In intensive subsistence farming, farmers invest heavily in labour and biochemical inputs even on very small…

Question

In intensive subsistence farming, farmers invest heavily in labour and biochemical inputs even on very small plots. What social and economic condition forces them to maximise output from such limited land, rather than switching to another livelihood?

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer The right of inheritance causes land to be divided among successive generations, making holdings very small and economically unviable. Since farmers have **no alternative source of livelihood**, they are compelled to maximise output from their limited land by investing heavily in labour and biochemical inputs, leading to enormous pressure on agricultural land. *Source: Agriculture, Intensive Subsistence Farming section, Chapter 4* --- ## Explanation The textbook directly states both causes: (1) the **right of inheritance** fragmenting landholdings over generations, and (2) the **absence of alternative livelihood**. Examiners expect both points for full marks. Avoid vague answers like "poverty" — use the textbook's exact reasoning. One point = 1 mark each.

Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question