Delve into the fascinating evolution of agriculture as Marcel Mazoyer and Laurence Roudart take you on a journey through time in 'A History of World Agriculture'. This enlightening book uncovers the intricate relationship between agricultural practices and societal development across different civilizations. From ancient farming techniques to the modern agricultural revolution, discover how food production has shaped human history. Each chapter reveals surprising connections and the profound impact of agriculture on culture, economy, and the environment. Prepare to be intrigued by the untold stories that have fed nations and influenced the course of civilizations.
By Marcel Mazoyer, Laurence Roudart
Published: NaN
""Agriculture is not merely an economic activity; it is the foundation of civilizations, shaping societies, cultures, and the very fabric of human existence.""
Only once we understand the long history of human efforts to draw sustenance from the land can we grasp the nature of the crisis that faces humankind today, as hundreds of millions of people are faced with famine or flight from the land. From Neolithic times through the earliest civilizations of the ancient Near East, in savannahs, river valleys and the terraces created by the Incas in the Andean mountains, an increasing range of agricultural techniques have developed in response to very different conditions. These developments are recounted in this book, with detailed attention to the ways in which plants, animals, soil, climate, and society have interacted. Mazoyer and Roudart’s A History of World Agriculture is a path-breaking and panoramic work, beginning with the emergence of agriculture after thousands of years in which human societies had depended on hunting and gathering, showing how agricultural techniques developed in the different regions of the world, and how this extraordinary wealth of knowledge, tradition and natural variety is endangered today by global capitialism, as it forces the unequal agrarian heritages of the world to conform to the norms of profit. During the twentieth century, mechanization, motorization and specialization have brought to a halt the pattern of cultural and environmental responses that characterized the global history of agriculture until then. Today a small number of corporations have the capacity to impose the farming methods on the planet that they find most profitable. Mazoyer and Roudart propose an alternative global strategy that can safegaurd the economies of the poor countries, reinvigorate the global economy, and create a livable future for mankind.
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“"Agriculture is not merely an economic activity; it is the foundation of civilizations, shaping societies, cultures, and the very fabric of human existence."”
A History of World Agriculture
By Marcel Mazoyer, Laurence Roudart
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Marcel Mazoyer is a distinguished author and agricultural economist known for his insightful writings on the intersection of agriculture and sustainable development. His notable works include "The World Food Crisis" and "Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development," where he explores the challenges of food security and the need for sustainable practices in farming. Mazoyer's writing style is characterized by a blend of academic rigor and accessibility, making complex subjects understandable to a wide audience. His contributions to the field have made him a respected voice in discussions about global food systems and environmental stewardship.
Laurence Roudart is a celebrated author known for his captivating storytelling and profound exploration of human emotions. With a unique ability to blend literary finesse with accessible prose, he has garnered a diverse readership. Roudart's notable works include 'Whispers of the Past,' a poignant reflection on memory and loss, and 'Echoes of the Heart,' a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of personal relationships. His writing is characterized by rich, vivid imagery and a deep psychological insight, making his novels not only engaging but also thought-provoking.
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