The Future of Subsistence Agriculture in the Rural Community of Uzanu, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the current practice of subsistence agriculture in Uzanu, Edo state, Nigeria, and its contribution to the agricultural development and food security of the rural community now and for the future. All the farmers in the region are dependent on subsistence farming based on shifting cultivation and also practice intercropping to an extent. This farming system serves as a livelihood source, providing food, cash, and income as well as serving other social and cultural functions. Subsistence farmers try to manage farming uncertainties based on local knowledge and implemented through community support systems. This article argues that subsistence agricultural practices should be supported as a new approach to both economic and social protection, as it underpins production as well as consumption in resource-poor communities. This study evaluates the role and development of subsistence agricultural development and its adaptations in Uzanu. The results show that rural subsistence agricultural production could be improved if rural farmers had access to training on subsistence farming systems based on indigenous knowledge and skill sets, targeted to enhance and increase farm output.This study concludes that subsistence agriculture is an important element for growth and development in Nigeria despite the low output and income currently generated from it.