What is subsistence farming? It is a type of farming where nearly all the crops or livestock produced are used to sustain the farmer and their family, leaving little to no surplus for sale or trade.
Is this what you have in mind for your farm at Fairview?
Fortunately, the ideal environment and beautiful climate here in KZN make it perfectly possible to achieve just that. You will need to invest some hard work and energy into the process…
But… there are many benefits too. Some of these being:
Self-sufficiency: Farmers can grow their own food, securing nourishment for themselves and their families, while reducing reliance on external sources.
Environmental Impact: Due to its smaller scale, subsistence farming typically has a lower environmental impact, reducing carbon footprints and supporting biodiversity.
Sustainable Practices: Subsistence farming often incorporates traditional methods like crop rotation and organic farming, which help preserve soil fertility and biodiversity.
Low Costs: By relying less on purchased inputs like fertilisers and machinery, subsistence farming is often more affordable than commercial farming or purchasing products from the shops.
Resilience: Farmers are better equipped to withstand economic fluctuations, as they are less dependent on market conditions and can sustain themselves during difficult times.
Subsistence farming offers a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to come together and engage in meaningful, hands-on activities that everyone can enjoy. By involving your kids in growing their own food, they not only learn valuable life skills but also gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from. Getting their hands dirty in the garden becomes a form of outdoor play, allowing them to connect with nature and develop a strong work ethic from a young age. Plus, spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity helps to build their immune systems, creating healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Subsistence farming turns the garden into a living classroom, where every seed planted is a lesson in patience, responsibility, and the joy of harvesting your own fresh produce. It’s a wholesome, rewarding experience that the entire family can share.
If you do happen to have some spare crops then you can share or swap produce with other Fairview families. The Fairview Market Whatsapp group has been set up for just this type of exchange.
