Subsistence Farming

Definition

Subsistence farming is a type of agriculture where farmers grow food primarily to feed themselves and their families, rather than for sale or trade. This method focuses on self-sufficiency and often involves small plots of land, limited technology, and reliance on local resources. In the context of economic transformations, subsistence farming highlights the contrast with more commercialized agricultural practices that emerged during periods of industrialization and urbanization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subsistence farming was prevalent in rural areas prior to the Market Revolution, as most families relied on their farms to meet basic needs.
2. Farmers practicing subsistence farming often grew a variety of crops and raised livestock to ensure a diverse food supply throughout the year.
3. As the Market Revolution progressed, many subsistence farmers began to shift towards commercial agriculture due to increased demand for food in urban areas.
4. Subsistence farming practices were more common in regions with limited access to markets, making self-sufficiency essential for survival.
5. The transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture significantly altered rural communities, leading to changes in social structures and economic relationships.

Review Questions

• How did subsistence farming influence the social structure of rural communities before the Market Revolution?
  • Before the Market Revolution, subsistence farming shaped rural communities by fostering close-knit relationships among families who depended on one another for resources and support. This reliance created a strong sense of community as neighbors would often help each other with planting and harvesting. The focus on self-sufficiency led to less interaction with outside markets, which reinforced traditional social structures centered around agrarian lifestyles.
• In what ways did the Market Revolution impact the practice of subsistence farming and farmers' transition to commercial agriculture?
  • The Market Revolution introduced new technologies, transportation systems, and market demands that significantly impacted subsistence farming. As urban populations grew, there was a heightened demand for food that incentivized farmers to shift from subsistence practices toward commercial agriculture. This transition involved adopting more specialized farming techniques and participating in local and national markets, which ultimately transformed rural economies and lifestyles.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the decline of subsistence farming on rural communities and agricultural practices in the United States.
  • The decline of subsistence farming led to significant long-term consequences for rural communities in the United States. As farmers transitioned to commercial agriculture, they became more integrated into national and global markets, which often resulted in increased economic dependence on fluctuating market conditions. This shift contributed to larger agribusiness operations overshadowing smaller family farms, altering land use patterns, and impacting local economies. Moreover, the loss of traditional farming practices diminished community resilience, as families became less self-reliant and more vulnerable to economic changes.

Related terms

Commercial Agriculture: A farming system where crops and livestock are produced for sale in the market rather than for personal consumption.

Crop Rotation: An agricultural technique involving the alternating planting of different crops in a specific sequence to maintain soil fertility and reduce pests.

Barter System: An economic system in which goods and services are exchanged directly for other goods and services without using money.