smallholdings

Smallholdings are parcels of land, typically worked by individuals or families, for the purpose of producing food, fibre, or both on a relatively small scale. They are often characterized by mixed farming systems, with a combination of crops, fruit or vegetables, livestock, and sometimes timber or agroforestry. The term is widely used in the United Kingdom and other parts of the Commonwealth, but similar concepts exist globally under labels such as small farms, family plots, or subsistence plots. Sizes vary by country and parcel boundaries, but smallholdings are generally smaller than commercial farms and may range from a fraction of a hectare to several tens of hectares.

Historically, smallholdings have deep roots in rural land tenure and farm productivity. In parts of Europe and the British Isles, enclosure, inheritance patterns, and shifting agricultural practices shaped the smallholding landscape. In rural developing regions, family plots and garden plots have long provided food security and income, sometimes alongside wage labour elsewhere. Allotments and council-sponsored plots have supported urban and peri-urban inhabitants who garden for subsistence or recreation.

Economically, smallholdings contribute to local food supply, diversification, and resilience, particularly where markets are limited or supply chains fragile. They are often labor-intensive, relying on family labor and knowledge of soil, pests, and seasonality. Practices may include organic farming, permaculture, or agroecology, with emphasis on soil health, crop rotations, and water conservation.

Policy and regulation influence smallholdings through land access, zoning, tenancy laws, and subsidies. Tenure security, access to credit and training, and support for marketing and infrastructure affect viability. Environmental considerations, such as biodiversity, soil and water management, can be central to sustainable smallholding practices.