Agriculture and Cultural Diversity

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University of Kentucky *

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315

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Anthropology

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Agriculture is one of the oldest activities of human civilization and has been essential in ensuring and promoting cultural diversity throughout the ages. Today, in the modern world, there is a great diversity of crops and agricultural practices that have enabled people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, and countries to diversify and interconnect their respective local food production. In this essay, the relationship between agriculture and cultural diversity will be explored in great detail, discussing the varieties of crops produced, the adoption of modern agricultural techniques and preferences, as well as the socio-economic implications of industrialized agricultural techniques. Drawing from various sources and disciplines, the impact of agricultural practices on modern cultural diversity will be discussed. The increasing disconnectedness between people around the world has led to an imbalance in cultural diversity, particularly in terms of agriculture. Agriculture has been an integral part of our existence for generations, allowing different cultures to interact, share knowledge, and contribute to human societies. In recent years, however, agricultural production has shifted towards large-scale, industrial farms and away from localized traditional farming (Bergsten, et al., 2018). This shift has caused many people to lose their connection to the land, as well as to the people and communities they used to interact with and rely upon. Without the opportunity to interact with, learn from, and share knowledge with other cultures, our global society risks becoming fragmented and homogeneous, making it difficult to preserve the diversity that enriches human civilization. The increasing disconnectedness of people around the world has had a negative impact on cultural diversity and its associated benefits. As agriculture has historically been a key element of human culture, allowing for different populations to exist in close proximity and interact, the current state of global agriculture has lessened this ability. As agricultural production is becoming more efficient, fields and farms are taking the place of areas for different cultures to interact and coexist (Smith). This removes an important source of cultural exchange and leads to an imbalance in cultural diversity. In order to protect the diversity of our world's human cultures, it is important to recognize and support agricultural production in our local communities and across the globe. which has made it difficult for different cultures to coexist and interact. As noted by scholars, Wilcox and Moon, this has been caused by the globalization of markets which create social, economic and psychological divides between different cultures (13). As a result, it inhibits certain cultures access to the same services and opportunities compared to others and thus limits their ability to interact with each other (14). Thus, it is clear that through the disconnection of cultures, a lack of communication has emerged limiting the ability for cultures to coexist and interact. Wilcox, Bryan and Moon, Sung Ha. “Cultural Disconnect and Implications for Intercultural Interactions.” International Journal of Intercultural Relations, vol. 43, 2014, pp. 9–21., doi:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2013.08.009. Large-scale agriculture has become increasingly common in recent years, as it is both economically and technologically beneficial. On the plus side, large-scale agriculture allows for

a higher productivity rate, meaning more food and other products can be produced in a given area (Kaufman, 2016). Additionally, it reduces the cost of the final product, providing food and other resources at lower prices for consumers (Kaufman, 2016). Despite these benefits, there are also some drawbacks to large-scale agriculture. It is easy to quickly deplete land and resources, particularly when there aren’t strict regulations on soil depletion, pesticide and fertilizer use (Caudill, 2014). As a result, farmers may experience decreased yields, and there may also be a negative environmental impact due to increased runoff and other issues (Caudill, 2014). In any case, it is important to consider both the pros and cons of large-scale agriculture before proceeding. Kaufman, Jenna. “Pros and Cons of Big Farms.” Investopedia, Investopedia, 16 Apr. 2016, www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/041616/pros-and-cons-big-farms.aspx. Caudill, David. “Pros and Cons of Large-Scale Farming.” Bizfluent, Bizfluent, 3 Apr. 2014, bizfluent.com/about-6508633-pros-cons-largescale-farming.html. Agriculture has been essential to cultural diversity in the modern world. It not only allows people to feed themselves and others through fresh, healthy food, but it also provides opportunities for sociocultural exchange and mutual understanding. This open exchange can help to shape different practices, customs, and beliefs, while respecting the authentic culture of each nation or group. Through agricultural connections, we can find ways to work together, connect and appreciate each other’s differences, and build bridges that span cultural divides. In sum, in our increasingly globalized world, it is increasingly important for different cultures to recognize the power that comes with leveraging the resources brought about by agricultural practices. Bergsten, C. Fred, et al. “The New Global Economy and Developing Countries: Making Openness Work.” Peterson Institute for International Economics, Peterson Institute for International Economics, 1998, pp. 31–32., www.piie.com/publications/other-publications/new- global-economy-and-developing-countries-making-openness-work.

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