Subsistence farming

Definition

Subsistence farming is a type of agriculture where farmers grow enough food to feed themselves and their families, with little to no surplus for trade or sale. This farming practice is often characterized by small-scale plots, traditional techniques, and a focus on local crops that are well-suited to the environment. This approach to agriculture was pivotal during the emergence of farming and greatly influenced the migrations of communities, such as the Bantu.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subsistence farming often relies on traditional agricultural methods, including manual labor and local knowledge passed down through generations.
2. The Bantu migrations were significantly influenced by subsistence farming, as groups moved to find fertile lands suitable for their agricultural practices.
3. This type of farming usually involves a diverse range of crops, promoting biodiversity and resilience against pests and climate variability.
4. Communities practicing subsistence farming tend to have strong ties to their local environment, as their survival depends directly on the health of their ecosystems.
5. Subsistence farming remains prevalent in many parts of Africa and Asia today, where modernization and industrial agriculture have not fully replaced traditional practices.

Review Questions

• How did subsistence farming impact the social structures of communities during the early agricultural period?
  • Subsistence farming shaped social structures by promoting close-knit communities that relied on cooperation and shared resources. Families often worked together to cultivate their land, leading to stronger familial ties and communal support systems. As groups focused on self-sufficiency, they developed distinct cultural practices and knowledge systems centered around agriculture, which influenced their social organization.
• Analyze how subsistence farming practices may have facilitated the Bantu migrations across Africa.
  • Subsistence farming practices were central to the Bantu migrations as these communities sought out fertile lands that could support their agricultural needs. As populations grew, groups migrated to areas with better resources for farming, such as rivers and fertile soils. This movement allowed them to spread their agricultural techniques and languages throughout sub-Saharan Africa, significantly impacting the regions they settled in.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of subsistence farming on environmental sustainability compared to industrial agriculture.
  • Subsistence farming generally promotes environmental sustainability due to its reliance on diverse cropping systems and minimal chemical inputs, which help maintain soil health and biodiversity. In contrast, industrial agriculture often leads to monocultures, heavy use of fertilizers, and pesticides that can degrade ecosystems over time. Evaluating these practices highlights how subsistence farming can contribute positively to ecological balance while emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in modern agriculture.

Related terms

Shifting cultivation: A farming method where plots of land are cleared and used for a few years before being abandoned for new areas, allowing the original land to recover.

Crop rotation: The practice of alternating the types of crops grown in a particular area from season to season to maintain soil fertility and reduce pests.

Agrarian society: A community whose economy is based primarily on agriculture, emphasizing the importance of farming in daily life and social structure.