Subsistence farming facts for kids
Subsistence farming is a way of growing food where farmers only produce enough for themselves and their families. They usually have small pieces of land and don't grow extra crops or raise extra animals to sell or trade. This means they don't earn money from their farming to buy other things they need.
For example, a family might have just one cow to provide milk only for them. Or a farmer might grow only enough wheat to make bread for his or her family.
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What is Subsistence Farming?
Subsistence farming is all about survival. Farmers focus on growing food that their family will eat directly. They don't aim to make a profit or sell their produce in markets. This type of farming is common in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries where people might not have much land or access to modern farming tools.
Why Do Farmers Choose This Method?
Farmers often practice subsistence farming because they have no other choice. They might not have enough money to buy food, so growing their own is essential for survival. They also might not have access to large areas of land, advanced machinery, or ways to transport their crops to sell them. For these families, farming is about feeding themselves and staying healthy.
Different Kinds of Subsistence Farming
There are a few different ways people do subsistence farming:
- Shifting Cultivation: This is when farmers clear a piece of land, grow crops on it for a few years, and then move to a new piece of land. They let the old land rest and recover its nutrients. This is often done in tropical areas.
- Nomadic Herding: This involves people who move from place to place with their animals, like sheep, goats, or cattle. They find fresh pastures for their animals to graze. The animals provide milk, meat, and sometimes hides for the family.
- Intensive Subsistence Farming: In some areas, especially where there are many people and not much land, farmers grow a lot of food on a small plot. They might use a lot of labor and traditional methods to get as much food as possible from their land.
Where is Subsistence Farming Found?
Subsistence farming is most common in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In these regions, many people live in rural areas and depend directly on the land for their food. It's less common in developed countries like the United States or Europe, where farming is usually done on a large scale to produce food for many people and for sale.
Challenges for Subsistence Farmers
Subsistence farmers face many difficulties:
- Weather Problems: They are very dependent on the weather. Too much rain, not enough rain (drought), or extreme temperatures can ruin their crops and leave them without food.
- Limited Resources: They often don't have access to good tools, fertilizers, or seeds that could help them grow more food.
- Small Land Plots: Their land might be too small to produce enough food for a growing family.
- No Money: Since they don't sell their crops, they don't have money to buy other important things like medicine, clothes, or send their children to school.
The Future of Subsistence Farming
As the world changes, many efforts are being made to help subsistence farmers. This includes teaching them new farming methods, providing better seeds, and helping them find ways to sell a small part of their crops if they manage to grow a little extra. The goal is to help these families improve their lives and have more food security.
