ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 3 – AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT NOTES: FARMING TYPES
Agriculture is typically defined as 'the cultivation of animals, pIants and fungi for food. It also
includes growing timber in a plantation for house building or fuel, growing plants to produce
medicines, breeding fish for fish oils or growing flowers.
Factors affecting types of farming
The type of agriculture used in different parts of the world depends on a number of factors:
Climate: Different crops thrive at specific temperature ranges. For example, rice and tropical
fruits need warmer climates, while wheat and barley do well in cooler areas.
Soil: Fertile soils rich in essential nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) support
high-yield agriculture.
Topography: Flat land is typically easier to farm, allowing for mechanization and easier water
management. Steeper slopes may require terracing.
Culture: Local customs, traditions, and indigenous knowledge often influence the types of
crops grown and farming methods used.
Technology: The availability of machinery, Reliable storage and transport systems
Techniques like precision farming, hydroponics, and genetically modified crops can expand
agricultural possibilities.
Economy: Farmers often choose crops based on demand and profitability, access to funding,
labour cost and etc.,
There is pressure on food production in a number of ways, including:
1. Population Growth: An increasing world population needing more resources, there is a
higher demand for food production.
2. Water Scarcity: Changes in precipitation patterns, increased evaporation, and over-
extraction of water for agriculture
3. Urbanization: Increasing settlement sizes reducing available farmland to the conversion of
agricultural land into urban areas.
4. Changing Diets: As incomes rise in many parts of the world, there is a shift towards diets
that include more meat and dairy products.
5. Larger populations impacting on the availability of water for irrigation.
-------------------- Tr. ANBUMANI M.Sc., M.Ed., IGCSE Environmental Management 0680 ©2024 --------------------
Suggestions to solve the World hunger
1. Reducing the population increase, as this will decrease the predicted demand for food.
2. Promote sustainable farming practices that focus on soil health and water conservation
3. Encourage farmers for growing more staple crops or food crops rather than cash crops.
4. Research to develop new technologies for agriculture, including genetic improvements, and
sustainable farming practices.
5. Implement and enforce policies that support fair trade practices, and food security.
6. Encourage international collaboration to address global hunger.
7. Improve rural infrastructure, including transportation and storage facilities, to reduce post-
harvest losses.
8. Measures to reduce food waste at all stages of the supply chain, from production and
transportation to retail and consumer levels.
Types of farming
Subsistence farming and Commercial farming
Arable farming and Pastoral farming
Mixed farming
Extensive farming and Intensive farming
-------------------- Tr. ANBUMANI M.Sc., M.Ed., IGCSE Environmental Management 0680 ©2024 --------------------
