Agricultural Economy: Principles Governing Production, Distribution and Exchange | Anthropology Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Distribution

• Nearly eight millennia ago, numerous significant advancements were made in the field of agriculture. Countless new plants were cultivated, and a vast array of animals were domesticated. Essential agricultural techniques such as irrigation, fertilization, and weeding were also developed during this time. However, the invention of the plow had the most substantial impact on agriculture.
• In fact, the term "plow cultivation" is often used to differentiate agriculture from horticulture. The practice of using animal-drawn plows for cultivation can be found in regions such as North Africa, Europe, and Asia, including Indonesia.

Examples

• There are various tribal societies across the world that engage in agricultural practices. In India, some of these tribes include the Baiga, Bhil, Bhuiya, Ho, Lepcha, Oraons, Purum, and Santals. The Dusu tribe from Indonesia, the Tanala tribe from Madagascar, and the Kachim tribe from Burma also engage in agriculture.
• Additionally, the Aztecs, a Meso-American civilization from the 16th century, were known for their agricultural practices. These tribal societies showcase the diversity of agrarian practices in different cultures around the world.

Characteristics

• Sedentary communities are a key feature of agricultural economies. Unlike horticultural tribal societies, agricultural societies are more settled because they have a strong connection to the land, which has been cultivated for generations.
  
• High population density is another characteristic of agricultural economies. These societies can support large populations, sometimes reaching up to 1000 people per square mile.
• Agricultural economies give rise to permanent rural and urban communities, including large villages, towns, and cities. This development is driven by increased crop yields and growing populations.
• Complex economic resources are a hallmark of agricultural economies. This includes advanced agricultural technologies and methods of cultivation, a division of labor based on age, sex, and specialization, and intricate land ownership rules. Capital investments in tools, animals, and materials are also essential in agricultural societies.
• Food shortages and trade are common in agricultural economies. While these societies often rely on their own cultivation for sustenance, they also supplement their diets with purchases from the market. However, agriculture is more susceptible to drought and market fluctuations, which can lead to food shortages.
• Wealth disparities are prevalent in agricultural economies. Individuals can accumulate wealth through land ownership, livestock, and money, which can lead to significant differences in wealth among community members.
• The presence of full-time political officials is another characteristic of agricultural economies. As economies and politics are closely linked in these societies, those who control the economic system also wield political power. This connection between wealth and power further reinforces the presence of economic inequalities. 

Conclusion

Agricultural economies have played a significant role in the development of human societies throughout history. These economies are characterized by sedentary communities, high population density, and the establishment of permanent rural and urban settlements. They also involve complex economic resources, capital investments, and intricate land ownership rules. Agricultural societies often experience food shortages, trade, and wealth disparities, which contribute to the presence of full-time political officials. Examples of these societies can be found in various tribal communities around the world, highlighting the diversity of agricultural practices in different cultures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Agricultural Economy

What are some examples of tribal societies that engage in agricultural practices?

Some examples of tribal societies that engage in agricultural practices include the Baiga, Bhil, Bhuiya, Ho, Lepcha, Oraons, Purum, and Santals tribes in India, the Dusu tribe in Indonesia, the Tanala tribe in Madagascar, and the Kachim tribe in Burma. The Aztecs, a Meso-American civilization, were also known for their agricultural practices.

What are the key characteristics of agricultural economies?

Key characteristics of agricultural economies include sedentary communities, high population density, permanent rural and urban communities, complex economic resources, food shortages and trade, wealth disparities, and the presence of full-time political officials.

How does the invention of the plow impact agriculture?

The invention of the plow had a substantial impact on agriculture, as it allowed for more efficient cultivation of the land. The term "plow cultivation" is often used to differentiate agriculture from horticulture. Animal-drawn plows have been used in regions such as North Africa, Europe, and Asia, including Indonesia.

What are some of the factors that contribute to wealth disparities in agricultural economies?

Wealth disparities in agricultural economies arise from factors such as land ownership, livestock, and money. Individuals who own more land, livestock, or have more financial resources can accumulate wealth, leading to significant differences in wealth among community members. This connection between wealth and power further reinforces the presence of economic inequalities.