SUBSISTENCE FARMER Meaning and
Definition
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A subsistence farmer is an individual or household that engages primarily in farming activities to meet their basic needs for food and survival. They cultivate a small plot of land and rely on the crops they grow for their own consumption rather than for commercial purposes. Subsistence farming is often practiced in rural areas of developing countries where access to formal employment and other economic opportunities may be limited.
Subsistence farmers typically use traditional and rudimentary farming techniques, often without the aid of modern machinery or advanced agricultural methods. They rely on age-old knowledge, experience, and manual labor to cultivate their crops. The types of crops grown by subsistence farmers vary depending on the geographical and climatic conditions of their region. It can include staple crops like rice, wheat, maize, potatoes, legumes, and vegetables.
The produce obtained from subsistence farming is primarily intended to sustain the farmer and their family, with little to no surplus available for sale or trade. This method of farming is characterized by self-sufficiency and minimal reliance on external markets or supply chains.
Subsistence farming not only provides food security for the farmer's household but also contributes to community resilience by reducing dependence on external food sources. However, subsistence farming can also be associated with poverty and limited economic opportunities, as the farmers often lack access to modern technologies, markets, and credit facilities.
Etymology of SUBSISTENCE FARMER
The word "subsistence farmer" can be broken down into two parts: "subsistence" and "farmer".
- "Subsistence" originates from the Latin word "subsistentia", which means "subsistence, support". It is derived from the verb "subsistere", meaning "to exist, to stand firm". The term "subsistence" refers to the state of maintaining oneself or a group at a minimal level of existence, typically providing enough food, shelter, and basic needs to sustain life without surplus.
- "Farmer" is derived from the Middle English word "fermere", which meant "a person who manages or is in charge of a farm". It is related to the Old English word "feormere" and the Old High German word "fermari", both of which denoted someone engaged in agricultural activities.
