Subsistence Farming
What a tremendous number of challenges subsistence farmers face. They probably don't have as much land for feeding their family as did their grandfathers. They possibly have never learned nor implemented improved farming practices that would be beneficial for them. They probably don't have money to consistently purchase fertilizers and high-quality seed. They probably don't have irrigation, so they are at the mercy of seasonal rains. Their annual harvest may not feed their family for the coming 12 months. If they've tried to diversify their crops they may not have the connections nor the sophistication to successfully sell these new crops. And today they are faced with changing climatic situations which alternately bring drought or torrential rains.

Subsistence farmers are not a homogenous group. Some are in the Highlands in the Andes, some are in lowland tropical jungle, and some are in vast arid stretches of land. This makes it complex to come up with one-size-fits-all solutions.

But each one of these challenges they face are readily solvable. A tremendous amount of research has been done in agriculture over the past hundred years, and many agricultural best practices are applicable to the subsistence farmer. For example, simple conservation measures can be introduced to farmers that can help revitalize their soils and conserve the amount of water that they need for raising their crops. They can be caught planting techniques that will increase yield, and soil amendment techniques that will increase crop quality. Some of the pressure can be taken off of their need to provide 12 months worth of food for their family by starting a home garden.

But similar to what we've discussed in the water and sanitation groups, a careful analysis needs to be made by a knowledgeable individual into the exact situation that a farmer are faced with prior to choosing a range of interventions.

For example teaching a farmer to diversify their crops so that they can approach new markets may not be the best first choice in a new program. It might be wiser first to help them with soil and water issues during the time that potential markets for being researched. A good second step might be the formation of a farmers Association so that they will have better negotiating power once a sound market is identified. After identifying a market, buyers will make suggestions for which crops to grow and will frequently provide inputs and technical advice for the members so that their harvest will be successful.

Be sure to visit our Subsistence Farmer Working Group