Subsistence Agriculture

Definition

Subsistence agriculture is a type of farming where the primary goal is to produce enough food for the farmer and their family, rather than for sale or trade. This practice connects to historical agricultural practices, geographical locations, and the socioeconomic dynamics of communities that rely on local food production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subsistence agriculture is prevalent in developing countries where farmers grow crops primarily for their own consumption.
2. This type of agriculture can take various forms, including shifting cultivation, intensive subsistence farming, and pastoralism.
3. Subsistence farmers often rely on traditional methods and knowledge passed down through generations, which can be influenced by cultural practices.
4. The practice of subsistence agriculture plays a crucial role in food security, especially in regions where market access is limited.
5. Climate change poses significant challenges to subsistence agriculture, affecting crop yields and threatening the livelihoods of those who depend on these practices.

Review Questions

• How does subsistence agriculture differ from commercial agriculture in terms of goals and practices?
  • Subsistence agriculture focuses on producing enough food to meet the needs of the farmer and their family, while commercial agriculture aims to produce surplus crops for sale in markets. The practices in subsistence farming often involve traditional techniques and smaller plots of land, whereas commercial farming typically uses advanced technology and larger areas to maximize output for profit.
• Discuss the impact of geographical factors on the practice of subsistence agriculture and its variations around the world.
  • Geographical factors such as climate, soil quality, and topography significantly influence the types of subsistence agriculture practiced in different regions. For instance, shifting cultivation is commonly found in tropical forests due to the need for land rotation, while pastoralism thrives in arid areas where livestock can graze on sparse vegetation. These adaptations highlight how local environments shape agricultural practices and food production systems.
• Evaluate the implications of climate change on subsistence agriculture and its potential effects on global food security.
  • Climate change poses serious threats to subsistence agriculture by altering rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, and leading to more frequent extreme weather events. As many subsistence farmers rely on predictable seasonal patterns for planting and harvesting, these changes could drastically reduce crop yields and jeopardize food security for communities dependent on local production. The disruption of these traditional systems could lead to increased poverty and malnutrition, making it a pressing global issue that needs addressing through sustainable agricultural practices.

Related terms

Shifting Cultivation:

A form of subsistence agriculture where farmers move from one plot of land to another to allow the soil to recover, typically found in tropical regions.

Pastoralism:

A subsistence agricultural practice focused on raising livestock for food, clothing, and shelter, often practiced in arid or semi-arid regions.

Intensive Subsistence Agriculture:

A type of subsistence farming that involves maximizing yield from a small plot of land, often using high labor inputs and careful management.