APES Chapter 12 Part 1

Chapter Introduction

• Farming practices integrating renewable energy can lead to sustainable food production.

• Example: Solar energy used on farms in Bavaria, Germany.

Key Questions

• Why is good nutrition important?

• How is food produced?

• What are the environmental effects of industrialized food production?

• How can we protect crops from pests more sustainably?

• How can we produce food more sustainably?

• How can we improve food security?

Importance of Nutrition

Many People Suffer from Hunger

• There is a disconnect between healthy eating recommendations and common food choices.

• Health issues arise from consuming overly processed and non-nutritious foods.

• Essential macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) are vital for health.

• Approximately one in eight people (about 800 million globally) suffer from hunger and undernutrition, unable to meet basic energy needs.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Concept 12.1A: Issues in Nutrition

• Health problems emerge from insufficient food intake in less-developed countries, while overconsumption is common in developed nations.

Challenges to Food Security

Concept 12.1B: Obstacles to Adequate Food Access

• Factors such as poverty, conflict, adverse weather, and climate change hinder sufficient food access.

Case Study: Growing Power

• Growing Power is an urban farm that utilizes sustainable practices and equalities in agricultural education.

• Focuses on recycling nutrients and reducing food deserts through local food production.

• Acts as a model for sustainable agriculture, helping to feed over 10,000 people annually.

Food Deserts

• About 23.5 million Americans live in food deserts, relying on unhealthy food sources.

• These communities face higher risks of health issues related to diet, including obesity and diabetes.

Global Hunger Statistics

• Many individuals in developing countries consume a low-protein, carbohydrate-heavy diet primarily made up of grains.

• Hunger and famine lead to severe malnutrition, vulnerability to disease, and poor development in children.

Food Production Overview

Concept 12.2: Production Methods

• High-input industrialized agriculture and lower-input traditional agriculture significantly impact food supply.

• To sustain an increasing population, sustainable and diverse farming methods are crucial.

Food Specialization

• A small number of plant species provide the majority of global food.

• Shift toward a more diverse food production system is necessary for sustainability.

Agricultural Practices

Traditional Agriculture

• Provides about 20% of food with a focus on sustainability and crop diversity.

• Polyculture is used to maximize yields and minimize risks. Traditional farming techniques often involve crop rotation, which helps maintain soil fertility and reduce pest outbreaks. Additionally, traditional agriculture relies on organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods, promoting ecological balance and resilience within farming systems. In contrast, modern agriculture typically emphasizes monoculture, which can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, as well as depletion of soil nutrients.

• Organic Farming: Emphasizes the use of natural fertilizers and pest control methods, avoiding synthetic chemicals to maintain soil health and biodiversity.

Sustainable Agriculture

• Organic agriculture, using non-synthetic practices, is gaining momentum for ecological health.

• Emphasizes local rather than global orientation for food production.