Subsistence agriculture

About: Subsistence agriculture is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 8069 publications have been published within this topic receiving 156876 citations. The topic is also known as: subsistence farming.

Energy inputs and outputs of subsistence cropping systems in the tropics

Abstract: Published data are examined to illustrate aspects of the relation between human and draft animal energy input and crop energy output in tropical subsistence cropping systems. For rainfed hoe cultivation of cereals the normal range of energy output/input ratio is 10–20 : 1; for non-cereal energy crop production it may be appreciably higher. However, such a range does not necessarily represent a secure food energy balance when account is taken of the total food energy requirements of the farm family and of seasonal variation in crop yeild. Some aspects of human and animal energy inputs for rainfed and irrigated crop production with draft animals are discussed.

Understanding the Dynamics between Social Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Growth in Subsistence Marketplaces

Abstract: This article explores how social entrepreneurs utilize their unique circumstances and resources at a micro level to facilitate the creation of shared value at the meso level, leading to inclusive growth at a macro level in the context of subsistence marketplaces. Drawing from explanatory case studies of two social enterprises—Waste Concern (Bangladesh) and Seven Women (Nepal)—the findings suggest that social entrepreneurs act as bricoleurs to integrate their operant and operand resources in subsistence marketplaces to facilitate inclusive growth. The authors further connect with and extend three discourses of research—social entrepreneurship, social bricolage, and service-dominant logic—to develop a framework providing insights into the “bottom-up” approach, the underlying dynamics of shared value creation, and inclusive growth in subsistence marketplaces by social entrepreneurs. The findings also strengthen Dees's (2001) definition of social entrepreneurship, confirming its applicability and relevance in...

Pithoi and food storage in Neopalatial Crete: A domestic perspective

Abstract: This paper seeks to investigate the relative subsistence potential of Late Minoan I households in Crete on the basis of the archaeological evidence. It aspires to develop a methodological framework for the examination of the subsistence economy based on storage containers (pithoi) and installations recovered in seventy houses. By identifying different storage strategies and converting capacity estimates into calorific values we infer differences in households’ subsistence potential. Ordinary households had low subsistence potential and only a few of the elite households had a markedly higher subsistence potential. While this ensured for these elite households high self‐sufficiency and participation in conspicuous consumption, it could not have served in alleviating the community's food shortages, should these have occurred. The emerging Late Minoan IB picture attests to the highly centralized and hierarchical organization of the subsistence economy, in keeping with the centralizing trend manifest...

A review of agricultural production risk in the developing world

Abstract: Many of the poor in the developing world rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Unfortunately, agricultural production is inherently risky, which puts these farmers at risk of not being able to meet even their basic subsistence needs. Therefore, understanding these farmers’ attitudes towards and responses to production risk is an important piece of the puzzle for designing effective interventions to help them overcome poverty. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the empirical literature that investigates farmers’ risk attitudes and responses to production risk in developing countries. Some attention is given to the implications of production risk for the uptake and use of new technologies. The paper also provides a review of the theoretical foundations that have guided the bulk of this research. Finally, the paper discusses several opportunities for furthering the knowledge gained to date.