Definition

Noun: A type of agriculture where farmers focus on growing enough food to meet the needs of themselves and their families, with little or no surplus left for trade or sale.

Usage

This term describes a self-sufficient farming practice. It is used to discuss agricultural systems, economic development, and rural livelihoods.

Examples: * For many families in the region, subsistence farming is their primary way of life. * The transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture can be challenging. * Their subsistence farming operation includes a small vegetable plot and a few chickens.

Advanced Usage

• Subsistence agriculture is often used interchangeably with "subsistence farming."
• The concept is frequently contrasted with commercial farming or cash-crop farming, where the primary goal is to produce goods for the market.
• It can be part of discussions on food security at the household level.

Variants and Related Words

• Subsistence agriculture (n): A synonym for subsistence farming.
• Subsistence crop (n): A crop grown primarily to feed the farmer's family, such as cassava, yams, or maize, rather than for sale.
• Subsistence economy (n): An economy in which production is mainly for personal consumption and not for trade.

Synonyms

• Self-sufficient farming
• Survival farming

Antonyms

• Commercial farming
• Agribusiness
• Cash-crop farming

Related Phrases

• To practice subsistence farming: The verb phrase used to describe engaging in this activity.
  • The community continues to practice subsistence farming as they have for generations.
• Subsistence level: A standard of living or production that provides only the bare necessities for survival.
  • The family's income was barely at a subsistence level.

Noun

1. farming that provides for the basic needs of the farmer without surpluses for marketing