In the long run, self sufficiency means you have to produce everything that you need for your life, leaving little time for much other than supplying shelter and food.

But in the short run during the collapsing of a society, it could spell the difference between disaster and at least a semi-normal life.

I think an acre or two is a good size plot to allow for some agriculture (although hydroponics would produce more) , energy production, and defense over a 6-12 month period. Your own water supply would be essential also, or agriculture would not thrive.

Self-responsibility, not complete self-sufficiency. What we cannot do, or what is better done by others, should be on an equal value exchange, be it money or service. Cites are the answer for the Agenda 21 crowd, who tried to limit lot size in the name of environmental salvation in Portland. No land outside the city could get a building permit. If your lot was too large as deemed by the powers, you had to sell part off or not get permits for things like new water heaters until you did. The lawyers who supported the whole thing at first loved it, until it impacted them, then they went after it. Our 1 1/2 acre lot in Ohio, would have been required to contain multiple living units as well as a business if it had been in Portland. Lot size is a personal choice and responsibility.

True self sufficiency is a prescription for living on the edge of starvation. The closer to being self sufficient the poorer your will be.

Self sufficiency is relative. Each member of the Gulch relied on themselves to produce and trade. As their proficiency progressed their trade increased. We will all reach a level we are happy at. Where is yours? How do you define poverty? JG lived in a run down flat 11 months out of the year, but in my mind he was one of the richest n the planet for he was able to focus on that which meant the most to him.

Self Sufficiency is a prescription for proverty