Traditional Economy System Advantages And Disadvantages

Traditional economies, often found in rural areas, saw 60% of households in sub-Saharan Africa relying on subsistence farming in 2022, promoting sustainability but limiting income growth to 1.5% annually (World Bank, 2023).

In 2021, Papua New Guinea’s traditional barter systems supported 83% of its rural population, fostering community cohesion yet contributing to a 45% poverty rate due to lack of innovation (UN Development Programme, 2022). Infant mortality in traditional economies averaged 62 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2020, compared to 28 in market economies, reflecting poor medical access (WHO, 2021).

A traditional economy also shapes the rules and laws that govern the distribution of goods and services and how they are delivered. let’s take a closer look at the primary objective of this type of economy, its pros, and cons.

Traditional economic system definition

A traditional economy is one in which people do not use a standard form of currency, such as the dollar, but instead barter their goods. Traditional economies are primarily determined by family ties and natural forces, rather than currencies.

In other words, a traditional economy is one in which goods production and distribution are governed by current beliefs, customs, culture, and traditions. These countries rely heavily on agriculture for survival and development. The barter system is a common method of exchange.

This means that children raised on a farm raising cattle in a traditional economy are likely to become farmers themselves. They will exchange milk for the goods they need.

What is the primary objective of a traditional economy?

The primary goal of a traditional economy is self-sufficiency. This means that the community produces what it requires rather than relying on trade with other communities. The Jarawa tribe in the Andaman Islands, for example, survives through primitive methods, while the Oribu tribe in Brazil is a farming community that grows fruits and vegetables.

Characteristics of Traditional Economy

The common features of a Traditional Economic system are;

• It is based on how a community lives, which is determined by geography, culture, hierarchy, and tradition.
• A traditional economy is based on customs, traditions, and beliefs and has several distinguishing features.
• It is one in which a community or society physically moves, such as the Maasai tribe following their cattle or Cro-Magnon man following herds of animals to hunt.
• It relies on the products and services produced being fully utilized – nothing is wasted in a traditional economy.
• A traditional economy is based on time-honored production methods such as agriculture, fishing, hunting, and gathering.
• Traditional economies do not rely on a single currency. Instead, it is based on a barter and trade system.

Traditional Economy Examples

Before the American civil war, the southern states of the United States had a more traditional economy. These states and economies were heavily reliant on agriculture, much of which was performed by enslaved people. When the war ended and slavery was abolished, these farms were forced to change.

Another example is the period before the Great Depression when the United States had many characteristics of a traditional economy. More than half of Americans lived in farming communities at the turn of the twentieth century.

Haiti is also an excellent example of a traditional economy. The Haitian economy is heavily reliant on small family farms. It also gets its primary energy from wood fuel. Unfortunately, many people in Haiti live in poverty, and the country’s reliance on wood has made it vulnerable to natural disasters such as the 2010 earthquake.

In a traditional economic system, the goods and services produced are shaped by the society’s customs, beliefs, and traditions. They will also shape the rules and laws that govern the distribution of goods and services and how they are delivered. It is a type of economy that is frequently used by rural or agricultural societies.

There are no changes to how the traditional economy operates, despite its advantages and disadvantages. Because there is no effort at evolution or improvement, it is often regarded as a primitive economic system.

Traditional Economic System Advantages and Disadvantages.

The following are the benefits of a traditional economic system:

• Keeps Traditions and Customs Alive
• The system is based on a family or a tribe
• Environmentally Friendly.
• It is an economy that keeps things simple.

#1. Keeps Traditions and Customs Alive

People in traditional countries keep skills and art within their respective communities, tribes, and families.

#2. The system is based on a family or a tribe

The traditional economy is localized and serves as a guide for people to carry out their daily tasks. It is a place where an elder’s experience is passed down to the worker so that the job can be completed in accordance with time-honored traditions.

#3. Environmentally Friendly

The traditional economy because of the limited use of technology, traditional economic activities are less harmful to nature and the environment. Because self-sustaining economies are often isolated from the outside world, they can avoid various infectious diseases that are spread globally.

#4. It is an economy that keeps things simple.

Individuals play specific roles in a traditional economy. People work within their roles to ensure specific quotas are met because the focus is on meeting needs. In such an economy, very little trade is required, so all resources can be directed toward meeting basic survival needs. Specific skills are passed down from one generation to the next to ensure the economy’s continued survival.

Traditional economy disadvantages include the following;

• Technologically Backward
• It isolates the people within that economy.
• Barter trading is involved.
• It can be overwhelmed by large outside economies.
• Poor Medical Facilities

#1. Technologically Backward

Traditional countries rely heavily on old-fashioned production. They miss out on new techniques that can boost output, leisure time, and cost-effectiveness

#2. It isolates the people within that economy.

Instead of bringing people together, the traditional economic system isolates them.
Experiences gained in one field may not be applicable in another on the other side of the country

As a result, each traditional economy must remain local, limiting economic growth opportunities. Each family or group is focused solely on meeting its own needs.

#3. Barter trading is involved.

Trade does not occur on a regular basis in a traditional economy. When it does happen, it is done through bartering. That is, trade can take place only between groups that are not competitors. A group of berry gatherers would trade with a group of hunters in order for both to have a better lifestyle than if the trade did not take place.

#4. A traditional economy can be overwhelmed by large outside economies.

Traditional economies rely on small groups, such as a family, to produce all of the goods and services they require. If a larger outside economy decides it needs those resources, the traditional economy may find it difficult, if not impossible, to protect itself.

This process overwhelms the traditional economic system, forcing people involved to adapt to new economic structures.

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#5. Poor Medical Facilities

Traditional economies lack modern medical facilities due to limited exposure to the outside world. As a result, infant mortality is high, and life expectancy is extremely low.

Countries with Traditional Economy 

According to the World Population Review Traditional economies, however, continue to exist in many countries, regardless of whether they are classified as communist, capitalist, or socialist. these countries include :

• Brazil
• Haiti
• Alaska
• Yemen
• Canada
• Greenland

Many peoples’ traditional economies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands are still in use today. In general, they produce enough for themselves and their families, plus some extra to trade with their neighbors. 

Conclusion

In a traditional economic system, trade is governed by customs and traditions. All economies, according to popular belief, began as traditional economies. The traditional economic system’s advantages and disadvantages show that it can be a fundamental foundation for growth when a group can settle down and focus on skill development.

FAQs on Traditional economy system

References

• www.wallstreetmojo.com-traditional economy
• www.carboncollective.com– sustainable investing traditional economy
• brandongaille.com-19 advantages and disadvantages of a traditional econ

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