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Subsistence farming, or subsistence agriculture, is when a farmer grows food for themselves and their family on a small plot of land. Unlike other types of farming, subsistence farming is focused more on survival. There is very little or no emphasis on trading and selling goods or operating as a business.A simple example of subsistence farming is a family growing grain and using that grain to make enough bread for themselves, but not to sell.For many people living in wealthy countries, this is a romantic idea – having land and using it to sustain you and your family. It calls back to what people might assume was a simpler time. As charming as the idea is in developed countries, the reality is that at this point in time, to feed our expanding human population.
As you might have guessed, the methods used for subsistence farming and industrial farming vary greatly. So how is subsistence farming different from the industrial practices?Subsistence Farming Is AncientThe methods of subsistence farming are an integral part of the development of human society.
Stretching back up to, it is a primary aspect of most cultures’ earliest means of survival. Following the ice age, as Homo sapiens began to domesticate plants, they began to settle in one place instead of only hunting and gathering.Because of this change, groups of people then began to develop complex civilizations – all because of what we now call “subsistence farming.” Anthropologists refer to this transition as the In the Americas, subsistence farmers were prolific – domesticating a vast array of delicious foods that we consume enthusiastically today, including corn, beans, tomatoes, squash, and potatoes.
Pretty cool, eh?Subsistence Farming Often Relies on More Natural TechniquesFarmers, from thousands of years ago and all the way up to today, use natural techniques when farming. Industrial farms today use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Subsistence farmers often use manure and compost, products of their own land and animals. Whatever food or crops are not consumed circle back into the process to feed livestock. This creates an efficient system, a closed circuit where little to nothing goes to waste.Diversified MethodsIf you’ve taken a road trip across North America recently, you’ve seen the rolling hills of corn and soy stretching out for miles in every direction. There are endless neat rows and identical plants.
These monocultures are driven by a removed society of endless consumption and insatiable demand. However, if you have a small plot of land to support you and your family through the seasons, diversity of crops and livestock is absolutely essential.
Subsistence farming - farming that provides for the basic needs of the farmer without surpluses for marketing. Farming, husbandry, agriculture - the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock. Subsistence Farming is done in the southern islands, such as: Long Island, Crooked Island, and Mayaguana. Commercial Farming is done in the Northern islands, such as: Abaco, Eleuthera, and Andros.
You won’t last long on corn and soy alone. This type of diversified technique is called and subsistence farmers rely on it.To start with, polycultures are a more environmentally-friendly approach. Certain plants add nutrients to the soil, while others use it up. “Companion planting” techniques benefit the whole farm. Using a variety of plants can ensure that the soil stays rich and healthy throughout the years.
Often, when using polyculture techniques, crop yields increase too.Where do People Practice Subsistence Farming Today?Subsistence farming is the, where the majority of the rural poor depend on their land for survival. With the land as their livelihood, people are able to fray the costs of transportation, rent, and food, as well as the cost of urban living. In Tanzania, for example, agriculture cumulates to. 73% of the population lives in rural areas – 19 million people live on small land holdings and practice subsistence farming.Subsistence farming can look as diverse as the planet we live on though, since it happens almost everywhere. Central and Western Asia, India, South-west Africa, Eurasia, the Philippines, Latin America – the list goes on and on.
The techniques are as variable and fluid as the environments where people call home. Found that 25% of the world’s population survive on these techniques.Living conditions can vary greatly too. People may or may not have access to clean water, electricity, and adequate health care. Sanitary conditions are often a huge factor and this leads to one of the for children in low-income countries.Climate ChallengesSubsistence farming is an earth-friendly, ancient approach to feeding a family out of choice and/or necessity. Here’s the catch: subsistence farming is. As temperatures warm, droughts increase, and floods occur with more regularity. A farm can lose an entire season’s crop and leave a family in dire straits.Subsistence farming means families have very little, if any, room for failure.
On a planet that is warming at alarming rates, subsistence farms are precarious.
Subsistence Farming vs Intensive FarmingSubsistence farming and Intensive farming are two ways of cultivation and differ in their objectives. Farming dates back in 8000 BC, it used to be one of the primary way of life in every country. It is the main source for provision.
However, as centuries unfold, various types of farming have been made by man. Some of these are Subsistence farming and Intensive farming.Subsistence FarmingSubsistence farming is used as a primary way for a family or a community to have food served on their table, the whole year round. It is when, they just plant and cultivate crops for their own consumption based on their own calculation of the needed produce for the whole month or year. Farmers make sure that they have enough to last their family and no profit is intended for this.Intensive FarmingIntensive farming is for mass production of crops that can supply enough for a whole lot of consumers. It utilizes large land area with big investments on using labor, fertilizers and pesticides. The main reason for this type of farming is to gain profit. Since it is used for commercial production, this makes use of the latest machinery and technology to further enhance its output.Difference between Subsistence Farming and Intensive FarmingThese two takes advantage of fertile lands that is basically abundant to almost everywhere.
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Though subsistence farming is mainly done for survival, but somehow it is vulnerable to weather changes and pests attack which could pose a problem. It uses simple tools and small amount of animals to toil the land so there is that possibility that the crops they grow might not be of the best quality. Intensive on the other hand, uses the latest technology to grow crops the most efficient way and weather conditions are also taken into consideration in order attain optimum harvest.Both farming yield results, however the difference can simply be broken into the one for gaining profit while the other would be for personal consumption. Regardless as to what method is using in raising crops, the important thing is that it is enough to sustain one’s needs be it for financial means or otherwise.In brief:– Subsistence farming is used as a primary way for a family or a community to have food served on their table, the whole year round. It is mainly done for survival, but somehow it is vulnerable to weather changes and pests attack which could pose a problem.
It uses simple tools and small amount of animals to toil the land.– Intensive farming is for mass production of crops that can supply enough for a whole lot of consumers. The main reason for this type of farming is to gain profit. It uses the latest technology to grow crops and to attain optimum harvest.
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