Agriculture and Livestock: Factors, Types, and Impact
Agriculture: Cultivation and Factors
Agriculture is the cultivation of land to obtain products for human consumption. In developed countries, agriculture employs less than 5% of the workforce, while in developing countries, it can engage up to 80% of the population.
Physical Factors Influencing Agriculture
- Climate: Each plant requires specific temperature and humidity conditions.
- Relief: Altitude and slope determine land suitability for farming.
- Soil: Each plant needs land with suitable characteristics.
Human Factors Influencing Agriculture
- Population Volume: The need to feed a growing population leads to increased cultivation area.
- Agricultural Techniques: The use of specific techniques determines the yield of cultivated lands.
- Production Destination: Subsistence agriculture is for family consumption, while market agriculture specializes in products for sale.
- Agricultural Policies: Governments influence agriculture through various measures.
Types of Agriculture
Subsistence Agriculture
Shifting Cultivation (Slash-and-Burn): The oldest form, characteristic of warmer climates (forests). It involves cutting down trees, burning them, and cultivating the land (polyculture). After about five years, the forest is allowed to regrow, and farmers move to another area.
Extensive Agriculture of the African Savannah
Common in warm climates (not jungles). A village is surrounded by a large area cultivated extensively with cereals. A smaller area around the village is used for horticulture, fertilized by animals, and irrigated with wells. A herd is also maintained.
Irrigated Agriculture
Found in warmer climates (Southeast Asia during the monsoon season). Torrential rains for four months allow for rice cultivation. It is intensive agriculture due to the high population density.
Plantation Agriculture
Developed in developing countries (warm climates), but owned by companies from developed countries, applying techniques from developed countries. It is market-oriented agriculture, aiming for maximum profit. Land exploitation is so high that after 40 years, the plot is often unusable and abandoned. It requires high capital investment, is located near the coast for better transport, and covers enormous extensions.
Market Agriculture in Developed Countries
Aims for maximum profit, utilizing:
- Production specialization
- Mechanization of farming
- Application of modern farming techniques
Effects of Market Agriculture:
- Lower prices
- Faster marketing
- Specialized transport
- Pollution
- Subsidies
Livestock
Livestock involves animal husbandry for human use. Species include sheep, pigs, goats, cattle, horses, rabbits (rabbit farming), poultry (poultry farming), and bees (beekeeping).
Extensive Ranching
Practiced in developing countries. Animals live in large holdings, feeding on natural grasslands. It requires minimal investment, and labor productivity is low. Common livestock types are cattle and sheep.
Intensive Livestock Farming
Practiced on specialized farms in developed countries. It involves large investments in high-productivity facilities. Animals are kept in stables (feedlots) and fed with feed. Common livestock types include sheep, pigs, and poultry. Production is market-oriented.
Fishing
Fishing involves catching fish and other aquatic animals in seas or rivers.
Types of Fishing
- Inshore Fishing: Uses small boats; catches are destined for self-consumption.
- Coastal Fishing: Takes place near the coast, using small boats, for periods not exceeding one day.
- Deep-Sea Fishing: Occurs at sea, using large, equipped boats for extended periods (months).
Fishing Techniques
- Longline
- Encirclement
- Trawler
- Gillnet