Societal Impacts of Agricultural Practices (College Board AP® Human Geography)

Agricultural practices, along with increases in technology and transportation, globalization, and cultural preferences influence the availability, price, and variety of foods

Overall increases in agricultural production globally have increased the food supply and availability of staple crops, such as wheat, rice, and barley

• This has resulted in higher-calorie diets which can support larger populations and increase carrying capacity

• However, reliance on these products can also limit the variety of food available and populations can become dependent on processed foods

The growth of large-scale commercial agriculture has led to an increase in the availability of meat and dairy in less developed countries (LDCs)

Globalization has led to:

• the increased spread of crops

• improved farming techniques

• increased amount of processed foods

  • This results in increased consumption of fast foods in both LDCs and more developed countries (MDCs) and the introduction of non-native foods and international cuisines to all areas

Globalization and urbanization also contribute to increased consumption of Western foods in LDCs and decreased consumption of traditional and locally produced foods

Increased economic development in LDCs means individuals have more money to spend on food consumption 

• Individuals will consume more high-value foods, including increased amounts of protein

Overall, individuals in MDCs continue their high demand for meat, while people in LDCs have shown an increased demand for meat, as well as for convenient, processed foods

• LDCs have also seen a shift away from locally produced food to globally traded products

The role of women in agriculture depends on:

• the location of the agricultural production (MDCs versus LDCs)

• the type of agricultural practice (subsistence versus commercial)

• cultural and economic factors

Women are more likely to be engaged in agricultural production in LDCs than MDCs

Women are more likely to take part in subsistence agricultural practices, while men are more likely to be employed in commercial agricultural practices

In addition to their role in subsistence agriculture, women are also crucial for ensuring food security for their families by growing and preparing food for consumption

Women also take part in agricultural economies, often selling surplus crops as markets

In many areas of the world, especially LDCs, women struggle to access land ownership or profit from agriculture

• They often have difficulty obtaining financial resources, training, or agricultural technology

• Women often also face significant cultural opposition to their participation in high-paying agricultural roles because of gender norms and expectations

Increased participation by women in agricultural production has been shown to improve production levels and food security

• Efforts to empower women and increase their participation in agriculture is a key goal of productivity and sustainability efforts