Which of the following is not a characteristic of subsistence farming?

Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked to find the option that is NOT a characteristic of subsistence farming. Three options describe subsistence farming and one does not.

Step 2: Explain the concept Subsistence farming is farming in which the farmer grows crops and rears animals mainly to feed his own family, with little or nothing left to sell. Its main features are:

• Small farm sizes (small holdings)
• Simple tools such as hoes, cutlasses and digging sticks
• Family labour, which means it is labour intensive
• Low capital input and low yields
• Production mainly for home consumption

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Produce is mainly for home consumption. This is true. It is the defining feature of subsistence farming.
• B. It is capital intensive. This is false. Subsistence farmers have little money to invest, so they use very little capital. Capital-intensive farming (heavy machinery, fertilizers, large investment) belongs to commercial or mechanized farming.
• C. Simple farming tools are used. This is true, for example hoes and cutlasses.
• D. It is labour intensive. This is true. Most of the work is done by hand, using family members.

Step 4: Answer The option that is NOT a characteristic of subsistence farming is B. It is capital intensive.

Exam tip: Remember the pairing: Subsistence = Simple tools + Small farms + Labour intensive, while Commercial = Capital intensive + Machines + Large farms. If a question about subsistence farming mentions "capital intensive" or "machinery", it is usually the odd one out.