Within their villages, the Kelingi build houses on stilts raised four to eight feet off the ground. Farming is the primary occupation of the Kelingi. Rubber is the main cash crop, but coffee and rice are also grown. Wet-rice plots are worked by hoeing, or by plowing with oxen or water buffalo. Planting and harvesting are usually done by either hired work groups or by the extended families.
Farmers often use tractors in cultivating their crops.
They set aside part of their proceeds from their harvests for several years, then buy their tractors from the government. Since most of the people make their living from farming, major ceremonies are usually held after the harvest. These events include marriages, circumcisions, and hair cutting ceremonies. Every family in the village participates in such activities because of their strong feeling of community. Kelingi families do not usually live together as extended family units.