Primary Economic Activities: Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing

Mixed livestock animals combine food and life outdoors and in the barn.

Forestry Practices and Forest Management

Forestry farming is dedicated to harnessing the forest. The higher yields come from species in tropical hardwood forests and temperate regions. Forest types may be wooded or brush-covered. Forestry is the cultivation of forests or mountain areas in order to avoid degradation.

Shifting Cultivation in Tropical Africa

This agricultural practice is located in the equatorial zone and humid tropical climate of Africa. The agricultural landscape is made up of irregular parcels, located around towns, worked with quite primitive techniques and tools. The soil is cultivated continuously for two or three years until exhausted. When this happens, the village should be moved to another location to restart the process. It is a type of agriculture that requires large areas and only allows the survival of low population densities. Production is limited and is based on polyculture of cereals and other products for consumption. The property and labor of land tend to be collective.

Sedentary Agriculture in Savanna Zones

Sedentary agriculture is located in the zone of dry tropical savanna. The agricultural landscape is divided into two parts, including gardens. Farmers rotate a main crop. This system does not deplete the soil and allows the permanent settlement of the population and livelihoods for higher population density.

Currently, building on the herbaceous vegetation of the savanna is promoting commercial livestock.

Fishing: Practices, Types, and Challenges

Fishing is an activity designed to obtain seafood. Fisheries are primarily located on continental shelves.

Types of Fishing

There are various types of fishing:

• By Development Level:
  • Artisanal Fishing: Small boats use traditional technology and low labor, resulting in reduced production.
  • Industrial Fishing: Large factory vessels use modern technology and large amounts of manpower, yielding abundant catches.
• By Distance and Duration:
  • Inshore Fishing: Close to the shore and typically daily.
  • High-Seas Fishing: Off the coast, lasting days or weeks, and conducted far out at sea for several months.

Fishing Techniques

Common fishing techniques include nets, hooks (fixed or mobile), or even electricity.

Challenges in Fishing

The main problems facing the fishing industry are overfishing, which causes depletion of stocks, pollution, and difficult access to other fisheries.