Subsistence farming can be described as what?

Study for the IB Environmental Systems and Societies Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Subsistence farming refers to a type of agriculture where farmers grow enough food primarily to feed themselves and their families, with little or no surplus for sale or trade. The main goal of subsistence farming is to meet the basic needs of the farmer's household, which often means that the scale of production is small, and the focus is on staple crops that can sustain the family throughout the year. This practice is typically found in more rural and developing regions where access to markets is limited, and farmers rely on traditional methods and local resources to cultivate crops.

In contrast, the other mentioned forms of farming involve different objectives. One involves the cultivation of cash crops intended for sale in markets, which means the agricultural practices are driven by profit motives rather than mere survival. Large-scale farming aimed at export indicates a focus on industrial agriculture with significant infrastructure, technology, and resources to produce food for international markets. Similarly, commercial farming emphasizes the production of crops for sale and profit, rather than for the immediate consumption of the farmer's household or community.

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