The First Agricultural Revolution c. 10,000 BC Domestication of food crops. South East Asia-root crops Southwest Asia -cereal crops such as wheat, barley MesoAmerica-maize (corn), squash & beans Africa-millet, sorghum, watermelons Right-wheat-one of the 1st seed crops to be domesticated.

The Fertile Crescent –

About 8,000 BC man began to select, breed and domesticate and cultivate various species of plants and animals It was a slow, gradual process that occurred at different times in various places-due to climate or soil limitations it did not spread all over the world. World Population increased X16 between 8,000 BC and 4,000 BC due to increased and reliable food supply.

Second Agriculture Revolution, aka British Agricultural Revolution, 18th century A series of innovations and techniques allowing for consistent agricultural surpluses (started before the industrial revolution). Plow improvements New world crops-potatoes & corn Advances in livestock breeding Crop rotation & new fertilizers

What model we have previously covered clearly shows the impact of the second revolution on humankind?

Demographic Transition Model!

Further expansion of agricultural land has not been sufficient to feed the world’s growing population.

Third Agriculture Revolution (Green Revolution) A series of initiatives, occurring between the 1940s and the late 1980s, that increased agricultural production worldwide, particularly in the developing world. -invention of high-yield grains, especially rice (I-8) -increased use of various technologies such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers -expansion of irrigation infrastructure

Thanks to Green Revolution’s increased food supply: Thanks to Green Revolution’s increased food supply: -most famines are due to political problems -food in America has never been cheaper

Opposition to Green Revolution Opposition argues Green Revolution has led to: vulnerability to pests Soil erosion Water shortages Micronutrient deficiencies Dependency on chemicals for production Loss of control over seeds

Opposition to Green Revolution Genetically engineered crops are yielding some ethical problems. In the semi-periphery, farmers typically keep seeds from crops so that they can plant the seeds the next year. Companies that produce genetically engineered seeds do not approve of this process; generally, they want farmers to purchase new seeds each year. Many semi-periphery farmers can not afford the new seeds, fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Some of the poorest areas of the world have benefited the least from the Green Revolution-especially Africa. Small farms can’t take advantage of the innovations-India 4 acres, Bangladesh 1.8 acres, China ½ acre