Subsistence agriculture is crucial because it provides food security for millions of people, particularly in developing countries where communities rely on their own crop production for survival. It promotes self-sufficiency and reduces dependence on external food sources, which can be unstable. Additionally, subsistence farming often preserves local biodiversity and traditional farming practices, contributing to sustainable land management and cultural heritage. Overall, it plays a vital role in the livelihoods of rural populations and supports local economies.
Subsistence agriculture is that in which the farmers use or consume most of what they produce, rather than selling it in a market (commercial agriculture). Intensive subsistence agriculture refers to subsistence agriculture that supports a large number of people on a relatively small parcel of land (i.e., high physiological density). The primary example of intensive subsistence agriculture would be rice growing, such as that found in East, South and Southeast Asia. Extensive subsistence agriculture, on the other hand, is that which requires a lot of land to support relatively few people (i.e., low physiological density). Examples of this type include shifting cultivation/swidden agriculture (or slash and burn) and pastoral nomadism.
Agriculture is characterised by a dualistic structure of market-oriented commercial farms and much small-scale subsistence farming.
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only enough is produced for the family or to survive
Supplying crops for overseas export
Mediterranean
Subsistence agriculture is that in which the farmers use or consume most of what they produce, rather than selling it in a market (commercial agriculture). Intensive subsistence agriculture refers to subsistence agriculture that supports a large number of people on a relatively small parcel of land (i.e., high physiological density). The primary example of intensive subsistence agriculture would be rice growing, such as that found in East, South and Southeast Asia. Extensive subsistence agriculture, on the other hand, is that which requires a lot of land to support relatively few people (i.e., low physiological density). Examples of this type include shifting cultivation/swidden agriculture (or slash and burn) and pastoral nomadism.
Market oriented agriculture is the planting and cultivation so as to supply markets and industries. Subsistence agriculture is aimed at feeding a family.
Canada has specialized agriculture.
Subsistence
Agriculture is characterised by a dualistic structure of market-oriented commercial farms and much small-scale subsistence farming.
Almost all of Poland has commercial farming or agriculture.
Commercial, primarily.
agriculture.
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Supplying crops for overseas export
only enough is produced for the family or to survive