Which farming type tends to be small-scale and focused on household consumption rather than markets?

• A. Subsistence farming
• B. Commercial farming
• C. Plantation farming
• D. Ranching

Answer: (A)

Subsistence farming is practiced on small plots with mostly family labor, and the goal is to produce enough food to feed the household with little or no surplus for sale. This focus on meeting domestic needs means most produce stays within the family rather than entering markets. In contrast, commercial farming operates on larger scales aimed at profit and market sales. Plantation farming refers to large estates growing cash crops for export, also market-oriented. Ranching concentrates on raising livestock over extensive land areas to sell meat or products in broader markets. The description—small-scale production centered on household consumption—best fits subsistence farming.