The Vital Role of Subsistence Farming in Feeding the World

In fact, agriculture has been an important component human race for thousands of year. Right from the ancient days to the present day, I can say farming has been the bedrock of human civilization. Subsistence farming is a type of agriculture that has been known to have sustained the societies for millennia.

Here in this article, we are going to delve into the meaning of subsistence farming, the advantages it comes with and how if differs from commercial farming.  

What is Subsistence Farming?

As indicated in the introduction, subsistence farming is a type of farming that mainly focuses on producing enough food to meet the needs of a family or community. As mirrored in commercial farming which is mainly for profit, but subsistence is driven by the need for food.

The primary goal of this type of farming is to ensure that there is food available for the farmer and their family, when there is surplus, sold out to the local community.

Subsistence Farming Facts

This type of farming has been around for thousands of years and it is still present in many part of the world. As reported by the Agriculture Organization (FAO), subsistence farming alone account for 70 percent of the food consumed globally. In many developing and low-income countries, this is the major source of food for the majority of the population.

Subsistence farming is often characterized by small-scale agriculture and the use of traditional farming methods. Farmers use simple tools and techniques, such as hand tools and draft animals, to cultivate their crops. The most common crops grown in subsistence farming include rice, corn, wheat, cassava, and potatoes.

It has been applauded for its vital role in ensuring food security as well as reducing poverty in developing countries. Many small-scale farmers depend on this to derive their income, earn a livelihood and improve their standard of living.

In many cases, this type of farming is the only option for small-scale farmers who lack access to credit, land, and modern farming equipment.

Examples of Subsistence Farming

It is prevalent in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. In Africa, for example, this type of farming is the primary source of food for the majority of the population. In many African countries, small-scale farmers use traditional farming methods to cultivate crops such as maize, sorghum, and millet.

In South America, subsistence type of farming is common in rural areas, where farmers cultivate crops such as beans, cassava, and potatoes. In Asia, this farming is prevalent in countries such as India and China, where small-scale farmers cultivate rice, wheat, and other staple crops.

Contrast with Commercial Farming

Providing a contrast view, commercial farming mainly focuses on maximization of profits by making sure food is supplied to the global market. Unlike subsistence, commercial farming is uses modern farming techniques and equipment. They often involve monocultures, where a farmer cultivates a single crop, such as corn or soybeans on a large scale.

This type of farming is mostly seen in developed countries like the United States, where technologies are used by farmers to increase production. Unlike subsistence, which is focused on producing food for local communities, commercial farming is often geared towards exporting crops to other countries.

Drawing the curtains down, I will want to say it has taken care of the human societies for thousands of years and it is still being practiced in many parts of the world. One cannot undermine its vital role in ensuring food security, reducing poverty and ensuring that farmers have livelihood.

As the world focuses on a more sustainable and equitable food system, it is important to talk about the importance of it in providing food for the world.

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