Subsistence farming is characterized by the dominance of food crops, small holdings, and family labor.
Subsistence farming is a type of agriculture where farmers produce food primarily for their own consumption, rather than for sale in markets. The focus of subsistence farming is on producing enough food to feed one's family and community, rather than generating profit.
In subsistence farming, farmers typically have small plots of land and rely on their own labor and the labor of their family members to cultivate crops. They use simple tools such as hoes, machetes, and digging sticks, rather than heavy machinery or advanced technology. The crops produced are primarily for household consumption and may include staples such as maize, rice, cassava, and beans.
While subsistence farmers may occasionally sell their surplus crops at local markets, their main goal is to produce enough food to feed their families throughout the year. This makes subsistence farming an important strategy for ensuring food security in many parts of the world, especially in rural areas where access to food may be limited.