HGAP Unit 5 Vocab

Physical geography

study of the natural features of the Earth's surface, including landforms, bodies of water, and the atmosphere

Agricultural practices

refer to the ways in which crops and livestock are grown and managed on a farm or ranch.

can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the physical geography of the area where the agriculture is taking place

ex- type of crops that can be grown may be limited by the climate and soil conditions in a particular region, and the location of a farm or ranch may influence the availability of water for irrigation

Relation of physical geography and agricultural practices

physical features of a region( climate, soil type, and topography) can have a significant impact on the types of crops that can be grown and the methods of agriculture that are used ( hot, dry climate region well suited for growing crops like cotton or wheat, cold, wet climate region better suited for growing crops like potatoes or hay)

availability of water for irrigation can also be influenced by physical geography(farms and ranches in areas with access to rivers or groundwater sources being more likely to use irrigation to support crop growth)

can also influence the type of livestock that can be raised in a particular region(cattle may be more suited to regions with grassy pastures, while sheep may be more adapted to regions with hilly or rocky terrain)

Intensive farming

type of agricultural production that involves the use of high levels of inputs, such as chemicals, fertilizers, and irrigation, in order to maximize crop yields

farming that requires a lot of labor to produce food

designed to make the most efficient use of land, labor, and capital in order to produce large quantities of food at a low cost

often used in areas with high population density, where there is a high demand for food and a limited amount of land available for agriculture.

can be successful in increasing crop yields and meeting the food needs of a growing population, use of chemical inputs can lead to soil degradation and water pollution

Examples of intensive farming practices

monoculture, irrigation, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, factory farming

plantation farming, rice farming in Asia, fruit, nut farming in Cali, market gardening, mixed crop/livestock farming

Monoculture

intensive

practice of growing a single crop over a large area

can be efficient in terms of land use and labor, but it can also be risky, as the crops are vulnerable to pests and diseases that can spread easily in a monoculture system.

irrigation

intensive

practice of artificially providing water to crops in order to supplement natural rainfall

can be used to support crop growth in areas with limited rainfall or during times of drought

chemical fertilizers

intensive

substances that are applied to soil to provide plants with the nutrients they need to grow

can be used to improve soil fertility and increase crop yields, can lead to water pollution

pesticides

intensive

chemicals that are used to control pests, such as insects, weeds, and fungi, that can damage crops.

can be effective at controlling pests,

agriculture

The raising of animals or the growing of crops on tended land to obtain food for primary consumption by a farmer's family or for sale off the farm

factory farming

type of intensive animal production that involves confining large numbers of animals in small spaces and providing them with a highly controlled diet and environment

can be efficient in terms of producing meat, milk, and eggs

Mixed crop/livestock systems

intensive

involve the production of both crops and livestock on the same piece of land

can be more sustainable than intensive monoculture systems

crops and livestock can benefit from each other and help to build soil fertility and reduce the need for external inputs such as chemical fertilizers.

plantation agriculture

intensive

type of large-scale, monoculture farming that involves the cultivation of a single crop, typically a tropical export crop such as coffee, cocoa, or bananas, on a large piece of land

often characterized by the use of large amounts of chemical inputs and the use of mechanization to maximize efficiency

negative impacts on the environment and local communities, including soil degradation, water pollution, and negative impacts on small farmers

examples of extensive farming practices

Pastoralism, Subsistence farming, extensive animal husbandry, Nomadic Herding, Ranching, and Shifting Cultivation

extensive farming

type of agricultural production that involves the use of relatively low levels of inputs, such as labor, capital, and chemicals, in order to produce crops or livestock

characterized by large land holdings, low levels of mechanization, and a reliance on natural resources such as sunlight and rainfall to support crop growth

typically found in areas with low population density and abundant land, where the cost of inputs such as fertilizers and irrigation water is high

pastoralism

extensive

practice of raising livestock, such as cattle, sheep, or goats, on large areas of land, often in a nomadic or semi-nomadic way

Pastoralists may move their animals from place to place in search of fresh pasture and water

Subsistence farming

extensive

type of agriculture that is carried out to produce food and other necessities for the farmer and their family, rather than for sale on the market.

farmers may grow a variety of crops and raise animals for their own consumption, and may rely on traditional farming methods and local resources.

Shifting cultivation

extensive

type of agriculture that involves clearing a small area of land, planting crops for a few years, and then moving on to a new plot of land when the soil fertility declines

often practiced by small-scale farmers in tropical regions

Extensive animal husbandry

extensive

type of animal production that involves raising large numbers of animals on large areas of land, often with relatively low levels of inputs such as feed and veterinary care

may be found in areas with abundant natural pasture or grassland

land use pattern

way in which land is used within a given area

includes the types of land uses that are present, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and natural, as well as the spatial arrangement of these land uses

can vary significantly from one place to another, depending on a variety of factors, including economic, political, social, and environmental considerations

why are land use patterns important

can have significant impacts on the quality of life of people and communities, as well as on the natural environment

can influence the availability of housing, employment opportunities, and access to amenities such as parks and schools

can also affect the health of the natural environment by determining the extent to which land is developed or preserved, and by shaping the way in which natural resources are used

What affects land use patterns

largely dependent on cultural traditions, the accessibility of resources, and the environment.

explains why certain crops are present in one region, but not in others

key factors that can influence land-use patterns

Market demand: The demand for certain goods or services can drive the use of certain types of land. For example, an increase in demand for housing may lead to an increase in the development of residential areas.

Natural resources: The availability of natural resources such as water, fertile soil, and timber can affect the use of land. For example, areas with abundant water may be more suitable for agriculture.

Transportation: The availability and cost of transportation can influence land-use patterns by determining the feasibility of using land for certain purposes. For example, land that is far from transportation infrastructure may be less attractive for development.

Government policies: Governments can influence land-use patterns through policies such as zoning regulations, tax incentives, and infrastructure development.

Environmental factors: Environmental considerations, such as climate, topography, and the presence of natural hazards, can affect the use of land. For example, land that is prone to flooding may be less suitable for development.

rural settlement patterns

way in which people live and build communities in rural areas, or areas outside of urban centers

can vary significantly from one region to another, depending on a variety of factors, including natural resources, climate, cultural traditions, and economic opportunities

common types of rural settlement patterns

dispersed, nucleated(clustered), linear

dispersed settlement

characterized by a low population density and a scattered distribution of homes and other structures

may emerge in areas with low population density or where natural resources or economic opportunities are dispersed over a large area

can also emerge as a result of cultural or social factors such as a desire for privacy or a tradition of individual land ownership

ability to take advantage of natural resources and economic opportunities over a large area, as well as a sense of independence and privacy

need to provide infrastructure and services across a large, dispersed area, as well as the risk of isolation and lack of social cohesion.

clustered(nucleated) settlement

characterized by a higher population density and a more concentrated grouping of structures

can take many different forms, such as villages, hamlets, or small towns

may emerge around natural resources, such as water sources or fertile land, or around economic opportunities, such as transportation corridors or natural resource extraction

may also develop around social and cultural amenities, such as schools, churches, and community centers

more efficient use of resources and infrastructure, and a sense of community and social cohesion

potential for overcrowding and the concentration of environmental impacts in a specific area

linear settlement

characterized by a long, narrow arrangement of structures along a transportation corridor such as a river or a road

may emerge in areas with limited land for development, or in places where transportation infrastructure is the main economic driver

may also develop in response to cultural or social factors, such as a tradition of land ownership along transportation corridors.

ability to take advantage of transportation infrastructure and economic opportunities, and a sense of community and social cohesion

potential for environmental impacts along the transportation corridor, and the need to provide infrastructure and services over a long, narrow area.

factors that influence rural settlement patterns

availability of natural resources, such as water and fertile soil

presence of transportation infrastructure, such as roads and railroads

economic opportunities, such as agriculture and resource extraction

cultural and social factors, such as traditions and values related to land use and community organization

why are rural settlement patterns important

because they can have significant impacts on the quality of life of people who live in rural areas, as well as on the natural environment

ways in which rural settlement patterns can be important

Access to resources and services: Rural settlement patterns can influence the availability of resources and services such as healthcare, education, and transportation. For example, dispersed settlements may make it more difficult for residents to access these resources and services due to the distance between homes and facilities.

Economic development: Rural settlement patterns can affect the economic development of a region by determining the extent to which land is used for agriculture, resource extraction, and other economic activities.

Environmental impacts: Rural settlement patterns can influence the health of the natural environment by shaping the way in which land is used and managed. For example, nucleated settlements may be more sustainable in terms of resource use and waste management compared to dispersed settlements.

Cultural and social factors: Rural settlement patterns can reflect and shape cultural and social traditions and values related to land use and community organization. Understanding these patterns can therefore be important for preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.

rural survey methods

metes and bounds, township and range, and long lot

long lot

Land is divided into narrow lots perpendicular to a river, road, or canal

These lots stretch from buildings or houses to the river, road, etc.

Gives everyone equal access to the "resource" (i.e. the river, road, or whatever else the lot connects to)

metes and bounds

Defines the boundaries of a piece of land based on the physical landscape, directions, and distances

Metes \= a specific, measured boundary

Bounds \= a general boundary (waterways, walls, existing buildings, etc)

township and range

Land is divided into six-mile square blocks (townships) and divided again into one-mile square blocks (range)

Ranges are broken further into smaller parcels for people to develop

key ways in which agriculture has changed

Mechanization: Over the years, there has been an increase in the use of machines in agriculture, such as tractors, harvesters, and planters. This has led to increased efficiency and productivity in farming.

Irrigation: Advances in irrigation technology have allowed farmers to better control the amount of water that their crops receive, leading to more consistent crop yields.

Fertilizers and pesticides: The use of fertilizers and pesticides has also increased over time, allowing farmers to better control pests and diseases and increase crop yields.

Genetic modification: In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of genetic modification techniques in agriculture, which allow farmers to produce crops with desired traits, such as increased resistance to pests and diseases.

Sustainability: There has also been a focus on sustainable agriculture, which involves farming practices that are environmentally friendly and aim to conserve natural resources.

Fertile Crescent/mesopotamia

Located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

Crops: Bread grains, grapes, apples, olives, and a variety of others

Animals: Cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats

Hearth of the First (Neolithic) Agricultural Revolution

People transitioned from hunting and gathering to planting and harvesting food, allowing for the first civilizations

Nile river valley

Second urban hearth

Lentils, beans, flax

Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs

indus river valley

Third urban hearth

wheat, barely, peas, lentils, mustard, cotton

Sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, cattle, dogs

East Asia

yellow river valley, fertile soil and abundant water resources

China : rice and millet

Southwest Asia (mostly Iraq and Saudi Arabia)

Barley, wheat, lentil, olive

Largest number of animals domesticated : pigs, goats, cattle, sheep, dog

Central America

Mexico and Peru were major hearths of crop domestication

Mexico : beans and cotton

Peru : potatoes

Maize was one of the most important crops that came from the Americas

Sub-Saharan Africa

Sorghum, yams

diffusion of plants and animals

First (Neolithic) Agricultural Revolution-
Transition from hunting and gathering to growing plants and raising livestock -\> people began to understand seeds, watering, and plant/animal care

The practices developed overtime and diffused globally largely through contagious diffusion

First spread to Central Asia and eventually across Europe

2. Columbian Exchange-
A variety of plants, animals, diseases, and technologies were exchanged between the Americas and the Eastern hemisphere

People became familiar with new plants and animals as the exchange continued

Second Agricultural Revolution

period of rapid agricultural development in Britain

characterized by a number of changes and innovations that transformed the way food was produced and consumed

One of the key factors driving it was the enclosure movement, saw the consolidation of small, open fields into larger, enclosed fields that were easier to manage and more productive

accompanied by the adoption of new crop and animal husbandry techniques, as well as the use of new tools and machinery

why was the second agricultural revolution important

led to significant changes in the way food was processed and consumed

development of new food preservation techniques, such as canning and refrigeration, made it possible to transport and store food over longer distances

growth of urban centers led to the development of a more diverse and sophisticated food culture

main advancements of the Second Agricultural Revolution

Enclosure Movement: This was a process by which traditional common lands were enclosed and consolidated into larger, privately-owned farms. This allowed for more efficient farming practices and increased production.

Selective Breeding: Farmers began to selectively breed animals in order to produce offspring with desired traits. This resulted in the development of new breeds of animals that were more productive and efficient.

New Crops: The introduction of new crops, such as turnips and clover, allowed farmers to rotate their crops and improve the fertility of their soil.

Improved Tools: The development of new tools and machinery, such as the threshing machine and the plow, made it easier and more efficient for farmers to work the land.

main impacts of the Agricultural Revolution

Increased Food Production: One of the most significant impacts of the Agricultural Revolution was the dramatic increase in food production. This allowed Britain to feed its rapidly growing population and become a major food producer.

Economic Growth: The Agricultural Revolution contributed to the growth of the British economy, as increased food production led to higher profits for farmers and related industries.

Rural-Urban Migration: The Agricultural Revolution also contributed to the growth of cities as people migrated from rural areas to urban centers in search of work. This led to the development of new industries and contributed to the Industrial Revolution.

Social Changes: The Agricultural Revolution brought about significant changes in the social structure of Britain, as traditional rural communities were transformed and new forms of property ownership emerged.

main goal of second agricultural revolution

increase food production and improve the efficiency of farming.

A growing population: The population of Britain increased dramatically during the 18th and 19th centuries, creating a need for more food.

Urbanization: As more people moved to cities, there was an increasing demand for food from urban markets.

Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution created a need for more food to feed the growing number of factory workers.

Trade: Britain was becoming a major trading nation, and agricultural exports were an important part of this trade.

positive impacts of second agri revolution

Increased food production, Economic growth, Improved living standards

negative impacts of second agri revolution

Environmental degradation, Displacement of small-scale farmers, Decreased biodiversity, Poor working conditions

Some of the ways in which the Agricultural Revolution has influenced current farming practices (still in use today)

Technological advances, Specialization, Intensive farming (use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides), Global trade (development of global trade in agricultural products)

Green revolution

period of significant development in agriculture that took place primarily in developing countries

characterized by the introduction of high-yield varieties of crops, the use of irrigation and other technological innovations, and the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

positive impacts of green revolution

increased food production, improved living standards, and economic growth

negative impacts of green revolution

environmental degradation, the displacement of small-scale farmers, dependence on technology, social disruption, potential health risks, and the loss of biodiversity

Why was the green revolution important?

significantly increased agricultural productivity and helped to feed the growing population in developing countries

many countries were facing food shortages and were unable to meet the needs of their populations

adoption of modern agricultural technologies during the Green Revolution allowed these countries to increase their crop yields and produce more food, helping to improve food security and reduce malnutrition.

helped to boost agricultural exports and increase the incomes of farmers

causes of green revolution

Population growth, Technological advances, Government support, International aid, Market forces

advancements of the Green Revolution

High-yield varieties of seeds: genetically modified to produce larger and more consistent crops.
Synthetic fertilizers: allowed farmers to increase crop yields by providing plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
Irrigation systems: allowed farmers to provide their crops with a consistent supply of water, even in areas with limited water resources.
Pesticides: helped to control pests and diseases
Agricultural machinery: made it possible for farmers to work more efficiently and increase their production.

GMOs

genetically modified organisms

living organisms that have had their DNA altered in a way that does not occur naturally

used to produce crops that are resistant to pests, diseases, and herbicides, or that have other desirable traits, such as increased nutrient content or drought tolerance.

exs- corn, soybeans, cotton, and canola

subsistence farming

tends to occur in LDCs (less developed countries), where farmers tend to focus on producing food for themselves rather than for profit

They grow crops and raise animals to provide food for themselves and their family in order to survive and aren't intended to be sold in markets.

Commercial farming

type of agriculture that is focused on producing crops or livestock for sale in the market

Commercial farmers typically grow a wide range of crops or raise a variety of livestock, and use modern techniques and technologies to increase efficiency and maximize profits.

can help to increase food production and contribute to economic development

can also lead to environmental degradation, such as soil erosion and water pollution, and may contribute to the displacement of small farmers in favor of larger, more mechanized operations

Monocropping (monoculture)

the practice of growing a single crop species over a large area

can be done for a variety of reasons, including to maximize efficiency and profits, or to take advantage of specific soil or climatic conditions.

increased efficiency and productivity, and reduced costs for farmers

can lead to soil degradation and erosion, as the same type of crop is grown in the same soil year after year without being rotated with other crops

can also make crops more vulnerable to pests and diseases, as there is a lack of biodiversity in the field.

crop rotation

different crops are grown in the same field in different years, or intercropping, in which multiple crops are grown together in the same field

To mitigate the negative impacts of monoculture

Bid-rent theory

model that explains the relationship between the value of land and its distance from the central business district of a city.

as the distance from the CBD increases, the value of land decreases.

is because land closer to the CBD is more valuable due to its proximity to amenities, such as jobs, transportation, and other resources.

often used to predict the location of land uses within a city, can be used to predict that high-value uses, such as office buildings, will be located closer to the CBD, while lower-value uses, such as industrial or agricultural land, will be located farther from the CBD.

key points of bid rent theory

Commerce will situate in the inner core of the city-
Will pay higher rent for the "prime spot"

Greater accessibility \= more opportunity to attract a large population to their businesses

Industry will situate further away from the CBD-
They need more land for a lower price/rent

Want low price without being too far removed from the marketplace

Residentials-
Don't care as much about the market → more about how much they can pay for the commuting distance

The poor reside closer to the city to get to their jobs easily

Assumptions of the theory-
The land is featureless (i.e. no physical land features that could impact the cost or time or commuting)

Cost of rent increases directly with the distance from the CBD
Most centers for employment are located in the CBD while the rest is spread throughout the metropolitan area

Spatial organization of agriculture

refers to the way that agricultural activities are distributed and organized across a particular area or region.

factors that can influence the spatial organization of agriculture

Natural resources: availability of fertile soil, water, and sunlight, can influence where agriculture is practiced, areas with rich, fertile soil may be more suitable for growing crops, while areas with more arid conditions may be better suited for raising livestock.

Infrastructure: The availability of transportation and other infrastructure, such as roads, ports, and markets, areas with good transportation networks may be more attractive for agriculture because they have easier access to markets for their products.

Economic factors: cost of land, labor, and inputs, areas with lower land and labor costs may be more attractive for agriculture because it is more cost-effective to produce crops or raise livestock there.

Social and cultural factors: traditions and preferences, certain regions may have a tradition of growing certain crops or raising certain animals, which can shape the local agricultural landscape.

Large scale commercial agriculture

refers to the production of crops or livestock on a large scale, often using modern techniques and technologies, such as mechanization and irrigation, to increase efficiency and productivity

typically owned and operated by corporations or large businesses, rather than by individual families.

large scale commercial agri vs family farms

are able to produce crops and livestock at a lower cost due to their economies of scale, they can often sell their products at a lower price than smaller, family-run farms.

can make it difficult for family farms to compete and to turn a profit, leading some farmers to go out of business.

can also impact the environment, as these operations often use pesticides and fertilizers that can pollute soil and water, can have negative consequences for small-scale farmers who rely on the same land and resources.

large-scale commercial agriculture can lead to the consolidation of land, as smaller farms may be bought up by larger companies, can lead to the loss of diverse, small-scale farming operations and a decrease in the number of family farms.

Complex commodity chains

refer to the interconnected networks of production, distribution, and consumption that are involved in bringing a product from its raw materials stage to the final consumer

chains often involve multiple stages and a variety of actors, including producers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers

production and consumption are linked through a series of processes and relationships

raw materials are extracted, transformed into intermediate products, then assembled into finished products, finished products, then distributed to wholesalers or retailers, who sell them to consumers.

Consumers play a role in the production process by purchasing the products, which generates demand and drives the need for more production

can be global in scope, with raw materials being sourced from one part of the world, intermediate products being produced in another part, and finished products being consumed in yet another part.

The globalization of production and consumption has led to the rise of complex commodity chains, which can involve a wide range of actors and processes across different countries and regions

ex is is the production and distribution of electronic devices, such as smartphones or laptops. The raw materials for these devices, such as rare earth minerals and metals, are often mined in developing countries and then shipped to factories in countries with lower labor costs for processing and assembly. The finished products are then shipped to distribution centers and retail outlets in various countries around the world for sale to consumers.

examples of technology and economies of scale in agriculture that have led to increased efficiency and productivity in the industry

Precision agriculture: (use of technology, such as GPS and sensors, to gather data about crops and soil conditions in order to optimize growing conditions and reduce inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides) allows farmers to target specific areas with specific needs, rather than applying inputs uniformly across the entire field.

Irrigation technology: allow farmers to apply water more efficiently to their crops, reducing water waste and improving crop yields.

Mechanization: increased the speed and efficiency of tasks such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. allowed farmers to produce more food on less land, and has contributed to economies of scale in the industry.

Greenhouses and hydroponics: (growing crops in a nutrient-rich water solution rather than soil) allows farmers to control growing conditions more precisely and produce crops year-round, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.

Genetic modification: allowed scientists to develop crops that are resistant to pests and diseases, leading to increased crop yields and reduced reliance on chemical inputs.

Von thunen model

economic model that aims to explain the spatial organization of agriculture and how it is influenced by transportation costs

spatial organization of agriculture is influenced by the distance of the farm from the market and the cost of transportation

Farms located closer to the market will be more profitable because they can sell their products at a higher price and have lower transportation costs. As a result, these farms will be more likely to produce high-value crops or livestock that are more profitable to sell.

farms located farther from the market will be less profitable because they have higher transportation costs and must sell their products at a lower price to compete with farms located closer to the market. These farms will be more likely to produce low-value crops or livestock that are less sensitive to price changes.

Von Thunen Model predictions

More intensive rural land-uses closer to the marketplace-
Example: Commercial farming of milk (dairying)

Farms locate closer to urban areas to minimize distance and lower transportation costs (otherwise, the milk will spoil)

They don't need as much space, so they can afford the higher price of land in regions closer to the market

More extensive rural land-uses further from the marketplace-
Example: Ranching

Livestock need plenty of land to graze, so farmers occupied land further out, where there was a lot of it at a relatively low price.

Zone 1: Intensive agriculture and dairying

Fresh milk, dairy products, certain fruits and vegetables

These products spoil quickly and are high in demand, so they needed to be closest to the marketplace

This farmland was high in demand (because of its accessibility) and very expensive as a result

Zone 2: Forest

Firewood and fuel production

Carrying heavy loads would be difficult if it was located far from the central city

When the von Thunen Model was created, forest material was high in demand for building and fuel (so it needed to get to the market quickly!)

Zone 3: Extensive field crops

This includes grains for bread (which require larger chunks of land for growing/harvesting)

Grains last for long periods of time, are lightweight, and can be stored easily

Situated further from the center because:
-last longer than dairy products
-cheaper to transport than forest resources

Zone 4: Ranching

Cheap pasture range is abundant further from the center

Once livestock were raised, they were driven "on the hoof" to the city market (reducing the cost of transporting them such a long distance)

Global system of agri

refers to the complex network of economic, social, and environmental factors that shape the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural goods around the world

includes the various actors and institutions involved in the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural goods, as well as the policies and regulations that govern these activities.

characterized by a high degree of interdependence and interconnectedness

Agricultural goods are produced in one part of the world, processed and packaged in another, and consumed in still another.

This system is driven by a combination of factors, including market demand, technological advances, and government policies.

has had a significant impact on the environment, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution.

It has also contributed to social and economic inequalities, as small farmers and rural communities in developing countries often face challenges in competing with larger, more efficient producers in developed countries.

Export commodity

A commodity that is produced in one country and sold to another country for export

Ex: Wheat, cotton, and oil

luxury crop

A crop that is grown for its high value and is not necessary for basic human sustenance.

Ex: Coffee, cocoa, and tobacco

neocolonialism

The economic and political control of a developing country by a more powerful, external country, often through indirect means such as corporate investment and trade agreements

Ex: multinational corporation based in a developed country investing in and taking control of natural resources in a developing country, such as oil in Africa or timber in South America.

fair trade agreement

A trade agreement that promotes the fair treatment of workers and the sustainable production of goods, often by establishing minimum prices for certain products and requiring environmentally sustainable practices

Ex: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy

subsidy

A financial support provided by a government to a business or individual, typically to promote a specific economic or social objective

Ex: The US government providing financial support to farmers through the Farm Bill.

infrastructure

basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise

Ex: Roads, bridges, water treatment plants, and schools.

global supply chains

refer to the networks of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in the production, handling, and distribution of goods and services from raw materials to end consumers

They involve the movement of goods and services from suppliers and manufacturers to intermediaries and ultimately to consumers, often across national borders.

have become increasingly complex and interconnected in recent years, due in part to advances in transportation and communication technologies, as well as the liberalization of trade and investment policies.

They have helped to drive economic growth and increase efficiency by allowing companies to specialize in particular tasks and to access a wider range of raw materials, labor, and markets.

also pose challenges, including environmental impacts, labor abuses, and social and economic inequalities. Efforts to address these issues and promote more sustainable and equitable supply chains are ongoing.

exs of global supply chain brands- amazon, fedex, ups

factors that can affect patterns of global food distribution

Transportation: The availability of transportation infrastructure and technology can influence the distribution of food. For example, countries with well-developed transportation systems may be able to import and export food more easily than countries with less developed systems.

Trade policies: Governments can influence the distribution of food through trade policies, such as tariffs and quotas, that regulate the flow of goods across national borders.

Market demand: The demand for certain types of food in different parts of the world can affect global distribution patterns.

Political and economic instability: Instability in a country, such as conflict or economic recession, can disrupt food production and distribution.

Climate and natural disasters: Extreme weather events and natural disasters, such as droughts and hurricanes, can affect food production and distribution in affected areas.

Agricultural practices: Different agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides or irrigation, can affect the availability and quality of food.

Food safety regulations: Governments can establish food safety regulations that affect the distribution of food within and between countries.

Food waste: can affect global food distribution patterns.

Environmental affects of agri

overgrazing, desertification, overfishing, pesticides, soil salinization

overgrazing

excessive use of grazing land by livestock, which can lead to the degradation of the land.

occurs when the number of livestock that are allowed to graze on a piece of land exceeds the land's carrying capacity, or the maximum number of animals that the land can support without degradation.

desertification

process by which fertile land becomes desert-like, due to a variety of factors, such as climate change, overuse, and poor land management practices.

can have a range of negative impacts, including loss of productivity, increased poverty, and social and political instability.

overfishing

the removal of a species of fish from a body of water at a rate that the species cannot replenish, resulting in those species becoming underpopulated in that area

can lead to a decline in the overall health of the ecosystem and cause imbalances in the food chain

pesticides

Have harmed wildlife and polluted our waters

soil salinization

occurs when soil becomes too salty, which can make it difficult or impossible for plants to grow

slash and burn (shifting cultivation)

type of subsistence agriculture in which land is cleared by cutting and burning vegetation

Crops are then planted in the cleared land, and the land is used for a few years until the soil becomes less fertile.

The farmers then move on to a new piece of land, clearing and burning it in the same way.

clearing of land through burning releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change

can also lead to soil erosion and degradation, as well as habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.

terrace farming

type of agriculture in which land is divided into a series of terraces, or flat areas of land that are separated by banks or walls.

These terraces are used to grow crops, and they are often found on hillsides or mountainous areas where the slope of the land makes traditional farming techniques difficult.

allows farmers to grow crops on land that would otherwise be too steep or rocky to cultivate, and it can help to reduce soil erosion by slowing the flow of water down a slope

can also be labor-intensive and costly, as it requires the construction of terraces and irrigation systems.

terraces can be vulnerable to landslides and other natural disasters if not properly maintained

draining wetlands

Done to increase farmland

Decreases biodiversity in plants and animals

pastoral nomadism

a type of subsistence agriculture in which people rely on the raising of livestock, such as goats, sheep, and camels, as their primary source of food and income.

Pastoral nomads typically move their herds to different areas in search of pasture and water, and they often live a semi-nomadic or nomadic lifestyle, traveling with their herds from place to place.

societal affects of agri

Changing diets

Role of women in agriculture production and consumption-
Food gathering -\> farming -\> managing agribusiness

Different types of food are being consumed

Food is being prepared in new ways

The purpose of agriculture (geared towards the economy)-
Although agriculture was once geared toward individual consumption, it has since shifted to global consumption.

Agriculture has become a necessary component of our economy and the purpose of agriculture has become increasingly focused on profits.

Biotechnology

use of living organisms or their products to develop or make products or technology

In agriculture, biotechnology is used to develop crops that are resistant to pests and diseases, tolerate drought and other environmental stresses, and have improved nutritional content. This can help to increase crop yields and reduce the need for chemical inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers.

arguments for biotechnology

More efficient crop production

Prolonged freshness of products

Can design/modify organisms for specific purposes

arguments against biotechnology

Consuming large amounts of GMO foods could reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics and affect the ecological balance of agriculture

Genetically modified plants and animals could interbreed and contaminate food supplies