Métayage meaning

Métayage is a sharecropping arrangement in which a landowner provides land, tools, and seed to a tenant farmer in exchange for a percentage of the crops produced.


Métayage definitions

Word backwards egayatém
Part of speech The word "métayage" is a noun.
Syllabic division mé-ta-yage
Plural The plural of the word "métayage" is "métayages."
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) e,a
Consonants (4) m,t,y,g

Understanding Métayage

History and Definition

Métayage is a form of agricultural land tenure where the landowner provides the land, while the tenant provides labor and sometimes a share of the crops grown on the land. This system dates back to medieval times, particularly in France, where it was widely practiced and regulated by laws. The term itself comes from the French word "métayer," which refers to a sharecropper or tenant farmer.

How Métayage Works

In a métayage system, the landowner and tenant share the risks and rewards of farming. The landowner typically provides the land, seed, and tools, while the tenant contributes labor and expertise. At harvest time, the crops are divided between the landowner and tenant based on a predetermined agreement. This arrangement allows both parties to benefit from the success of the harvest while spreading the risk of crop failure.

Benefits and Challenges

One of the key advantages of métayage is that it allows individuals without access to land or capital to engage in farming. By sharing the risks and rewards, both parties have a stake in the success of the harvest. However, métayage can also lead to disputes over the division of crops and profits, as well as issues related to the maintenance and investment in the land.

Modern-Day Métayage

While métayage was once common in many parts of the world, including Europe and the Americas, it has largely fallen out of favor in modern times. The system has been replaced by other forms of land tenure, such as sharecropping and agricultural wage labor. However, métayage still exists in some regions, particularly in developing countries where access to land and resources remains a challenge for many farmers.

In Conclusion

Métayage is a historical form of agricultural land tenure that involves a sharing of risks and rewards between landowners and tenants. While the system has declined in popularity over time, it continues to provide opportunities for individuals to engage in farming, particularly in regions where access to land is limited. Understanding the history and workings of métayage sheds light on the complexities of agricultural systems throughout history.


Métayage Examples

  1. The concept of métayage involves a form of agricultural land arrangement.
  2. In métayage, the landowner provides the land while the tenant provides the labor and shares the produce.
  3. Métayage was historically common in France and other European countries.
  4. The métayage system can be seen as a form of sharecropping.
  5. Under métayage, the landowner and tenant enter into a contractual agreement.
  6. Métayage can provide benefits for both landowners and tenants when managed properly.
  7. The métayage system has experienced changes and decline over time.
  8. In some regions, métayage is still practiced today.
  9. Métayage can be a sustainable agricultural practice when implemented effectively.
  10. The history of métayage sheds light on the evolution of land ownership and farming practices.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 02/05/2024 - 12:10:12