Tema 3

Food Sources and the Primary Sector

  • Primary Sector includes arable farming, livestock farming, fishing, and silviculture.

  • Importance: Arable and livestock farming are primary food sources globally.

Economic Differences in the Primary Sector

  • MEDCs: Employ a small percentage of the population.

  • LEDCs: Employ a high percentage of the population.

  • Correlation: Higher economic development equals lower reliance on the primary sector.

Global Food Composition

  • Major dependencies: Rice, corn, and wheat supply 60% of global energy.

  • Food waste is significant, with 35% wastage in some countries.

Factors Influencing Farming

Natural Factors:

  1. Climate

  2. Relief

  3. Soil

  4. Water

Human Factors:

  1. Demographic Pressure

  2. Technological Development

Types of Farming Practices

Traditional vs. Modern Farming:

  • Traditional: Subsistence-oriented, polyculture, low mechanization, minimal investment.

  • Modern: Commercial, monoculture, high investment, advanced technology.

Fair Trade:

  • Focused on equitable labor practices, environmental respect, and community development.

Sustainability of Farming

  • Traditional farming offers environmental sustainability but often leads to food insecurity.

  • Modern farming raises productivity but can lead to ecological imbalances.

Future of Farming Methods

  • Shift towards smart farming to increase efficiency.

Livestock Production

  • Traditional Methods: Small-scale, low-input.

  • Modern Methods: Industrialized, larger scales, focuses on profitability.

Fishing Practices

  • Types: Coastal, deep-sea, and large-scale fishing.

  • Fish Farming: Emerging as a sustainable alternative to wild fishing.