Evolving Agricultural Landscapes: From Traditional to Modern

Traditional Agricultural Landscapes

These landscapes are characterized by their unique spatial organization with a low level of development. Traditional methods employ labor-intensive techniques and backward technology, resulting in low productivity. Production is primarily for family consumption, often involving polyculture and sometimes integrated with livestock. Land ownership is typically individual or collective.

Shifting Cultivation

Located in the equatorial and humid tropical climates of Africa, the Americas, and parts of Asia, shifting cultivation involves irregular parcels of land worked with primitive tools and techniques. Soil is cultivated for two to three years until exhausted, after which the village relocates. This practice results in sparse, low production of polyculture crops for consumption. Land ownership and labor tend to be collective, but this system is evolving to address population growth.

Sedentary Dryland Agriculture

Found in the dry tropical climates of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America, and Asia, this type of agriculture centers around villages. Gardens near houses grow vegetables year-round, such as corn and beans. Commercial farming is being promoted by utilizing the herbaceous vegetation of the savannah.

Monsoon Irrigated Agriculture

Located in the tropical monsoon climate zone of South and Southeast Asia, this system is based on rice cultivation, along with soybeans, vegetables, and tea. The characteristic landscape features rice paddies in floodplains and river deltas. Production is continuous, yielding two or three crops annually, further enhanced by the Green Revolution.

Livestock and Oasis Agriculture in Drylands

In the semi-arid and arid regions of Africa and Asia, nomadic livestock herding is the primary activity. Tribal herders move with their camels, goats, and sheep in search of pasture and water. Agriculture is limited to oases with groundwater access. Oasis landscapes consist of small, private plots framed by irrigation canals and arranged around villages. Modern irrigation systems are expanding cultivated areas.

Evolved Agricultural Landscapes

These landscapes are characterized by a high level of development, advanced technology, reduced and specialized labor, and market-oriented production. Land ownership is predominantly private. These evolved systems are found in newly developed countries, certain coastal tropical areas, and Europe.