Primitive & Intensive Subsistence Farming

Subsistence farming encompasses two forms of agriculture including primitive and intensive subsistence. Primitive farming includes the use of shift cultivation methods in crop farming.  Shift cultivation involves the clearing of land following a series of crop farming that renders it inadequate for crop farming (Heinimann et al., 2017). The soil becomes infertile or unable to support the growth of certain crops because of the consistent use of land. Once the land has reduced or lost its nutrients because of soil leaching, it is abandoned to allow for natural reclamation. Shift cultivation is commonly practiced in Amazon among other tropical regions. Subsequently, intensive subsistence farming is also being practiced in Monsoon lands of Asia including China, India, Japan, and Cambodia among other monsoon lands (Heinimann et al.,2017).  Most of the crops grown in shift cultivation and intensive subsistence farming are perennial crops. Specifically, crops such as Cassava, sweet potatoes, corns, coffee, cacao, rubber among other perennial crops are grown in these plantations.

Different communities or countries practice subsistence and shift cultivation because of varied reasons. However, one dominating factor in these traditional types of farming is population growth. It means therefore that the demand for these methods increases with an increase in population density. An increase in population density promotes subsistence farming. Land tillage is vital for larger population densities, especially in intensive farming. Communities engage in these methods by planting mixed crops to meet the demand of their families. In some countries like Japan, subsistence farming is carried out to support the families and for sales. Although sales are factors considered for doing subsistence farming, it is not the major reason for venturing into subsistence farming instead of a secondary issue.

Subsistence farming plays a fundamental role in the environment. Despite the fact that it destroys biodiversity, increases crop infestation, soil leaching, reduced water catchment areas, and land invasions, it has positive impacts as well (Waceke & Kimenju, 2007). There is no use of fertilizers thus it encourages the growth of soil bacteria that are clinical in soil decomposition. Consistently, it encourages increased productivity in marginal lands because people living in those areas tend to venture into subsistence farming. Mostly, Subsistence farming does not require the use of large tracts of land thus a section of the land can be set aside for environmental works. The land that could have been used in farming can be used for other non- food related activities thus save soil nutrients in some areas.

Subsistence farming has multifaceted challenges for the human population. It is the major cause of migration among human populations. For instance, an area, where shift cultivation is practiced, is likely to deteriorate in nutrients. As such, a population staying in that land must move to fertile areas to survive. Conversely, people who cannot move due to depletion of soil nutrient may end up striving or eventually die (Waceke & Kimenju, 2007). The reverse is true to people who have adequate food. These people tend to increase in population because there is adequate food to feed the families and relatives among other members of society.

There is a big difference between Organic and Subsistence farming. Organic farming is technology based thus has the ability to control and manage biodiversity, land use and increased food production (Lipton, 2017). The use of technology has enabled the growth of crops in cultivations, biotechnology, and drought-resistant crops. Contrary, subsistence farming continue to use the same old methods but in the end, interferes with the environment.

Reference

Heinimann, A., Mertz, O., Frolking, S., Christensen, A. E., Hurni, K., Sedano, F., … & Hurtt, G. (2017). A global view of shifting cultivation: Recent, current, and future extent. PloS one, 12(9), e0184479.

Lipton, M. (2017). Staples production: Efficient “subsistence” smallholders are key to poverty reduction, development, and trade. In Agriculture and Rural Development in a Globalizing World (pp. 82-102). Routledge.

Waceke, J. W., & Kimenju, J. W. (2007). Intensive subsistence agriculture: Impacts, challenges and possible interventions. Dynamic Soil, Dynamic Plant, 1(1), 43-53.