Subsistence farming

Definition

Subsistence farming is a type of agricultural practice where farmers grow enough food to feed themselves and their families, with little or no surplus for sale. This method of farming is often reliant on traditional techniques and local resources, making it an integral part of the lifestyles of various cultures. In the context of certain cultures, such as those in New Mexico, subsistence farming played a vital role in community sustainability and cultural identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subsistence farming practices among the Mogollon and Mimbres cultures included the cultivation of maize, beans, and squash, often referred to as the 'Three Sisters.'
2. These cultures relied heavily on local environmental conditions, using methods such as floodwater farming and terracing to enhance crop yields.
3. Subsistence farmers often practiced communal sharing of resources, which fostered strong social ties and collaboration within their communities.
4. The seasonal cycles were critical for subsistence farming; communities had to plan planting and harvesting around the changing climate and availability of water.
5. Artifacts such as pottery and tools found at archaeological sites indicate that subsistence farming played a central role in the daily life and economy of these ancient cultures.

Review Questions

• How did subsistence farming influence social structures within the Mogollon and Mimbres cultures?
  • Subsistence farming significantly shaped social structures in the Mogollon and Mimbres cultures by promoting communal living and resource sharing. Since families relied on collective farming efforts to ensure food security, this created strong social bonds and interdependence among community members. The need to work together for planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops fostered cooperation and established roles within the community that were essential for survival.
• Discuss the environmental adaptations made by Mogollon and Mimbres cultures in their subsistence farming practices.
  • Mogollon and Mimbres cultures adapted their subsistence farming practices to their arid environment through innovative techniques like irrigation from nearby rivers and utilizing floodwater farming. They created terraces to prevent soil erosion and maximize agricultural land on slopes. These adaptations not only increased crop yields but also demonstrated a deep understanding of their environment, enabling them to thrive despite challenging conditions.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of subsistence farming on cultural identity among the Mogollon and Mimbres peoples.
  • Subsistence farming had lasting impacts on cultural identity among the Mogollon and Mimbres peoples by embedding agricultural practices into their daily lives, rituals, and social structures. The reliance on local crops like maize shaped culinary traditions, festivals, and communal gatherings centered around harvest times. This connection to agriculture fostered a strong sense of place and cultural heritage, influencing not just survival but also artistic expressions found in pottery and other artifacts that reflect their relationship with the land.

Related terms

Irrigation: The artificial application of water to soil or land to assist in the growing of crops, which was crucial for subsistence farmers in arid regions.

Crop Rotation: A farming practice where different types of crops are grown in the same area in sequenced seasons to improve soil health and increase productivity.

Foraging: The act of searching for and gathering wild food resources, which often complements subsistence farming by providing additional nutrition.