Farming Systems and Methods

Lesson objectives

By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

(i)define farming system

(ii)identify the four main farming system in Kenya

(iii)describe the four farming systems practiced in Kenya

(iv)state all the advantages and disadvantages of each farming system

(v)state five methods of farming

(vi)define all methods of farming

(vii)outline the advantages and disadvantages of all methods of farming.

FARMING SYSTEMS PRACTICED IN KENYA

What is farming system?

Farming system is the organisation of the farm and all the enterprises in relationship to each other.

Types of farming systems

1. Extensive
2. Intensive
3. The above systems can be carried under large scale or small scale farming depending on level of technology, availability of land, capital, and skilled labour.

• Extensive farming
• Intensive farming
• Small scale farming
• Large scale farming

 

Extensive system:- Involves farming in large piece of land using very little input to produce the desired products.

Small scale farming:-Farming system which involves growing of crops and raising of livestock in small pieces of land for maximum yield per unit area, through use of high levels of labour and capital by application of modern farming technologies

 

Intensive farming system:-Farming system which involves the commercial production of large quantities of crops and livestock on large farm.

 

Large scale:-Farming system which involves growing of crops and rearing of animals on large piece of land applying modern farming technologies.

 

FARMING METHODS PRACTICED IN KENYA

Some methods of farming practised in Kenya include

• Mixed farming,
• Nomadic pastrolism,
• Shifting cultivation
• Organic farming
• Agroforestry

Mixed farming

Involves growing crops and keeping animals on same piece of land.

Nomadic pastrolism

Moving of animals from one place to another in search of fresh water and pasture

Agroforestry

Involves growing of leguminous trees and crops and keeping animals on same piece of land.

Shifting cultivation

Involves farming on a piece of land continuouslyuntil it is exhausted after which the farmer moves to a more fertile ground.

Organic farming

Growing of crops and rearing animals withoutusing agricultural chemicals.