AGRICULTURE“Where did agriculture

originate?”

AGRICULTURE: Case study Read case study on page 328. Compare

and contrast the life of a farmer in Pakistan and Kansas.

Are you surprised? Why or why not?

Definition

Agriculture is the deliberate modification of Earth’s surface through the cultivation of plants and animals to obtain sustenance or economic gain.

Hunter and Gatherer

Hunt animals, fish, gather plants (berries, nuts, fruits, roots)

Live in small groups (~50 people)

Men hunt and women collect berries

Travel frequently (nomadic)

Hunter and Gatherer Approximately

0.005% of the world’s population still live as hunters and gatherers.

For example, African Bushmen of Namibia and Botswana, Aborigines of Australia,

Agricultural Revolution People observed that seeds

produced plants by accident and then deliberate experiment

Domesticate animals for religion or sacrifices

Dog domesticated for warmth?

Agricultural Revolution Some of the first types of

domesticated plants were taro, yam, banana, palm that originated in SE Asia

Two Types of Cultivation

Vegetative planting ~ origin in SE Asia Less hunting, more fish, therefore more

time to experiment with planting. Diffused northward and eastward to

China and Japan west through India, SW Asia, African, Mediterranean.

Vegetation Planting Look at figure 10-1 (page 330). Where were the three primary regions to

begin vegetation planting? SE Asia north to China, Japan, south to

Africa, Indonesia West Africa south NW South America north and south

Two Types of Cultivation Seed agriculture Three hearths: West India SW Asia,

north China, Ethiopia,

Seed Agriculture Look at figure 10-2 (page 331). Where are the

five primary regions to begin seed agriculture? Is there any similarity with vegetation agriculture?

China, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Central America, Peru

Similarities close to equator, China, Pakistan (close to India), Africa, Central America

In which directions did each diffuse?

Subsistence (LDC) Commercial (MDC)

PURPOSE OF FARMING

Produce for own consumptionSome surplus sold to government or private firms

Grow crops and animals for saleSold to food processing companies

PERCENTAGE OF FARMERS IN LABOUR FORCE

50% Less than 1/10th Declined in 20th century Last two decades stabilizes

USE OF MACHINERY Use hand tools and animals

Use farm machinery - tractors, combines, corn pickers, planters….

FARM SIZE Very small – a few hectares

Large ~ 171 hectaresFamily owned – fewer farms, urbanization taking land

RELATIONSHIP OF FARMING TO OTHER BUSINESS

None really AgribusinessFarms closely ties to food processing, packaging, storing, distributing, retailing, tractor manufacturer, fertilizer.

THE END