers live and work closely with the land and animals. Ranching communities often embrace a rural lifestyle, appreciating the open spaces, natural beauty, and outdoor activities associated with ranch life.




From the above, one can see that this is a departure from the traditional system of livestock rearing. Ranching as a method of livestock rearing solves many problems of nomadic pastoralism. The most notable ranching schemes in Africa are found in Botswana, Nigeria, Bie plateau of Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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7 PROBLEMS FACING LIVESTOCK RANCHING IN CALFORNIA

Ranching is the rearing of livestock on an extensive piece of land.




It is practiced mainly in grassland and semi-arid areas

Ranchers in California manage over 38 million acres of privately and publicly owned rangeland.

most California raches are family owned and operated, and many have been in the same family for four or more generations.

The largest ranch in California is called Harris Ranch, or the Harris Cattle Ranch which is also the largest producer of beef in the state

7 PROBLEMS FACING LIVESTOCK RANCHING IN CALFORNIA
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The following are problems facing livestock ranching in California

  • Presence of pests and diseases like ticks, rinderpest, foot and mouth disease. that affect very many animals and reduces the output or expected profits.
  • Severe desert conditions like low unreliable rainfall and prolonged drought leading to shortage of open surface water and pasture




  • Limited open surface water leading to over-dependency on underground water that lowers the water table.
  • Desert vegetation is not very nutritious hence poor and insufficient for the animals
  • Limited land for animal grazing due to increasing competition for land in respect to settlement and other economic activities.
  • Limited animal husbandry facilities to provide the necessary veterinary services and extension works
  • The new breeds are not very adaptive to the desert environment causing health problems and poor quality livestock products.
  • Limited market due to competition from other dairy farmers in Brazil, Texas, Arizona, Argentina, Norway and other sources of proteins like fish, beans, etc
  • Perishability of the livestock products leading to wastage and loss
  • Sparse vegetation cover bringing about soil erosion that washes away the top soil and brings about tough coarse non-nutritious grass




  • Very expensive to manage the ranches because the animals require intensive care to harvest good quality products

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WHAT IS SEDENTARY LIVESTOCK KEEPING?

Sedentary livestock keeping is the form of livestock keeping that involves the keeping of livestock in the farm.

There is no movement in search of food and water for the animals. This is opposite to pastoralism or nomadism in which the pastoralists move from one place to another in search of pasture and water

Sedentary livestock keeping is the modern way of rearing cattle and has been prevalent due to the increase in human population and the competition from other economic activities especially crop cultivation

The livestock kept may be for the meet or milk

WHAT IS RANCHING?

Ranching is the rearing of livestock on an extensive piece of land.

It is practiced mainly in grassland and semi-arid areas

The land is divided into blocks called paddocks.

Each paddock is fenced off and animals are grazed systematically to avoid overgrazing and deterioration of pastures.

Ranching is well-developed in the united states of America, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa

IMPORTANCE OF NOMADIC PASTORALISM TO THE ECONOMY OF ETHIOPIA

  • Source of human food with valuable proteins e.g. milk, meat/beef, and blood.
  • It is a source of income to the pastoralists by selling farm products hence improving their standards of living.
  • It is a source of employment e.g. through trade hence providing a livelihood for many people.
  • It is a source of government revenue for setting up roads through taxing livestock transporters and dairy factories.
  • The government earns foreign exchange used for setting up hospitals by exporting animal products e.g. hides and skins.
  • It has helped to diversify the economy of ETHIOPIA hence ensuring constant capital inflow and reduced dependency on crop growing.




  • Nomadic pastoralism has provided raw materials for industries that provide jobs e.g. meat packers and the leather tanning industry.
  • It has helped to put idle land into use hence reducing resource wastage
  • Animals are used as beasts of burden e.g. for transport and for pulling ox-plows hence promoting farming.
  • Animal wastes are used as a source of fuel e.g. cow dung is used for bio-gas hence offering alternative sources of energy.




  • Source of wealth for social and economic status e.g. bridewealth hence promoting cultural conservation.  

Nomadic pastoralism is still practiced by a number of communities in ETHIOPIA




Nomadic pastoralism is one of the major economic activities in ETHIOPIA, however, governments are pushing for the modern way of rearing battles to protect the environment and enable the pastoralists to generate more income

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IMPORTANCE OF NOMADIC PASTORALISM TO THE ECONOMY OF ESWATINI

Importance of nomadic pastoralism to the economy of ESWATINI

  • Source of human food with valuable proteins e.g. milk, meat/beef, and blood.
  • It is a source of income to the pastoralists by selling farm products hence improving their standards of living.
  • It is a source of employment e.g. through trade hence providing a livelihood for many people.
  • It is a source of government revenue for setting up roads through taxing livestock transporters and dairy factories.
  • The government earns foreign exchange used for setting up hospitals by exporting animal products e.g. hides and skins.
  • It has helped to diversify the economy of ESWATINI hence ensuring constant capital inflow and reduced dependency on crop growing.




  • Nomadic pastoralism has provided raw materials for industries that provide jobs e.g. meat packers and the leather tanning industry.
  • It has helped to put idle land into use hence reducing resource wastage
  • Animals are used as beasts of burden e.g. for transport and for pulling ox-plows hence promoting farming.
  • Animal wastes are used as a source of fuel e.g. cow dung is used for bio-gas hence offering alternative sources of energy.




  • Source of wealth for social and economic status e.g. bridewealth hence promoting cultural conservation.  

Nomadic pastoralism is still practiced by a number of communities in ESWATINI




Nomadic pastoralism is one of the major economic activities in ESWATINI, however, governments are pushing for the modern way of rearing battles to protect the environment and enable the pastoralists to generate more income

RELATED POSTS

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