Subsistence farming is a type of farming where farmers mainly produce food for themselves and their families. The farmer may grow crops or keep animals mainly to meet household food needs rather than to produce large quantities for sale.
This type of farming is common among small-scale farmers. Production is often carried out on small pieces of land using simple farm tools and family labour. Any extra produce left after meeting family needs may be sold or exchanged for other goods.
Meaning of Subsistence Farming
Subsistence farming refers to agricultural production that is mainly carried out to provide food for the farmer and the farmer’s household. The farmer usually grows crops such as maize, cassava, yam, beans, vegetables and other food crops.
Animals such as goats, sheep, poultry and cattle may also be kept for food, income or other household needs. The scale of production is usually smaller than that of commercial farming.
Features of Subsistence Farming
Several characteristics make subsistence farming different from large-scale commercial agriculture.
1. Small Farm Size
Subsistence farms are usually operated on relatively small areas of land. The available land may be used to grow different crops or keep a small number of animals to meet the needs of the household.
2. Production Mainly for Family Consumption
The main purpose is to produce food for the farmer and the family. A farmer may consume most of the harvest and sell only the surplus to obtain money for other household needs.
3. Use of Family Labour
Family members often provide much of the labour needed on the farm. They may help with activities such as land preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting and caring for animals.
4. Simple Farm Tools
Many subsistence farmers depend on simple tools such as hoes, cutlasses, spades and machetes. These tools are useful for small farms but can make some farm operations slow and labour-intensive.
5. Low Level of Mechanisation
Large tractors and other modern machines are not commonly used on many subsistence farms. The small size of the farm, high equipment costs and limited access to machinery can make mechanisation difficult.
6. Mixed Cropping
Farmers may grow several crops on the same piece of land. For example, maize may be grown together with beans, cassava or vegetables. This helps the farmer produce different types of food from limited land.
7. Limited Use of Modern Inputs
Some subsistence farmers use small amounts of improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides or irrigation equipment. Limited access to money, inputs and technical support can affect the level of production.
8. Small Amount of Surplus
After feeding the household, only a small amount of produce may remain for sale. The income from these sales is often used to buy clothing, school materials, farm inputs and other necessities.
Crops Commonly Grown
The crops grown depend on the climate, soil and food needs of the farming community. Common examples include:
- Maize
- Cassava
- Yam
- Rice
- Beans
- Cowpea
- Sweet potato
- Vegetables
- Plantain
- Groundnut
Farmers may choose crops that are suitable for their local environment and provide food that is commonly eaten by their families.
Advantages of Subsistence Farming
Subsistence farming provides several benefits to farmers, families and local communities.
1. Provides Food for the Family
One of its main advantages is that it provides food directly for the household. Farmers can produce crops and animals that form an important part of their daily meals.
2. Reduces Household Food Expenses
When families produce some of their own food, they may spend less money buying those foods from the market. This can allow available income to be used for other important needs.
3. Provides Employment
Subsistence farming keeps farmers and family members engaged in useful agricultural activities. It provides work in areas where other employment opportunities may be limited.
4. Makes Use of Family Labour
Family members can contribute their time and skills to farm activities. This reduces the need to hire large numbers of outside workers, which may be expensive for small farmers.
5. Supports Rural Communities
Many rural communities depend on small-scale farming for food and income. The production, sale and exchange of farm products can support local markets and other businesses.
6. Provides Extra Income
Although the main purpose is household consumption, surplus crops and animals can be sold. The income earned can help farmers meet household needs and purchase farm inputs.
7. Encourages Local Food Production
Subsistence farmers contribute to the supply of food within their communities. Their production can help reduce complete dependence on food purchased from distant markets.
Disadvantages of Subsistence Farming
Despite its importance, subsistence farming has some limitations that can reduce the amount and quality of production.
1. Low Level of Production
Production may be low because farmers often work on small areas of land with limited equipment and inputs. This can make it difficult to produce enough surplus for larger markets.
2. Heavy Dependence on Family Labour
A farm that depends mainly on family members may face labour shortages when there are not enough people available to work. Illness, school activities or other responsibilities can also reduce the labour available.
3. Limited Use of Modern Technology
Limited access to improved machinery, irrigation systems, quality seeds and other technologies can reduce farm productivity. Farmers may therefore spend more time completing some farm operations.
4. Low Income
Because only a small quantity of produce may be available for sale, the income earned can be limited. This may make it difficult for farmers to save money or invest in better farm equipment and inputs.
5. Vulnerable to Weather Conditions
Many subsistence farms depend heavily on rainfall. Drought, excessive rainfall, flooding or other unfavourable weather conditions can damage crops and reduce food available to the household.
6. Difficulty in Expanding Production
Small farm size, limited capital and lack of machinery can make expansion difficult. Farmers may struggle to increase production even when there is a strong demand for their products.
7. Limited Access to Markets
Some farmers live far from major markets and may have poor roads or transportation facilities. This can make it difficult to sell surplus produce at good prices.
Subsistence Farming and Commercial Farming
Although both involve the production of crops and animals, their main purposes are different.
| Subsistence Farming | Commercial Farming |
|---|---|
| Mainly produces food for the farmer and family | Mainly produces goods for sale |
| Usually operates on a small scale | Often operates on a larger scale |
| Relies heavily on family labour | Uses hired labour and machinery more often |
| Usually has limited capital | Usually requires more capital |
| Uses fewer modern technologies in many cases | Makes greater use of modern technologies |
| Surplus may be sold locally | Large quantities are produced for markets |
Factors Affecting Subsistence Farming
The success of subsistence farming depends on several conditions. These include the availability of fertile land, rainfall, farm labour, access to farm inputs, capital, transportation and farming knowledge.
Land availability is especially important because farmers with very small plots may not be able to produce enough food for their households. Access to good seeds, fertilizers, tools and extension services can also improve production.
How Subsistence Farming Can Be Improved
Subsistence farmers can improve production by using better seeds, practising good soil management and applying suitable fertilizers when needed. Access to irrigation can also reduce dependence on rainfall in areas where water is available.
Farmers can benefit from training in improved farming methods, better storage and proper pest management. Improved roads, markets, credit facilities and access to farm equipment can also help small-scale farmers increase production and earn more from their surplus.
Importance in Rural Areas
Subsistence farming remains important in many rural communities because it provides food and supports the livelihoods of farming families. It also creates demand for farm tools, seeds, transportation and other services.
The produce from these farms can supply local markets and contribute to the food needs of nearby communities. With better support and improved farming practices, small-scale farmers can increase their productivity while continuing to provide food for their households.
Summary
Subsistence farming is a type of agriculture in which farmers mainly produce crops and animals to meet the food needs of their families. It is commonly carried out on small farms using family labour and simple tools.
Its advantages include providing food, reducing household food expenses, creating employment, supporting rural communities and providing some income. However, it can also have disadvantages such as low production, limited income, dependence on weather and limited access to modern technology.
Revision Questions
- What is subsistence farming?
- Mention five features of subsistence farming.
- State five advantages of subsistence farming.
- Mention five disadvantages of subsistence farming.
- Give four differences between subsistence farming and commercial farming.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is subsistence farming?
Subsistence farming is farming mainly carried out to produce food for the farmer and the farmer’s family rather than mainly for commercial sale.
2. What crops are commonly grown in subsistence farming?
Common crops include maize, cassava, yam, rice, beans, cowpea, sweet potato, vegetables and groundnut.
3. What are the main features of subsistence farming?
Small farm size, family labour, simple tools, mixed cropping, limited use of modern inputs and production mainly for household consumption are common features.
4. What are the advantages of subsistence farming?
It provides food, reduces household food expenses, creates employment, supports rural communities and can provide extra income from surplus produce.
5. What are the disadvantages of subsistence farming?
Common disadvantages include low production, limited income, dependence on weather, difficulty expanding the farm and limited access to modern technology.
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