Arable FarmingThis is the growing of crops, usually on flatter land where

the soils are a higher quality. Globally, there are few areas left with a potential for arable farming. There has been a decrease in the existing amount

of arable land, particularly in parts of Africa that are affected by drought and soil erosion.

Livestock FarmingThis is the raising of animals and usually takes place in

areas less favourable to arable farming (wetter, steeper, colder, higher).

Mixed Farming

This is the growing of crops and the rearing of animals together. It usually takes place on a commercial scale in more developed countries, where it reduces the financial

risk of relying on a single crop or animal.

Extensive FarmingThis occurs when the amounts of labour and capital are

small in relation to the area being farmed. It is large-scale farming.

E.g. Amazon Basin has low yields per farmer and hectare

LABOUR

CAPITALLAND OUTPUT

E.g. Canadian Prairies has low yields per hectare but high

output per farmer

LABOUR

CAPITAL

LAND OUTPUT

Models after Briggs

Intensive FarmingThis occurs when inputs of capital, fertilizers, labour or

machinery are high in relation to the area being farmed. It is usually small-scale farming which maximise return from

the land.

LABOUR

CAPITAL

LAND OUTPUT

E.g. Ganges Valley has high yields per hectare but low

output per farmer

LABOUR

CAPITALLAND OUTPUT

E.g. Netherlands has high yields per hectare and high

output per farmer

Models after Briggs

Subsistence FarmingThis is where a plot of land produces only enough food to

feed the family working it or the local community (e.g. tribe) and pay taxes. There is usually no surplus, except in good

years.The main priority is self-sufficiency, which is achieved by

growing/rearing a wide range of crops/animals.

Subsistence farmers are rarely able to improve their output due to a lack of capital, land

and technology.

Commercial FarmingThis takes place on a large, profit-making scale. Commercial farmers, or the companies they work for, seek to maximise yields per unit of land. This is often achieved by growing a

single crop or rearing one type of animal.

Commercial farming develops in places where there are good communications and markets are large.

Types of farming include cattle ranching, grain farming and intensive cultivation of fruits, flowers and vegetables.