CHANGES IN FOOD PRODUCTION

THE GREEN REVOLUTION Launched by the FAO in the 1960’s to combat famine and malnutrition in the Developing world. To take advantage of new developments in food technology.

Development of a new variety of crops Hybridization Cross- breeding of seeds & plants

Development of the Miracle Rice The IR varieties improved the growth, disease resistance, and yield increase of rice.

The Green Revolution led to Water control projects Dams and new wells were built.

Many dams were built in LEDC’s

The Green Revolution led to the development of better fertilizers

Green Revolution led to an increase in the use of fertilizers and pesticides

This has been a major criticism of the Green Revolution Creates LEDC dependency on First World agricultural manufacturers

The Green Revolution led to a better storage of food Need to build more storage bins

Green Revolution led to more mechanization and better farming methods Multiple cropping – a new crop is sown as soon as harvest is over

Intercropping – a new crop is sown after the first crop has matured but before it is harvested. This makes weed control easier and reduces pest attacks.

The Green Revolution led to the call for more land reform. A controversial and political issue for many developing countries.

Some were more successful than others.

Major successes occurred in the development of agricultural cooperatives

PROMOTION OF INTERMEDIATE TECHNOLOGY BAMBOO TUBEWELL

BICYCLE OPERATED MACHINES

IRRIGATION To improve water supply for areas with seasonal precipitation patterns.

LAND RECLAMATION To increase land acreage for farming.

INTENSIFICATION OF PLANT WEEDING To improve overall yields

INCREASED USE OF PEST CONTROL

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MARKETING TECHNIQUES

TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS WERE IMPLEMENTED

THE RESULTS Enormous increase in food supply in most LEDC’s; sub-Saharan Africa was the main exception Socially more developing farmers lost their independence Certain cultural groups had to change to sedentary farming; eg. The Masai in Kenya

More LEDC dependence for fertilizers, pesticides, technology Ecological changes 1. pollution of water & soil 2. more soil erosion 3. deforestation 4. simplication of biomes 5. loss of individual species