Small subsistence farming refers to an agricultural practice where families cultivate crops primarily for their own consumption rather than for commercial purposes. It involves producing enough food to sustain themselves and their immediate community without relying heavily on external markets.
Related terms
Cash crops: Unlike small subsistence farming, cash crops refer to agricultural products grown primarily for sale and profit. Examples include cotton, tobacco, and indigo.
Plantation system: The plantation system was a large-scale agricultural enterprise in which cash crops were cultivated on vast estates by enslaved laborers. It contrasts with small subsistence farming due to its focus on commercial production.
Barter economy: Small subsistence farmers often participated in a barter economy, where goods or services were exchanged directly without the use of money. This allowed them to acquire necessary items by trading their surplus produce.