Understanding Intensive Subsistence Agriculture

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 146 views

Review Question 10.3.1: Identifying Regions with Intensive Subsistence Agriculture

Understanding Intensive Subsistence Agriculture

Intensive subsistence agriculture is a type of farming system that involves the use of high-yielding crop varieties, fertilizers, and irrigation to increase crop yields and reduce labor requirements. This approach is often used in regions with high population densities and limited land availability. In such regions, farmers rely on intensive farming practices to meet the food demands of their growing populations.

Characteristics of Intensive Subsistence Agriculture

Intensive subsistence agriculture is characterized by:

High-yielding crop varieties
Use of fertilizers and other inputs to increase crop yields
Irrigation to supplement rainfall and ensure consistent crop growth
High labor requirements, often with a focus on women and children
Limited land availability, leading to high population densities
Emphasis on food security and self-sufficiency

Regional Distribution of Intensive Subsistence Agriculture

Intensive subsistence agriculture is found in various regions around the world, including:

East Asia: Countries such as China, Japan, and Korea have a long history of intensive subsistence agriculture. The use of high-yielding crop varieties, fertilizers, and irrigation has enabled these countries to meet the food demands of their large populations.
South Asia: Countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have also adopted intensive subsistence agriculture to meet the food demands of their growing populations. The use of high-yielding crop varieties, fertilizers, and irrigation has enabled these countries to increase crop yields and reduce labor requirements.
Southeast Asia: Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have also adopted intensive subsistence agriculture to meet the food demands of their growing populations. The use of high-yielding crop varieties, fertilizers, and irrigation has enabled these countries to increase crop yields and reduce labor requirements.

Eliminating Incorrect Options

Based on the characteristics of intensive subsistence agriculture and its regional distribution, we can eliminate the following options:

A. East Asia and SW Asia: While East Asia is a region where intensive subsistence agriculture is found, Southwest Asia (also known as the Middle East) is not typically associated with this type of farming system.
C. Latin America and SE Asia: While Southeast Asia is a region where intensive subsistence agriculture is found, Latin America is not typically associated with this type of farming system.
D. SE Asia and sub-Saharan Africa: While Southeast Asia is a region where intensive subsistence agriculture is found, sub-Saharan Africa is not typically associated with this type of farming system.
E. South Asia and Latin America: While South Asia is a region where intensive subsistence agriculture is found, Latin America is not typically associated with this type of farming system.

Conclusion

Based on the characteristics of intensive subsistence agriculture and its regional distribution, the correct answer to the review question is:

B. East Asia and South Asia

This option accurately reflects the regions where intensive subsistence agriculture is found, including East Asia and South Asia.
Q&A: Intensive Subsistence Agriculture

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is intensive subsistence agriculture?

A: Intensive subsistence agriculture is a type of farming system that involves the use of high-yielding crop varieties, fertilizers, and irrigation to increase crop yields and reduce labor requirements. This approach is often used in regions with high population densities and limited land availability.

Q: What are the characteristics of intensive subsistence agriculture?

A: The characteristics of intensive subsistence agriculture include:

High-yielding crop varieties
Use of fertilizers and other inputs to increase crop yields
Irrigation to supplement rainfall and ensure consistent crop growth
High labor requirements, often with a focus on women and children
Limited land availability, leading to high population densities
Emphasis on food security and self-sufficiency

Q: Where is intensive subsistence agriculture found?

A: Intensive subsistence agriculture is found in various regions around the world, including:

East Asia
South Asia
Southeast Asia

Q: What are the benefits of intensive subsistence agriculture?

A: The benefits of intensive subsistence agriculture include:

Increased crop yields
Improved food security
Reduced labor requirements
Increased economic productivity

Q: What are the challenges of intensive subsistence agriculture?

A: The challenges of intensive subsistence agriculture include:

High costs associated with fertilizers and irrigation
Environmental degradation due to intensive farming practices
Social and economic inequality due to unequal access to resources and benefits

Q: How does intensive subsistence agriculture impact rural communities?

A: Intensive subsistence agriculture can have both positive and negative impacts on rural communities. On the one hand, it can provide employment opportunities and improve food security. On the other hand, it can lead to environmental degradation, social and economic inequality, and the displacement of rural communities.

Q: What are some examples of intensive subsistence agriculture in practice?

A: Some examples of intensive subsistence agriculture in practice include:

The use of high-yielding rice varieties in Southeast Asia
The use of fertilizers and irrigation in East Asia
The use of intensive farming practices in South Asia

Q: How can intensive subsistence agriculture be made more sustainable?

A: Intensive subsistence agriculture can be made more sustainable by:

Implementing more efficient and environmentally friendly farming practices
Promoting equal access to resources and benefits for rural communities
Encouraging the use of organic and locally sourced inputs
Supporting the development of rural infrastructure and services

Q: What is the future of intensive subsistence agriculture?

A: The future of intensive subsistence agriculture is uncertain and will depend on a range of factors, including changes in global food demand, advances in technology, and shifts in government policies and regulations. However, it is likely that intensive subsistence agriculture will continue to play an important role in meeting the food demands of growing populations around the world.