In traditional Garífuna society, the men will clear and set fire to the land, a method commonly known as swidden or slash-and-burn agriculture. This is typically done before the planting season. The purpose is twofold. One is to kill all of the weeds and underbrush before seeding. And the second is to replenish the soil with the rich nutrients stored in the ashes. Although men prepare the fields, the Garífuna women are primarily responsible for the farming. They regularly walk to the fields, which can be located at great distances from their communities. There, they till and fertilize the soil, treat the weeds and plagues, and harvest the crops. They carry the produce back home in large, woven baskets over their heads. The food is either cooked to feed the family or taken to the market to sell and supplement their income.