The conditions were usually of natural causes. For example, since homesteaders relied on self-sufficiency and were mostly agricultural throughout history, a homesteader might suffer immeasurably if a drought hit and destroyed all their crops since it was their only source of income. Sometimes however in the United States they could also get raided by bandits or Native Americans since they would be usually settling in new areas towards the western frontier.
They relied on some technological advancements to survive. For example, they used barbed wires and weaponry to fend off unwanted animals or people who would try to harm them. They would also use things like the steel plow to help ensure that their land was better suited for crops. Some also relied on windmills both for power and for things like grinding grains.<span />
Both implies two so your answer is two
