Global Agricultural Systems and Primary Sector Land Use

Primary Sector Activities: Agriculture and Forestry

Global Scope of Agrarian Activities

Agrarian activities are primary sector activities dedicated to extracting natural resources, including agriculture, livestock farming, and forestry.

Population and Land Surface

• Population: In 2005, agriculture accounted for 43% of the world population. This figure is typically less than 10% in developed countries but can exceed 50% in developing nations.
• Surface Area: The world surface area suitable for cultivation is 11%, while pasture land is suitable for 23%.

The Rural Landscape and Territory

The rural area is defined as territory not included within urban boundaries. The space is primarily formed by agricultural land, including cropland, pasture, and forests. Other applications installed in rural areas include residences, industries, and roads.

Key Factors Shaping Agricultural Systems

Physical Factors

• Relief: Altitude, orientation of slopes, gradient, and general slopes.
• Climate: Insolation (sunlight), temperature, and winds.
• Water, Vegetation, Fauna, and Soil: Availability of fresh water, natural vegetation, wildlife, and soil quality.

Human Factors

• Demographic Factors: Demographic pressure (population density).
• Social Factors: Property regime of holding and social customs.
• Economic Factors: Type of agrarian economy (e.g., subsistence or market-based).

Agricultural Land Ownership Structures

The ownership of agricultural land can be categorized into three main types:

• Private: Belongs to one or several individuals.
• Cooperative: Belongs to a group of partners who collaborate in the work and the acquisition of resources.
• Collective/Communal: Belongs to the whole society, which may be represented by the state, autonomous communities, or local councils.

Elements of Agricultural Landscapes

The Plots (Divisions of Space)

Plots are divisions of agricultural space, classified by:

• Size: Large, medium, or small.
• Form: Regular or irregular.
• Limits: Open or closed (fenced).

Agricultural Uses and Systems

Agricultural uses refer to the activity devoted to growing vegetables. Farming systems are defined by:

• Variety for Cultivation: Monoculture (single crop) or polyculture (multiple crops).
• Quantity of Water: Dry farming (rainfed) or irrigated farming.

Forestry and Forest Management

Forestry Resources and Ecosystems

Forestry is the activity dedicated to the utilization of forests. Resources derived from forests include:

• Products: Timber, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food.
• Species: Tropical forests, temperate forests, and coniferous forests.

Sustainable Forestry Practices

Sustainable forestry involves agricultural work that avoids the degradation of forests, ensuring the activity is ecologically sound.

Traditional Agricultural Landscapes

Characteristics of Traditional Agriculture

Traditional agricultural landscapes are typical of developing countries and share several characteristics:

1. Low-technology development.
2. Low production output.
3. Low cost of production.
4. Labor-intensive methods.
5. Production primarily for consumption (subsistence).

Specific Traditional Farming Systems

Shifting Cultivation (Slash and Burn)

• Location: Africa, America, and Asia.
• Landscape: Areas where the ground is prepared using the ashes of burned forest vegetation.
• Production: Low yield, typically polyculture for personal consumption.

Rainfed Sedentary Agriculture

• Location: Africa, America, and Asia.
• Landscape: The agricultural area is often divided into two parts: a garden area and a polyculture area, usually surrounding a concentrated village.
• Density and Infrastructure: Characterized by high population density and poor quality roads and livestock.

Monsoon Irrigated Agriculture (Rice Paddies)

• Location: Southeast Asia.
• Landscape: Continuous production, often achieving two or three harvests per year, typically monoculture (rice).
• Population: Focuses on high-density populations.
• Current State: Modern enhancements, such as those introduced during the Green Revolution, are being implemented.

Livestock Farming Systems

Livestock farming is the activity devoted to animal husbandry. Livestock systems can be categorized as:

• Mixed Farming (crop and livestock integration)
• Nomadic Pastoralism
• Transhumance (seasonal movement)
• Extensive Farming
• Intensive Farming