Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Derwent Whittlesey, a prominent American geographer, proposed a widely recognized classification of agricultural regions in 1936, based on the degree of commercialization, the types of crops and livestock raised, and the methods used for farming. This classification moved beyond simply listing crops to understanding the *system* of agriculture – how farmers in different regions organized their production and interacted with markets. Understanding Whittlesey’s classification provides a foundational understanding of global agricultural patterns and their spatial variations, even though modern agriculture has evolved significantly since its inception. This answer will detail Whittlesey’s agricultural regions and assess their continuing relevance.
Whittlesey’s Agricultural Regions
Whittlesey identified eleven major agricultural regions, categorized based on their dominant farming practices. These regions are not strictly defined geographical areas but rather represent idealized types of agricultural systems.
1. Pastoral Nomadism
- Characteristics: Herding of livestock (camels, goats, sheep) with seasonal movements following rainfall and pasture availability. Minimal cultivation.
- Geographical Distribution: Arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of Mongolia.
- Relevance: While declining, it remains important in marginal lands where crop agriculture is unsustainable.
2. Shifting Cultivation (Slash-and-Burn)
- Characteristics: Clearing land by cutting and burning vegetation, followed by a few years of cultivation, and then abandonment to allow forest regeneration. Low population density.
- Geographical Distribution: Tropical rainforests of Amazonia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa.
- Relevance: Increasingly unsustainable due to population pressure and deforestation.
3. Intensive Subsistence Agriculture (Rice Dominant)
- Characteristics: Small landholdings, high labor input, and cultivation primarily for local consumption. Rice is the dominant crop.
- Geographical Distribution: Monsoon Asia (India, China, Bangladesh, Indonesia).
- Relevance: Critical for food security in densely populated regions.
4. Intensive Subsistence Agriculture (Wheat & Millet Dominant)
- Characteristics: Similar to rice-dominant agriculture, but with wheat and millet as the primary crops.
- Geographical Distribution: North China, parts of India, and the Mediterranean region.
- Relevance: Supports large populations in areas with less favorable rice-growing conditions.
5. Commercial Grain Farming
- Characteristics: Large-scale cultivation of wheat, corn, and other grains for sale in the market. Mechanization and use of fertilizers.
- Geographical Distribution: Great Plains of North America, the Pampas of Argentina, and parts of Europe.
- Relevance: Major contributor to global food supply.
6. Commercial Livestock Ranching
- Characteristics: Raising cattle, sheep, or goats on large pastures for meat and wool production.
- Geographical Distribution: Great Plains of North America, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Relevance: Provides a significant portion of the world’s meat supply.
7. Commercial Dairy Farming
- Characteristics: Specialized production of milk and dairy products for urban markets. Requires proximity to processing and distribution centers.
- Geographical Distribution: Northwestern Europe, parts of North America, and New Zealand.
- Relevance: Important source of protein and calcium for urban populations.
8. Commercial Horticulture (Fruit & Vegetable Farming)
- Characteristics: Cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers for sale in the market. Requires favorable climate and access to transportation.
- Geographical Distribution: Mediterranean region, California, and parts of Southeast Asia.
- Relevance: Provides diverse food options and contributes to agricultural exports.
9. Commercial Plantation Agriculture
- Characteristics: Large-scale cultivation of cash crops (tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane) on tropical and subtropical lands. Often associated with colonial history.
- Geographical Distribution: Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
- Relevance: Significant contributor to export earnings for many developing countries.
10. Mediterranean Agriculture
- Characteristics: Cultivation of fruits, vegetables, olives, and grapes in areas with a Mediterranean climate (warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters).
- Geographical Distribution: Mediterranean Basin, California, parts of Australia, and Chile.
- Relevance: Produces high-value crops for both domestic and international markets.
11. Commercial Forestry
- Characteristics: Large-scale cultivation of trees for timber and pulpwood.
- Geographical Distribution: Scandinavia, Canada, and parts of the United States.
- Relevance: Provides raw materials for construction, paper production, and other industries.
Table summarizing Whittlesey’s Agricultural Regions:
| Region | Dominant Practice | Geographical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pastoral Nomadism | Livestock Herding | Sahara Desert |
| Shifting Cultivation | Slash-and-Burn Agriculture | Amazon Rainforest |
| Commercial Grain Farming | Large-Scale Grain Production | Great Plains, USA |
Conclusion
Whittlesey’s classification, though developed in the 1930s, remains a valuable framework for understanding the spatial organization of agriculture. While modern agricultural practices have become more complex and integrated, the fundamental principles of commercialization, crop specialization, and farming methods identified by Whittlesey continue to be relevant. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations of this classification, such as its generalization and inability to fully capture the nuances of contemporary agricultural systems, including the impact of globalization, technological advancements, and climate change. Future research should focus on refining and updating this classification to reflect the evolving landscape of global agriculture.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.