Subsistence farming is a type of agricultural practice that primarily focuses on producing enough food for the farmer and their family. The spelling of the word "subsistence" is /səbˈsɪstəns/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "sub" prefix means "under" while "sistence" is derived from the Latin word "sistere", meaning "to stand". Thus, the word "subsistence" means "the state or condition of standing under or supporting oneself with the minimum necessities of life."
Subsistence farming refers to a type of agricultural practice in which individuals or families cultivate and produce enough food to meet their own basic needs, without any significant surplus for trade or sale. It is primarily characterized by its focus on sustaining the farmer's livelihood rather than generating profits. This type of farming is typically practiced in rural areas, often by small-scale farmers who own or work on small plots of land.
Subsistence farming is commonly found in regions with limited access to modern technologies, infrastructure, and markets. Farmers in such areas rely on traditional and labor-intensive farming techniques, often utilizing basic tools and cultivating crops manually. The primary objective is to ensure the survival and well-being of the farming household, supplying them with essential food items such as staple crops, fruits, vegetables, and sometimes livestock for meat, milk, or fiber.
This form of farming can provide a level of self-sufficiency in terms of food security for the farming family, as it reduces reliance on external sources of sustenance. However, it can also pose challenges in terms of limited productivity, due to factors such as limited access to fertilizers, lack of modern machinery, and inadequate infrastructure for transportation and irrigation. Consequently, subsistence farming may sometimes lead to poverty and food insecurity, particularly during periods of unfavorable weather conditions or environmental challenges.
Overall, subsistence farming represents an essential agricultural practice that allows individuals and families to meet their basic nutritional needs, but it often requires further development and support to improve productivity and enhance overall livelihoods.
The word "subsistence farming" originated from the combination of two terms: "subsistence" and "farming".
1. Subsistence: The word "subsistence" comes from the Latin word "subsistentia", which is the present participle of "subsistere". "Subsistere" is composed of "sub", meaning "under" or "below", and "sistere", meaning "to stand". In Latin, "subsistere" referred to something that can "stand under" or support oneself. Over time, it came to mean the ability to maintain or support one's basic needs or existence.
2. Farming: The term "farming" has Old English roots and is derived from the word "færm", which means "food" or "provision".