Subsistence Agriculture

Subsistence agriculture faces challenges such as low productivity, soil erosion and climate dependency. However, by incorporating sustainable farming techniques and using organic inputs, it is possible to improve efficiency and protect the natural environment. We provide organic solutions tailored to the needs of these farmers, promoting a balance between food production and conservation of the local ecosystem

Characteristics of subsistence farming

Subsistence farming is characterised by the fact that it is mainly oriented towards self-consumption, producing enough food for the needs of a family or local community. It usually relies on traditional practices, with little mechanisation and a low use of chemical products. At Econatur, we support this type of agriculture with ecological solutions that improve soil fertility and crop quality, without compromising natural resources in the long term. Another key characteristic of subsistence farming is its strong dependence on climatic conditions, which can affect crop yields. Farmers often use a diversity of crops to ensure food self-sufficiency. At Econatur, we offer sustainable products that improve crop resilience to adverse environmental factors, helping farmers maximise their productivity and preserve the local ecosystems they rely on

What is subsistence farming

Subsistence farming is a farming system oriented towards the production of food for self-consumption, where families or communities grow what is necessary to cover their own food needs. This type of agriculture is based on traditional techniques and the use of simple tools, without the incorporation of large technologies. At Econatur, we offer natural solutions that allow farmers to improve the productivity and sustainability of their crops. In subsistence farming, farmers usually grow a variety of crops, such as cereals, fruits and vegetables, diversifying crops to ensure food security. This system is common in rural regions and is closely linked to the conservation of the natural environment. At Econatur, we help to optimise these practices through organic products that respect the environment and contribute to maintaining the health of the soil and crops

Why it is called subsistence farming

Subsistence farming is so called because its main objective is to produce enough food to meet the basic needs of a family or community, rather than to generate surpluses for trade. This type of agriculture is mainly practised in rural areas, where technological and financial resources are limited. At Econatur, we offer ecological products that help to improve the efficiency of these crops, increasing their sustainability and yield. Subsistence agriculture is so called because it does not seek to maximise profits, but to ensure the survival of those who practice it. It is based on the use of traditional techniques, and farmers depend directly on what they grow for their daily sustenance. At Econatur, we understand the importance of this type of agriculture and provide natural solutions that allow farmers to improve soil fertility and obtain more abundant and healthier harvests

Types of subsistence farming

There are several types of subsistence farming, including shifting cultivation, rain-fed agriculture and irrigated agriculture. Shifting cultivation involves the temporary use of plots of land, with crop rotation to avoid soil depletion. At Econatur, we support these practices with ecological solutions that improve soil fertility and allow farmers to obtain higher yields without compromising the natural environment. Another important type is rain-fed subsistence farming, where crops depend exclusively on rainfall, and irrigated agriculture, which uses artificial systems to ensure water for crops. Both systems focus on family self-sufficiency. At Econatur, we provide products that optimise water use efficiency and soil conservation, helping farmers to cope with climate challenges and improve the sustainability of their crops

Advantages and Challenges of Subsistence Agriculture

Subsistence farming offers key advantages, such as food self-sufficiency for families or rural communities and the use of traditional farming techniques that respect the natural environment. By focusing on self-consumption, this practice reduces dependence on external markets. We support subsistence farmers with ecological solutions that improve soil health and increase the productivity of their crops in a sustainable way. However, subsistence farming also faces significant challenges, such as low productivity due to limited access to technological resources, vulnerability to climatic events and soil degradation. Subsistence farmers often lack access to mode inputs to improve their yields. We offer natural and sustainable products that help address these challenges, strengthening farming practices and improving yields without compromising the environment

Subsistence Agriculture and its Relationship to the Environment

Subsistence farming has a close relationship with the environment, as it uses traditional practices that generally respect natural cycles and local resources. By relying on the natural environment for food, subsistence farmers often use techniques that promote sustainability, such as crop rotation and the use of organic inputs. However, subsistence farming can also put pressure on the environment when resources are not properly managed. Overexploitation of land and lack of regenerative practices can lead to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. At Econatur, we support farmers with sustainable solutions that enable them to farm efficiently, improving soil health and promoting long-term ecological balance

Frequently Asked Questions about Subsistence Farming

Subsistence farming is a traditional model that remains fundamental in many rural communities. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about how it works and its impact on the environment

what is subsistence farming?

Subsistence farming is a farming system in which farmers produce food primarily to meet their own and their families’ needs, with little or no surplus for sale

what are the main characteristics of subsistence farming?

The main characteristics of subsistence farming include the use of traditional techniques, a focus on self-consumption, low mechanisation and dependence on local natural resources such as land and water

what challenges does subsistence farming face?

The challenges of subsistence agriculture include low productivity, vulnerability to climate change, limited access to modeechnologies and soil degradation, which can affect long-term sustainability.