Subsistence FarmingBy Ciaran Reddy

Benefits of Subsistence Farms

● A sustainable source of food● A place to practice sustainable methods of

growing, gathering foods and using natural resources

● Good for the soil and local ecosystems● Very affordable as long as the work is put in

Family Based● Small farms● Workers made up of immediate

and sometimes extended family members

● All produce goes to the family● All the income gained goes back

into the farm● Sustainability is practiced avidly● Processes that reduce manpower,

money and taxed utilities are used

There are two main types:Community Based● Somewhat larger establishments● Farmers gather a small

community that all live on a farm or plot of land

● Most of the produce is used by the community, some is sold

● More time to spend on perfecting sustainable practices

● Many minds bring many oppinions to the table

Where Subsistence Farms are Found

Impoverished Areas/Developing Nations● These farms support families or

communities who are barely getting by

● Every inch of land is used and all the product goes back into feeding the family

● Very patriarchal family settings and not many opportunities for schooling

Developed Nations● These farms can sustain larger

communities● Focused on developing

sustainable living methods● Money plays a larger part in the

upkeep of the farm and development of methods

● Forms of selling produce are used to gain money for the farm and provide the community with alternatives in food

Tajikistan America

Methods of Farming

● Part of subsistence farming is using the littlest space to produce the most

● Different methods are used to acquire such a goal

● These beds a tiered garden bedso They utilize a hilled area that would otherwise be

difficult to farmo Water uses gravity to travel between garden beds

Methods Cont.

● Intercroppingo Maximizes variation and use of spaceo Plants work together to provide each other with

nutrients and distribute water between levelso Creates a medley of dead material to revitalize the

soil

COMPOST!

● Deteriorating organic materials add

nutrients and minerals to the soil

● Provides each new bed a new layer

of health and richness

● Easy to make and a very sufficient

process

CHICKENS

● Natural fertilizer

● They are used to clear an area of

grass and weeds

● They then poop on the soil, adding

more nutrients to the soil and

churning it in

Fertilizer

Rain Barrels

● Very inexpensive and easily

assembled

● A sustainable, free water source

Natural Wells

● More difficult to build but much

more rewarding

● Sometimes drinkable

Water

CSAs provide income for the farm that can be used

for more seed and starts

It also provides an alternative food option for locals

Farmers markets are another source of income and gives the

local community healthy food and jobs

Farmers markets can also be a place for local arts and crafts

Summary

● With all these forms

and methods of

farming, such

practices could be a

medium for the next

generation of

sustainable living.

● Not only is the work

visibly satisfying but

it brings people

together and nurtures

ideas.

● It is a great way to

conserve our planet

and live fully.