UNIT CODE; GEO 111
NAME; Stephen Matiku Odero
CASH CROP FARMING
It is the growing of crops especially for sale and profit rather than for personal consumption. Some
common cash crops include cotto ,tobacco ,and various fruits and vegetable
Key characteristics of cash crop farming
Farmers grow these crops primarily to sell in local or international market
Economic contribution ;cash crops often plays a significant role in the economy of a region or a
country providing income and employment
This type of farming may require significant investments in terms of fertilizers ,Pesticides and
irrigation to maximize fields
Cash crop farmers can be vulnerable to market fluctuations , climate change prize vitality which
can affect their income
It often involves large scale farming practices and can lead to monoculture which impact
biodiversity
Significance of cash crop farming
Economic growth; it contribute to the economy by generating income of farmers and
simulating local and national economies
Employment opportunities; cash crop cultivation create job in agriculture processing and
distribution , supporting livelihood in the rural areas
Foreign exchange earnings ;Exporting cash crop can provide valuable foreign
currency ,helping to improve countries trade balance
SHIFTING CULTIVATION
It is all known as slash and burn agriculture
It is a traditional farming practice in which land is cleared by cutting and burning vegetation .Farmers
then cultivate crops in the cleared area for a few years until soil fertility declines .They then move to
anew plot allowing the previously used land to regenerate. This method is often practiced in tropical
region where soil nutrients are quickly deleted and relies on a cycle of cultivation and follow periods to
maintain productivity
Significanse of shifting cultivation
Biodiversity; it supports diverse ecosystem by allowing land to regenerate
Soil fertility; it helps maintain soil fertility through natural regeneration during fallow periods
Sustainability; it can be sustainable when practiced at a small scale balancing agricultural needs
with environmental health
Cultural heritage; it is an integral part of identity and traditional practices of many indigneous
communities
Food security; it provide food for local populations , particularly in remote areas where
convectional agriculture may not be visible
Adaptation of climate ; shifting cultivation can be resilient in the face of climatic change, as
communities adapt their practices to local conditions