SMALLHOLDER Meaning and
Definition
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A smallholder refers to an individual or a household engaged in small-scale agriculture or farming activities. They typically own or operate a small piece of land, generally less than five hectares, and rely on this land for subsistence or income generation. Smallholders are commonly found in rural areas and play a significant role in supporting local food production, food security, and rural livelihoods.
Smallholders cultivate a variety of crops or rear livestock for their own consumption or as a source of income. They often employ traditional or low-input farming techniques, which may involve the use of manual labor, basic tools, and limited external inputs. In some cases, smallholders may engage in specialized farming activities such as fruit orchards, poultry farming, or vegetable cultivation.
Smallholders face various challenges, including limited access to resources such as finance, modern agricultural technologies, and markets. They may also encounter difficulties in adapting to climate change, accessing extension services, or acquiring technical knowledge. However, despite these challenges, smallholders play a vital role in sustaining rural economies, preserving local agricultural heritage, and contributing to the overall food production of a country.
Efforts to support smallholders often involve providing them with access to credit, training programs, improved agricultural practices, market linkages, and policy frameworks that protect and promote their interests. The recognition of smallholder agriculture as a crucial sector in many developing countries has led to increased emphasis on empowering smallholders and integrating them into sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems.
Common Misspellings for SMALLHOLDER
Etymology of SMALLHOLDER
The word "smallholder" originated in the 19th century in England and Scotland. It is derived from the combination of "small" and "holder".
The term "holder" itself has a long history and originally referred to someone who held or possessed something. In the context of agriculture, a "holder" was used to describe individuals who owned or leased land for farming.
The addition of "small" to "holder" in "smallholder" signifies the size or scale of the farming operation. Smallholders typically owned or leased relatively small plots of land and engaged in subsistence farming or small-scale farming for local markets. The emergence of this term coincided with the rise of industrialization and the transition from large-scale estate farming to smaller independent landholdings.
Over time, the term "smallholder" has been used globally and is often associated with rural communities and agricultural practices in developing countries.
Similar spelling word for SMALLHOLDER
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