Step-by-step explanation:
The meaning of the word "self-sufficient" in this context is that the homestead was able to produce everything needed to sustain life except for a few specific items. This is evident from the excerpt which states that "the Landing nevertheless produced everything required to sustain life except ice, wheat flour, and articles of clothing, supplied by river-boats from Mobile." Therefore, "self-sufficient" means that the homestead was able to provide for its own needs without relying on outside sources for most things.