How is farming in Africa and the Pacific Islands similar?
Check these sites to find similarities between these two regions.
http://www.fao.org/farmingsystems/SSA_leg_en.htm
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761595628_4/Pacific_Islands.html#s42
To understand how farming in Africa and the Pacific Islands is similar, we can break it down into three steps: gathering information, identifying similarities, and drawing conclusions.
Step 1: Gathering information:
To gather information about farming in Africa and the Pacific Islands, we can refer to various sources such as books, articles, research papers, and online resources. These resources will provide insights into the agricultural practices, climatic conditions, crops grown, and social and economic factors influencing farming in both regions.
Step 2: Identifying similarities:
After gathering information, we can compare and identify similarities between farming practices in Africa and the Pacific Islands. Here are a few common similarities:
1. Subsistence farming: In both regions, farming mainly serves as a means of subsistence, where the majority of farmers produce food primarily for their families' consumption rather than for commercial purposes.
2. Small-scale farming: Both regions rely heavily on small-scale farming, with farmers often cultivating small plots of land using traditional or semi-modern methods.
3. Importance of traditional knowledge: Traditional agriculture techniques and indigenous knowledge systems play a significant role in both regions. Farmers rely on their ancestral knowledge to adapt to local environmental conditions and grow region-specific crops.
4. Agricultural challenges: Farmers in both Africa and the Pacific Islands face similar challenges such as limited access to resources, including land, water, technology, and finance. They also encounter issues like soil degradation, unpredictable weather patterns, and pests or diseases that impact crop yields.
Step 3: Drawing conclusions:
Based on the identified similarities, we can draw some conclusions:
1. Cultural and historical influences: Similarities in farming practices between Africa and the Pacific Islands can be attributed to their shared cultural heritage and historical factors. The methods and knowledge passed down from generation to generation have shaped the agriculture practices in these regions.
2. Climate and environmental factors: Both regions experience diverse climates and environmental conditions. This influences the types of crops grown, cultivation techniques, and farming strategies employed by farmers.
3. Socio-economic factors: Economic and social aspects, such as limited access to modern agricultural technologies, infrastructure, and markets, contribute to the similarities in farming practices in Africa and the Pacific Islands.
By following these steps, we can effectively compare and analyze farming practices in different regions, finding commonalities, and understanding the underlying reasons behind them.