13.2: Agricultural Geography
- Page ID
- 210628
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The following is remixed from: Introduction to Human Geography edited by Dorrell & Henderson, Published by University of North Georgia University Press. https://web.ung.edu/media/university-press/human-geography_v2.pdf?t=1700179494361
Dorrell ch10, 13
13: Agriculture Geography
Urban and Agricultural Cultural Geography
Introduction
Most of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and understanding how cities and agriculture have evolved is critical for comprehending modern societies. Both urban and agricultural landscapes are central to our daily lives, influencing where we live, how we work, and what we eat. This chapter explores the cultural geography of urban areas and agriculture, focusing on the evolution, functioning, and interconnections between these spaces.
Urban Areas and Their Evolution
Most people today are urban dwellers. Cities have evolved due to a variety of factors, including technological advancements and economic opportunities. Urban areas are defined by their population density and land use, with a minimum density of 1,000 people per square mile and significant non-residential urban land uses. Economies of agglomeration make cities convenient and cost-efficient places for living and working, explaining why nearly 80% of Americans live in urban areas.
Agricultural Geography: Origins and Evolution
Before agriculture, humans were hunter-gatherers, leading a nomadic existence. The transition to agriculture began around 12,000-10,000 years ago, marking the start of the Neolithic Revolution. Agriculture involves the cultivation of crops and the raising of livestock for sustenance and economic gain. It originated independently in various regions, including the Middle East, Mesoamerica, and East Africa, transforming human societies by enabling sedentary lifestyles and new social, cultural, political, and economic relationships.
Environment-Agriculture Relationship
Agriculture is deeply connected to the environment, influenced by factors such as climate, soil, and water availability. Different regions develop distinct agricultural practices based on their environmental conditions. For instance, rice paddies are common in water-abundant regions, while arid areas might focus on drought-resistant crops. Market forces and institutions also shape agricultural practices, with policies and economic incentives influencing what crops are grown and how they are marketed.
Agricultural Industrialization and the Biorevolution
The industrialization of agriculture has significantly changed food production, making it more efficient and large-scale. This shift, known as the Green Revolution, introduced high-yield crop varieties and advanced farming techniques, increasing food production but also raising concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. The ongoing biorevolution involves genetic modification and biotechnology, offering potential benefits but also sparking debates about ethics and ecological consequences.
Subsistence vs. Commercial Agriculture
Agriculture can be categorized into subsistence and commercial types. Subsistence agriculture focuses on growing food primarily for the farmer's family, prevalent in developing regions. In contrast, commercial agriculture aims to produce food for sale in markets, typical in developed countries. The methods, scale, and economic implications of these two types of agriculture differ significantly, impacting global food production and consumption patterns.
Global Changes in Food Production and Consumption
Globalization has profoundly affected food production and consumption. Advances in transportation and communication have created a global food market, allowing products to be shipped worldwide. This has led to increased availability and variety of foods but also raised issues such as food security, sustainability, and the impact of agricultural practices on local environments and economies.
Understanding the cultural geography of urban and agricultural landscapes is essential for grasping the complexities of modern life. Cities and agricultural regions are interconnected, shaping and being shaped by economic, social, and environmental factors. As urbanization continues to grow and agricultural practices evolve, these landscapes will remain central to our global society, influencing how we live, work, and eat.
Figure | Hadza Hunters Author | User “Idobi” Source | Wikimedia Commons License | CC BY SA 3.0
Figure | Pumé Hunter and Gatherers Author | User “Ajimai” Source | Wikimedia Commons License | CC BY SA 4.0
Figure Inuit Hunters Author | User “Wiki-profile” Source | Wikimedia Commons License | CC BY SA 3.0