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.

Food Consumption and Subsistence in Three Caboclo Populations on Marajó Island, Amazonia, Brazil

Abstract: In this article data on household food consumption is used to further understanding of subsistence strategies in three Caboclo populations on Marajo Island, Amazonia, Brazil. Data were collected using participant observation and 24-hour food recalls in 16 households for 7 consecutive days during the rainy (March) and dry (July) seasons. Marajo-Acu households (n = 6) had the highest levels of energy and protein intake relative to recommendations. This was probably related to their successful integration into the prosperous acai (a palm fruit) market of the riverine area. Praia Grande households (n = 6) had the lowest values for energy intake (rainy season), which supports the authors' ethnographic observations of some instability in the subsistence system of this population. Paricatuba households (n = 4) exhibited intermediate values of energy and protein intakes, but less seasonal variation in consumption than the other two populations. Despite the differences observed, food consumption does not appear to be a major limitation for any of the three populations. The data support recent hypotheses concerning the concomitant and multiple use of varzea (floodplain) and terra firme (upland) environments by the Caboclos and integration into the local market economy as the central strategies in dealing with the so-called socioenvironmental constraints of the Amazonian floodplain.

Explaining subsistence change in southern New Zealand using foraging theory models

Abstract: New Zealand provides one of the earliest examples of foraging theory applications to archaeological situations (Anderson 1981). Since this landmark study, significant developments over the last twenty years have led to an increasing number of detailed analyses examining the effects of resource depression on human foraging. In particular, foraging theory analyses have become better at documenting resource depression and integrating butchery/transport studies into these analyses. Using the faunal data from the Shag River Mouth site, I illustrate how these methodological advances have resulted in a more comprehensive understanding of the processes of subsistence change in southern New Zealand.

Differences in farmer and expert beliefs and the perceived impacts of conservation agriculture

Abstract: Departing from the traditional agricultural model of input-heavy, intensive agriculture via the use of agrochemicals and irrigated water, many international development projects have started to promote conservation agriculture in developing countries. However, relying solely on technical expertise, largely generated outside the rural communities in which they are applied, often does not consider whether local ecological and culturally influenced beliefs are consistent with the technologies being promoted for adoption. We suggest these disconnects can be linked to differing ‘mental models’ of scientific experts and rural agricultural communities regarding the nature of farming dynamics and predicted impacts of introduced farming practices. Using an agricultural development project in Nepal as a case study, this research seeks to understand the relationship between trends in expert and rural farmer reasoning and predictions regarding the outcomes associated with development technology based on these beliefs. Further, we seek to compare these mental model-based differences with local environmental conditions (using soil measurements) and agricultural outcomes in terms of farm production (i.e. yield). While researchers’ mental models predicted that minimum tillage would improve yield, mental models from two of the three villages predicted that yield would decrease. Local soil and yield measurements support the farmers’ mental model predictions. Our results indicated that conservation agriculture techniques should not be applied universally, development practitioners should engage in a two-way learning with local communities to benefit from locally situated knowledge.

The Indus Valley Tradition of Pakistan and western India

Abstract: Over the last several decades new sets of information have provided a more detailed understanding of the rise and character of the Indus Civilization as well as its decline and decentralization. This article begins with a summary of the major historical developments in the archaeology of the Indus Valley Tradition and a definition of terms found in the literature. A general discussion of the environmental setting and certain preconditions for the rise of urban and state-level society is followed by a summary of the major aspects of the Harappan Phase of the Indus Valley Tradition. This summary includes discussions of settlement patterns, subsistence, architecture, trade and exchange, specialized crafts, language, religion, and social organization. The Localization Era or decentralization of the urban centers is also addressed.