Explanation

Subsistence agriculture produces food primarily for the farmers family consumption, not for sale. Little or no surplus reaches the market. Most common among smallholders in developing countries.

Characteristics: small farm size, manual labor, low inputs, mixed cropping, traditional methods, and minimal technology. Priority is food security, not profit.

Challenges: low productivity, vulnerability to weather, limited income for other needs. Government programs aim to help farmers transition to more productive systems.