subsistence farming

or subsistence agriculture

noun

1. farming whose products are intended to provide for the basic needs of the farmer, with little surplus for marketing.
2. farming that brings little or no profit to the farmer, allowing only for a marginal livelihood.

subsistence farming

noun

1. a type of farming in which most of the produce ( subsistence crop ) is consumed by the farmer and his family, leaving little or nothing to be marketed

subsistence farming

1. Farming that provides enough food for the farmer and his family but not enough for sale. By comparison, commercial farming is farming that provides products for sale.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsistence farming¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

All food gardens that sustain the village’s subsistence farming population were destroyed and the three streams that provide drinking water were buried by the landslide, which also blocked the province’s main highway.

From Seattle Times

“It was like subsistence farming — we were living hand to mouth,” he said.

From Seattle Times

The problem is worse in rural areas, where subsistence farming -many peoples’ only real option for making money - is threatened by armed conflict and climate change.

From Washington Times

The problem is worse in rural areas, where subsistence farming —many peoples’ only real option for making money — is threatened by armed conflict and climate change.

From Seattle Times

The U.N. has issued yet another global warming report that essentially says we’re doomed unless we revert to mud huts, subsistence farming, veganism and rickshaws.

From Washington Times