History is an account of events took place in the past.
It may also be defined as a branch of knowledge which deals with past events of human beings and their response to their environment over the years.
R.G. Collingwood in his book, `` the ideal of history’ human actions in the past, pursed by interpretation of evidence for the sake of human self-knowledge.
Therefore, history is the endless story of mankind’s actions and events affecting him in the past.
Pre-history refers to the unrecorded (unwritten) history. Refers to those activities that humans engaged in before writing and drawing were invented as ways of storing information. Such knowledge is reconstructed through songs, myths, stories, artefacts, fossils and language of the people.
Social history: deals with the traditions, values and cultural practises of the people.
Economic history: refers to the means of livelihood of people, such as hunting, gathering, agriculture and trade.
Political history: deals with control systems in society for example maintenance of law and order, leadership and security.
The term government is derived from the verb to govern which means to exercise authority over, to rule or control. Therefore, it means a group of people within a state or country given authority to organise direct and control the affairs of the state or country. In Kenya the government has three arms.
The legislature/ parliament.
It includes the national assembly, the senate and the president there work is to make laws.
Executive.
Includes the president, the cabinet and the civil service, it implements the law.
Judiciary (courts).
Its responsibility is to see to that the laws made are constitutional, that they are followed and that those who break them are punished.
Democratic: this type of government requires the rulers to regularly seek public mandate through popular vote. These governments are based on the promise that elections are free and fair and that the elected officials represent the wishes and aspiration of the people.
Abraham Lincoln said democracy is government of the people, for the people and by the people’. In a democratic government, freedoms and rights are provided for in the constitution that governs the law of the nation. It is there freedoms that enable discussions and debate on matters of national importance.
Aristocratic, etymology:
Greek words `aristos’ meaning best and `kratos’ meaning power. Therefore, it’s a type of government in which a group of people from the highest social class that is the loyalty, in a society rule over others. The king or queen is the head of the government while senior positions in the government are given to the privileged members from among the nobles who are considered superior because of the wealthy family background they are born into and their superior education.
Monarchical.
Is a form of government where democracy is practised but aristocratic power is respected.
Parliament is the supreme organ but the monarchy-the royalty that are in power- be it a king or queen is retained as traditional and respected as head of state.
Absolute monarchy- refers to the unrestricted power of the head of state. The monarchy is dictatorial.
Constitutional monarchy- restricted monarchical power is determined by what is spelt out in the constitution E.G Britain and Lesotho.
Dictatorial.
Is a system of government where the ruler has total powers over his subjects. Dictators are the sole authority where they rule. They make law and execute justice; they exercise their rule forcefully, suppressing their subjects at will. They curtail the freedom of the subjects.
It helps us to know the origin of mankind, his development and progress he has made to this date.
It helps us appreciate man achievements and learn from the failures of the past so as to manage the present better.
It helps man to understand how to relate and depend on each other. Decisions taken by one person affects others.
It helps understand our culture as well as other people’s culture.
History inspire patriotism and nationalism among citizens as they team of the past political development.
It helps to comprehend social, economic and political development of our societies.
It helps one to be more knowledgeable as its documents information of varied importance to human development.
It helps man to know the time, place and space of past events.
We utilize historical records of events such as famine; clashes and civil wars to prepare people cope with and avoid a repeat of such tragedies.
It develops a critical mind as we try to explain historical events by asking questions of WHY, HOW and WHEN.
History provides intellectual fulfilment to the learner.
History influences career choice.
They are divided into
Unwritten sources.
Written sources.
Electronic source.
Unwritten sources.
Refers to historical information which is not recorded in writing. They are oral traditions, linguistics (language), anthropology (culture), archaeology, palaeontology and genetics.
Oral traditions: refers to the practice of handing down historical information by word of mouth from one generation to the next. It includes folktales, proverbs, songs and stories.
Advantages.
It is important in the study of pre-history.
They integrate the study of history with other social studies.
It is cheap.
It compliments other sources of history
Limitations of oral tradition.
The information may be exaggerated as it’s difficult to distinguish between what was real from what was imagined.
The information may be forgotten or omitted because it depends on human memory.
Information may deliberately conceal some important information. People tend to talk more of their successes than their failures.
It may not provide dates and give correct chronology of events because it depends on human memory.
It is an expensive method of gathering information as one has to pay for the information’s transportation, lunch and accommodation.
Its time consuming, one requires a lot of time to interview one individual.
The information may be biased.
Linguistics: refers to the scientific study of language. Historical linguistics is the study of language as it changes in the course of time. It traces the principles of language change and establishes the current genealogical classification of a particular language. The study of a language helps in discovering its content, form and vocabulary. It can tell us the historical experience of the people who speak it. People who speak related language may be assumed to have a common origin, be connected or had been in close contact sometimes backing in the past.
Advantages of linguistics
It gives information about the movement of people and their relationships. This assists experts in grouping languages correctly according to language families.
Linguistics helps us understand communication better, as people with a common language may common origin.
Language has enabled historical linguistics to discover links between different people which previously unknown.
Language helps those using oral tradition to gather information from various sources.
Linguistics is useful in the dating of migration of people.
Limitations of linguistics.
It’s time consuming as it takes long to study a particular language.
When translating the language, the historian might omit some words, in the process; vital information about people’s history may be lost.
Different languages may have similar words with different meanings, this can confuse a researcher.
There has been borrowing of words from other languages and this has interfered with or corrupted the parent language this leads to inaccurate information.
A linguist may find some of the words from different groups difficult to understand.
Some languages have become archaic or extinct and are therefore difficult to translate.
Anthropology: is the study of human beings, their origin, development, beliefs and social relationships. To carry out their work, anthropologists have to live among the people to experience their way of life. This helps them to understand and explain structures of societies, forms of social organization, institutions, marriage, and forms of government, systems of inheritance, religious customs and cultural values. They can also explain aspects of the economic such as fishing and agriculture in which a given community depends. Anthropology is vital because it gives a deeper understanding of particular aspects of people’s culture.
Advantages of anthropology.
It enables historians to determine the cultural past of a community.
Information is easily obtained from the surrounding.
It compliments other sources.
Limitations of anthropology.
It’s expensive because it involves living among the people you are studying or observing.
It’s time consuming method of acquiring information.
The researcher may find it difficult to adapt fully to the environmental during their research, and if they do, they face the risk of losing their own culture.
People under study may try to behave differently when the researcher is around, it is hence unreliable.
When observing a researcher may miss important details as it is mainly observing people in their own culture.
Archaeology and palaeontology: archaeology is the study of material remains from past human life and culture through scientific analysis.
Examples of material remains include;
Store tools
Pottery
Wooden implements
Metal objects
Baskets
Garments.
It also includes
Shelters
Rock paintings
Art work.
After studying the artefacts, the archaeologies reconstruct the activities of the people who lived in pre-historic time form various evidence such as the trace of weapons, coins, bones and traditional crafts.
Archaeologists often work with natural scientists such as palaeontologists. Palaeontologist deals with fossils. Fossils are remains of pre-historical plant and animals.
Advantages
Archaeology gives detailed information on material culture that other sources may not have.
It gives a sense of time as the artefacts can be dated.
It compliments other sources of information and thus gives authentic information.
It provides varied information depending on the material found at a site.
Limitations.
It is expensive source of information because of the hiring labourers to excavate a site and the need for expensive archaeological equipments.
It is time consuming during excavation process as well as taking materials to laboratories for analysis.
Some artefacts and fossils are fragile and can disintegrate during excavation. This results in the distortion of analysis.
It is only laminated to the study of ancient records and not recent history.
Information may be inaccurate resulting from wrong conclusion or reconstructions.
It is not easy to accurately determine date when events took place. It is only estimate through method of dating fossils.
There are few archaeological experts and facilities for interpreting archaeological evidence in Kenya.
Locating a historical site.
Archaeologists look for areas where faulting or erosion has occurred exposing surfaces that may give clues to finding fossils and artefacts.
Vision may help find early areas of settlements such as a few stores in a regular pattern.
Archaeologist may use long experience and skills to identify or potential site.
Historical research and insights to areas of past civilization is useful in identifying a site.
Cultivation and building / construction by people may accidently expose ancient objects that curiously in researchers.
Method of dating fossils.
The following methods are used by scientists to arrive at the age of fossils remains.
Geological Problems - scientists have names for periods of past time characterized by successive types of plants and animals, and by climatic changes.
Chemical Dating - such as radio-carbon dating and potassium-argon method. Dating measures the use of decay potassium to give out the gas argon.
Radio-carbon dating measures the rate of decay carbon fossils and organic substance.
Hence the amount of argon-40 compared to the account of potassium gives direct measures of age.
Potassium-argon method- is used to date volcanic ash. Potassium is emitted during volcanic eruptions. This method is also used to date minerals containing potassium. As soon as the potassium is deposited, the radioactive potassium-40 immediately begins to decay into the gas argon. The argon is retained in the mineral or rock unless there is earth movement, given that the rate of decay of potassium is unknown, the amount of argon-40 compared with the amount of potassium, gives a direct measure of age.
Stratigraphy - the study and interpretation layers of rocks successfully deposited at a place (sedimentation).
Fission-Track Dating - the age of minerals and glass as estimated by observing the tracks made in them by the fission fragment of the uranium made that they contain.
Lexico- Statistics Dating - the study of vocabulary of languages with the interest to determine their age and their historical lines with other languages.
Statistical Dating - the use of calculation using a system of arranging the length of generation can be determined for a particular society.
Genetics: genetics is the scientific study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
It therefore studies how characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring’s through their genes (this is known as hereditary).
Advantages.
Characteristics can be passed on to the next generation including a detail of colour, shape, blood group or gender.
It shows relationship between people who have a common ancestor.
It can distinguish one person from another.
Genetics can trace the movement of people or plants from their original habitat to other regions.
Genetics can help locate where and when animals were domesticated and their routes of migration with the help of zoologist.
Limitations.
It is expensive source of information because of the hiring labourers to excavate a site and the need for expensive archaeological equipments.
It is time consuming during excavation process as well as taking materials to laboratories for analysis.
Some artefacts and fossils are fragile and can disintegrate during excavation. This results in the distortion of analysis.
It is only laminated to the study of ancient records and not recent history.
Information may be inaccurate resulting from wrong conclusion or reconstructions.
It is not easy to accurately determine date when events took place. It is only estimate through method of dating fossils.
There are few archaeological experts and facilities for interpreting archaeological evidence in Kenya.
Locating a historical site.
Archaeologists look for areas where faulting or erosion has occurred exposing surfaces that may give clues to finding fossils and artefacts.
Vision may help find early areas of settlements such as a few stores in a regular pattern.
Archaeologist may use long experience and skills to identify or potential site.
Historical research and insights to areas of past civilization is useful in identifying a site.
Cultivation and building / construction by people may accidently expose ancient objects that curiously in researchers.
Method of dating fossils.
The following methods are used by scientists to arrive at the age of fossils remains.
Geological Problems - scientists have names for periods of past time characterized by successive types of plants and animals, and by climatic changes.
Chemical Dating - such as radio-carbon dating and potassium-argon method. Dating measures the use of decay potassium to give out the gas argon.
Radio-carbon dating measures the rate of decay carbon fossils and organic substance.
Hence the amount of argon-40 compared to the account of potassium gives direct measures of age.
Potassium-argon method- is used to date volcanic ash. Potassium is emitted during volcanic eruptions. This method is also used to date minerals containing potassium. As soon as the potassium is deposited, the radioactive potassium-40 immediately begins to decay into the gas argon. The argon is retained in the mineral or rock unless there is earth movement, given that the rate of decay of potassium is unknown, the amount of argon-40 compared with the amount of potassium, gives a direct measure of age.
Stratigraphy - the study and interpretation layers of rocks successfully deposited at a place (sedimentation).
Fission-Track Dating - the age of minerals and glass as estimated by observing the tracks made in them by the fission fragment of the uranium made that they contain.
Lexico- Statistics Dating - the study of vocabulary of languages with the interest to determine their age and their historical lines with other languages.
Statistical Dating - the use of calculation using a system of arranging the length of generation can be determined for a particular society.
Genetics: genetics is the scientific study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
It therefore studies how characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring’s through their genes (this is known as hereditary).
Advantages.
Characteristics can be passed on to the next generation including a detail of colour, shape, blood group or gender.
It shows relationship between people who have a common ancestor.
It can distinguish one person from another.
Genetics can trace the movement of people or plants from their original habitat to other regions.
Genetics can help locate where and when animals were domesticated and their routes of migration with the help of zoologist.
WRITTEN SOURCES.
These are recorded information in the form of drawing the printed word. They could be written using pens, pencils, keyboards or computer screen or some other surface.
They can be used in many times without damaging them.
Written sources includes
Narratives sources of first hand information or eye intern recounts or happenings, informal events, annual and newspapers.
Private paper belonging to individuals like letters, autobiographies.
Government records of institutions.
Political records.
Archives and manuscripts.
Archives - are a collection of historical documents or resources and are resources center for preserved information.
Manuscripts - are a hand written text which has not been published.
Printed sources.
They include.
Books.
Journals.
Novels.
Newspapers.
Magazines.
Newsletters.
Photographs.
Advantages of written sources.
They preserve history since events are recorded for future references.
Written records can be distributed to literate people all over the world.
They are accurate as information preserved as was recorded and not dependant in human memory.
Written records can be translated into different languages.
Written records are less costly compared to anthropology or archaeology.
Braces and prejudices coming from authors are limited and hence more reliable.
Limitations of written records.
It’s unreliable if the author omits essential information for one reason or another.
It can be misunderstand or misinterpreted by readers to suit ones need or discredit others.
Writers are at times biased whenthey write from a particular point or view e.g. early colonial writers.
They are limited to literate people in society but not useful to illiterate.
At times acquiring written records are expensive e.g. in Kenya many people cannot afford newspapers.
Reading written records is often time consuming.
ELECTRONIC SOURCES.
Electronic sources of historical information includes.
Micro films.
Films.
Radio.
Television.
Computerized data bases.
Advantages.
They provide information fast.
The information is stored for future reference.
Information can be conveyed to any part of the world.
Disadvantages.
Can only be used in areas with electricity.
They are expensive to obtain and use.
They require experts.
Human beings are often referred to as ``man’’. Man is unique compared to other creatures because they are able to communicate reason, make tools and create or discover things.
The following theories have been advanced to explain the origin of man
The creation theory - most of the major religions of the world believers in the creation theory. They claim that God created the universe and all the living creatures including man in six days. Man was created in God’s own image, the woman was created by God to provide man with a companion, God commanded them to reproduce and fill the earth, and this story is told in the book of genesis.
The traditional theory - every community has his own myth or myths concerning the origin of man. Myths are symbolic stories that have a cultural meaning that attempt to explain supernatural phenomena, beliefs or practise e.g. the Yoruba of Nigeria believe that olorun (God) sent man from the sky to live on earth. The agikuyu believed that God (ngai) first created GIKUYU before God provided him with a wife called MUNBI and settled around MT. KIRINYAGA and God blessed them with 9 daughters. The ZULU of South Africa believe their origin came out of a REED.
The evolution theory - this is a scientific theory that explain the origin of man through a slow process of change called evolution. The theory was stated in 1859 by Charles Darwin in his book "on the origin of species”. He argues that plants and animals must have evolved from simple life forms and transformed (changed) slowly over millions of years through environmental adaptation, mutation and natural selections (mutation-change).
Mutation is the abrupt change inform dictated by climate or genetic components. Natural selection is when the stronger species out compete the weaker ones for resources. Adaptation is the last stage where surviving species isolate themselves as they adapt to the new environment; it’s therefore a process of natural but continuous changes from a lower simpler state or species.
The important aspects of Darwin theory.
All organisms are uniquely different based on hereditary factors from birth.
Although many young organisms are produced, few manage to survive and develop to maturity.
Organisms that mature and reproduce are able to adapt to existing environmental e.g. by mutation.
In view of limited resources, even after mutation it’s only the fittest animal survives but the weak ones become extinct.
Isolation and adaptation is the final stage in the evolution process.
Evolution is the process of slow or gradual change; it’s believed that living things were not in the form we see them today. The earliest living things are believed to have appeared 200 million years ago. Man experienced physical and cultural changes over millions of years; he thus transformed a primitive form to the state he is in today.
Man therefore shared a common ancestor with apes. Mans particular family group is called HOMONIDAE while that of the apes is called PONGIDAE through evolution and environmental adaptation, man separated from his ancestors and took his own life of development. Hominids therefore appeared which was man-like (rather than ape-like) forming the ancestors of the human family.
Scientists widely believed that AFRICA is the cradle of mankind before moving to EUROPE and ASIA. Existing evidence shows that the earliest apes lived around LAKE VICTORIA and RIFT VALLEY. Archaeological sites include.
Rusinga Island
Fort tenan.
Kariandusi.
olorgesailie.
Koobi fora.
Gambles cave.
Omo river valley.
Olduvai Gorge.
Over the years man ancestors lived in forests. Climate changes about 15 million years ago gave way to savannah grassland. Man ancestors changed both physically and mentally to cope up competition for food increase and affected man’s physical status. Man became more upright in posture.
The evolution of man is believed to have passed through the following stages from the earliest apes to the emergence of Homo sapiens.
Aegytopithecus - probable earliest ancestor of man and apes discovered in Egypt. It’s about 33 million years old and weighs about 4 kgs, it was herbivores, it moved on fours and had a tail.
Dryopithecus/ africanus/ proconsul - were discovered in Rusinga Island. It dates back to about 25 million years. It had long teeth, ate fruits, smooth forehead, and projecting face, moved on fours and lived in forests.
Kenyapithecus (ramapithecus) - it lived about 12 million years ago. Discovered at fort ternan, it weighed about 18-36 kgs, had small teeth, had a larger brain and walked on two legs.
Australopithecus (zinjathropus) - they were earliest hominids closer to man known as southern ape man, lived in the savannah about 4 million years ago found in Olduvai Gorge founded by Mrs. Mary Leaky. These were four types of australopithecus: Robustus (strong built with powerful claws and teeth) and africanus which was smaller and slender. They had enlarged skull and jaws, walked upright with a bipedal gait about 1.5 metres tall. Others include amensis (found at Kanapoi and Alia Bay) and afarensis (lived between 4 and 3 million years ago) boisei.
Features of the australopithecines.
Had an upright posture as he walked on two legs.
Had a hairy body.
Was short and had a small slender body.
Was strongly built with heavy shoulders.
Had a large brain capacity of about 500cc.
Large face with a low forehead and stereo-scopic vision.
Large jaws and teeth.
Weighed 30-68kg.
Homo habilis - means handy man or practical man. He was man-like and could group objects and make tools which lived about 2 million years ago. His brain capacity was about 500-800 cm³.
Features of homo habilis.
Large brain capacity of about 775 cc.
Bigger body stature of about 5 feet.
Face and skull like that of modern man.
Used elementary speech.
Well developed thumb like that of modern man.
Homo erectus - it means upright man; lived in Africa about 1 million years ago. He was clever, made Acheulean tools like the hand axe. He invented fire, and he had a higher brain capacity between 750-1100 cm³.
Features of homo erectus.
Had upright posture.
Large brain capacity.
Made refined tools.
Communicated well using speech.
Was large in stature of 5.5 feet tall.
Possessed a prominent brow ridge over the eyes.
Homo sapiens - means intelligent or thinking man, it’s the name given to modern man. He had small teeth with a steep rounded head. He had a higher brain capacity of about 1000-1800 cm³. He hunted, gathered and practised fishing. There are 3 sub species.
Rhodesian man
Had straight legs and walked with long strides.
Had large brain capacity.
Had great ridges over his eyes.
Neanderthal man
It was heavily built with brow-ridges.
Large brain capacity.
Was intelligent and skilled in using his hands.
Ate meat from animals.
Cro-magnon man.
He was taller.
Had a thicker brow ridge.
He painted pictures.
Features of homo sapiens.
Had straight legs.
Walked on two with long strides.
Had a large stature of about 6 feet tall.
Had small teeth.
Had a steep well rounded forehead.
1800 cc. Brain.
Homo sapien sapien - the most advanced creature to appear on earth. They were taller, slimmer and more intelligent. He started domesticating crops and animals and building huts, he led a settled life.
The culture of early man can be understood through the study of Stone Age or Palaeolithic periods. The early period of hum history mean man’s tools and weapons were mainly made of stone, bone and wood. The things they made and used formed their material culture, archaeologists have divided stone age in three categories.
The old stone age (lower Palaeolithic) 300,000-200,000 years ago.
Man led a simple life.
He made few simple tools.
Weapons and tools are referred to as oldowan or pebble tools.
He made acheulian tools in the second phase of old stone age.
Archeulian tools were made by homo-eretus
Clothing- was hairy and walked naked.
Shelter- did not build houses but slept on trees in forest. They used store, caves and rock as shelters.
These are aegytopethecus and drypethicus.
They ate raw meat, plants, birds and eggs.
They did hunting, gathering and collected food.
There communication was through gestures, growling and whistling.
The middle stone age (middle Palaeolithic) 200,000-50,000 years ago.
Man changed his life marked by great improvement.
Changes were attributed to superior brains.
Tools and weapons were improved to smaller scrappers, spears and choppers.
Shelter- man had known rock shelters and later livedin caves for more security, after hunting.
Food- hunting improved due to lighter shaper and specialized weapons. They invented fire and startedcooking his own food in neutralizes poisons.
Clothing- man wore animal skins; he made shells and necklaces and painted his body with red ochre and oil.
Communication- man improved in gesture and growing began to use clicks and grants.
Tools- they were called sangoan tools.
How the invention of fire changed man’s life.
Man could warm himself during cold night.
The flames of fire could be give him light at night.
Fire enables man to cook roots and roast meat thus increasing availability of food because a variety of roots and seed could now be cooked and eaten.
Fire used for hunting and confining animals in certain areas.
Fire was used for fighting away wild animals.
It improved tool making as it hardened the tip of wooden tools.
Early communication was through smoke and fire signals. It thus improved communication.
Fire was used as food preservative e.g drying meat and fish.
It made hominids to migrate through the world from the savannah.
New stone age (upper Palaeolithic) 50,000-15,000 years ago.
It’s also referred to as late Stone Age.
It’s associated with homo sapiens.
Man made great advances socially, politically and economically. There was technological advancement.
Advanced tools called microliths had straight sharp cutting edges glued on bone and wood e.g sickles, arrowheads, spears, bows, arrows, knives, slings, daggers and saws.
Shelter- he made shelter using tree branches and grass. Wall and roofs were decorated with animal paintings.
Food- domesticated plants and animals and thus began agriculture. He continued to hunt and gather.
Communication- he developed a cruel form of spoken language.
Rock art- drew pictures of animals and painted them. Specialized in basketry and pottery.
Religion- started performing rite to and ceremonies in the belief to influence natural forces like rain, drought and death. Human were buried with their tools and possessions.
Government- man led a settled life in permanent shelters. The social life led to setting up of rules and laws. This made some people specialize in leadership.
Agriculture involves the growing of crops and rearing of animals. Human beings hunted and gathered during the Old Stone Age. But during the new Stone Age, they domesticated plants and animals. The first animal to be domesticated was the dog and later horses, cows, sheep and goats.
Crop farming began around 6000 BC before the domestication of crops; man ate wild fruits and seeds of grasses like wheat and rice that grew wildly in the middle-east. Domestication was either accidental when food remains(seeds) started germinating around cave or it was tedious searching for it rather than cultivating it nearby. This is known as the Neolithic revolution.
Reasons for domestication of crops and animals.
Climate change caused animals to migrate far away leding to luck of food.
Increase in mans population which required more food form animals.
Man and other wild animals competed for the same food leading to decrease in the animals man could rely on.
Over-hunting by man depleted stocks of animal he could rely on for food.
Natural disasters like forest fires and floods killed many animals making the survivors to migrate far away thus leading to scarcity of land.
Hunting and gathering had become insecure and tedious as man could come back empty handed.
Hunting as well as gathering would sometimes be hindered by unfavourable weather conditions like snow and rain.
Animals were used for transport and security.
Animals also provided cloths through hide and skins.
Crop growing.
The transformation or change from hunting and gathering to growing of food crops did not happen suddenly, it took time. Crop growing developed in stages.
Man discovered that some pants had more nutrients than others, so he selected these he considered better or superior.
People realized that wild crops germinated along river valleys where water and fertile soils were available.
The crops grew faster when bushes and other plants were weeded out hence through trial and error people acquired the skill of crop growing.
The earliest crops to be domesticated were
Barley
Wheat.
Sorghum.
Rice.
Millet.
Maize.
Yams.
Cassava.
Potatoes.
Grapes.
These crops grew in different soils and climate conditions.
There are many centres of agricultural revolution such as.
The Middle East.
The Nile valley.
The Indus valley (India).
The yellow river valley(china)
The Danube valley (Europe).
The following are some of the crops that were grown.
Wheat.
It is believed to have originally grown in south west Asia. It spread to Mesopotamia by 600 BC and then Egypt by 3000BC.
Barley.
It was probably the first cereal to be domesticated. It was grown in Syria and the river Euphrates. It later spread to Egypt, India and china by 2000BC.
Sorghum and millet.
They originated from different parts of Africa e.g.West Africa by 1500 BC around Lake Chad and Ethiopia.
Rice.
Originated in the central amorira about 500BC in Mexico.
Yams.
They are probably the 1st of the roots and tuber crops to be domesticate by about 9000BC e.g. in south–east Asia and also south America and Africa.
Domestication of animals.
It is possible that human beings domesticated animals before crop growing.
The 1st animals to be tamed were the dogs and later goats, sheep, cattle and camels. It was a gradual process. Man kept animals for.
Security.
Meat.
Milk.
Transport.
Hunting.
The culture of early man can be understood through the study of Stone Age or Palaeolithic periods. The early period of hum history mean man’s tools and weapons were mainly made of stone, bone and wood. The things they made and used formed their material culture, archaeologists have divided stone age in three categories.
The old stone age (lower Palaeolithic) 300,000-200,000 years ago.
Man led a simple life.
He made few simple tools.
Weapons and tools are referred to as oldowan or pebble tools.
He made acheulian tools in the second phase of old stone age.
Archeulian tools were made by homo-eretus
Clothing – was hairy and walked naked.
Shelter – did not build houses but slept on trees in forest. They used store, caves and rock as shelters.
These are aegytopethecus and drypethicus.
They ate raw meat, plants, birds and eggs.
They did hunting, gathering and collected food.
There communication was through gestures, growling and whistling.
The middle stone age (middle Palaeolithic) 200,000-50,000 years ago.
Man changed his life marked by great improvement.
Changes were attributed to superior brains.
Tools and weapons were improved to smaller scrappers, spears and choppers.
Shelter – man had known rock shelters and later livedin caves for more security, after hunting.
Food – hunting improved due to lighter shaper and specialized weapons. They invented fire and startedcooking his own food in neutralizes poisons.
Clothing – man wore animal skins; he made shells and necklaces and painted his body with red ochre and oil.
Communication – man improved in gesture and growing began to use clicks and grants.
Tools – they were called sangoan tools.
How the invention of fire changed man’s life.
Man could warm himself during cold night.
The flames of fire could be give him light at night.
Fire enables man to cook roots and roast meat thus increasing availability of food because a variety of roots and seed could now be cooked and eaten.
Fire used for hunting and confining animals in certain areas.
Fire was used for fighting away wild animals.
It improved tool making as it hardened the tip of wooden tools.
Early communication was through smoke and fire signals. It thus improved communication.
Fire was used as food preservative e.g. drying meat and fish.
It made hominids to migrate through the world from the savannah.
New stone age (upper Palaeolithic) 50,000-15,000 years ago.
It’s also referred to as late Stone Age.
It’s associated with homo sapiens.
Man made great advances socially, politically and economically. There was technological advancement.
Advanced tools called microliths had straight sharp cutting edges glued on bone and wood e.g. sickles, arrowheads, spears, bows, arrows, knives, slings, daggers and saws.
Shelter – he made shelter using tree branches and grass. Wall and roofs were decorated with animal paintings.
Food – domesticated plants and animals and thus began agriculture. He continued to hunt and gather.
Communication – he developed a cruel form of spoken language.
Rock art – drew pictures of animals and painted them. Specialized in basketry and pottery.
Religion – started performing rite to and ceremonies in the belief to influence natural forces like rain, drought and death. Humans were buried with their tools and possessions.
Government – man led a settled life in permanent shelters. The social life led to setting up of rules and laws. This made some people specialize in leadership.
Agriculture involves the growing of crops and rearing of animals. Human beings hunted and gathered during the Old Stone Age. But during the new Stone Age, they domesticated plants and animals. The first animal to be domesticated was the dog and later horses, cows, sheep and goats.
Crop farming began around 6000 BC before the domestication of crops; man ate wild fruits and seeds of grasses like wheat and rice that grew wildly in the middle-east. Domestication was either accidental when food remains (seeds) started germinating around cave or it was tedious searching for it rather than cultivating it nearby. This is known as the Neolithic revolution.
Reasons for domestication of crops and animals.
Climate change caused animals to migrate far away leding to lack of food.
Increase in man’s population which required more food from animals.
Man and other wild animals competed for the same food leading to decrease in the animals man could rely on.
Over-hunting by man depleted stocks of animals he could rely on for food.
Natural disasters like forest fires and floods killed many animals making the survivors migrate far away thus leading to scarcity of land.
Hunting and gathering had become insecure and tedious as man could come back empty handed.
Hunting as well as gathering would sometimes be hindered by unfavourable weather conditions like snow and rain.
Animals were used for transport and security.
Animals also provided cloths through hide and skins.
Crop growing.
The transformation or change from hunting and gathering to growing of food crops did not happen suddenly, it took time. Crop growing developed in stages.
Man discovered that some plants had more nutrients than others, so he selected these he considered better or superior.
People realized that wild crops germinated along river valleys where water and fertile soils were available.
The crops grew faster when bushes and other plants were weeded out hence through trial and error people acquired the skill of crop growing.
The earliest crops to be domesticated were
Barley
Wheat.
Sorghum.
Rice.
Millet.
Maize.
Yams.
Cassava.
Potatoes.
Grapes.
These crops grew in different soils and climate conditions.
There are many centres of agricultural revolution such as.
The Middle East.
The Nile valley.
The Indus valley (India).
The yellow river valley (china)
The Danube valley (Europe).
The following are some of the crops that were grown.
Wheat.
It is believed to have originally grown in south west Asia. It spread to Mesopotamia by 600 BC and then Egypt by 3000BC.
Barley.
It was probably the first cereal to be domesticated. It was grown in Syria and the river Euphrates. It later spread to Egypt, India and china by 2000BC.
Sorghum and millet.
They originated from different parts of Africa e.g. West Africa by 1500 BC around Lake Chad and Ethiopia.
Rice.
Originated in the central amorira about 500BC in Mexico.
Yams.
They are probably the 1st of the roots and tuber crops to be domesticated by about 9000BC e.g. in south–east Asia and also south America and Africa.
Domestication of animals.
It is possible that human beings domesticated animals before crop growing.
The 1st animals to be tamed were the dogs and later goats, sheep, cattle and camels. It was a gradual process. Man kept animals for.
Security.
Meat.
Milk.
Transport.
Hunting.
This depended on the type of animal kept. However the animals are 1st to be tamed and kept in bomas protection, man later learned the art of selecting breeding. Animals were led to good pastures.
Dogs.
They helped in hunting and drove away dangerous animals.
They helped man to herd cattle, sheep and goats.
Goats.
They were domesticated in south west Asia around 5000BC. They reached Africa by 5000BC in Egypt.
Sheep.
They were domesticated after dogs about 9000BC in Iraq. They were also kept in Syria, Europe and Africa.
Cattle.
They were 1st domesticated in south west Asia in turkey around 5800BC and later in Iraq and Iran. They later spread to North Africa and Ethiopia.
Camel.
It originated in North America though found in North Africa. It later spread to Asia and South America.
Benefits of domesticated animals.
Animals provided regular food supply in the form of meat and milk.
Animal’s skins are used for clothing and beddings among other purpose.
The hooves and horns were used as containers or as drinking vessels. The horns were used as communication instruments.
Animal bones were used to make a variety of products e.g. ornaments, needles and weapons.
Animals like camel, horses and donkey were used for transport. This people could travel long distance faster and with heavier loads.
Oxen and donkey were used for ploughing the land during cultivation. It therefore increased yields.
The dog apart from being man’s friend protected him against dangerous animals.
Some animals produced manure which greatly improved agriculture produce.
Mesopotamia – means "the land between the rivers" it is also known as the Fertile Crescent.
It’s tigris and Euphrates, which flow into the Persian gulf. This fertile region gave rise to one of world’s greatest civilization which began around 3000BC.
Food production around 8000BC. The southern part of Mesopotamia is known as sumeria. It is arid with little rain. The Sumerians practised basin irrigation but later constructed canals and dykes. River deposited silt at it’s lower valley. They invented the;
Ox plough
Seed drill.
Woven basket for the storage of their produce.
Factors that made agriculture possible in Mesopotamia.
Availability of water for irrigation from rivers tigris and Euphrates.
Sumerians built canals to control flooding and direct water to farm lands.
Good fertile soils brought in great quantity by the two rivers, this enriched soils in lower parts of Mesopotamia and made it suitable for growing crops and rearing of cattle.
Availability of wild plants and animals like wheat and barley which were suitable for domestication and encouraged settlers to start growing crops.
The Sumerians found it easy to farm animals.
Demand for food increased as people settled and no longer in need to search for food. Population stared to increase resulting to high demand for food.
Availability of farm land. The major concern was to increase the area ready for cultivation; floods were controlled by canal, dike and bridges construction.
The invention of farming tools. The sumarians invented farming tools, which enabled them to improve the method of farming, they used implements like ox plough and seed drill.
Good transport system. The Sumerians had a fairly good transport system in the form of donkeys. Wheeled carts and canoes.
Availability of labour. The availability of slave labour in sumeria facilitated the developing agriculture as farmers were able to cultivate bigger/ large areas using free labour.
The effects of early agriculture in Mesopotamia.
People lived a settled life.
People began to specialise in specific occupation.
Trade emerged as the people within various professions regularly exchanged their products.
Trade led to growth of urban centres.
The society began to be stratified as specific classes began to emerge as people developed various measures and degrees of wealth and prestige.
Development of laws and government.
With increased food production came the need for record-keeping and thus writing was developed.
Education centres developed.
Important inventions including ox drawn plough, the seed drill and the wheel were made.
Early agriculture in Egypt.
Egypt is one of the regions in the world where early agriculture started. It is estimated that about 5000 and 4000 BC, people who were living in the area of the Nile valley learned how to domesticate animals and growing crops.
They grazed cattle, sheep and goats along the lower Nile valley. They kept ducks, geese and hens.
They grew crops like; cotton, beans, wheat, barley, onions, vines, figs, flax and lentils.
Agriculture was practised on the banks of river Nile because the river Nile deposited silt and the lower Nile carried alluvial soils from Ethiopia and east Africa highlands. Canals were dug from the Nile to direct the water to their farms, during the dry seasons.
N/B. canal irrigation replaced basin irrigation. This was followed by the invention of the shadoof which consisted of a long pole that swing up and down with a bucket attached at one end.
The use of shadoof made two harvests in a year possible. The Egyptians invented bronze hoes and the ox-drawn plough.
Factors that favoured the development of agriculture in Egypt.
Availability of water for irrigation – Egypt was supplied with plenty of water by the river Nile which has three tributes; white Nile and blue Nile
Good fertile soils – when the Nile overflowed its banks, it covered the lower part of the country with a layer of fertile black soil. Farmers made use of this oil to grow their crops.
Favourable topography – the land along the Nile valley was gently sloppy which enabled farmers to use basin irrigation to water their crops.
Climate – Egypt has a warm sunny climate which helps crops to grow and ripe faster.
Indigenous plants – the availability of indigenous crops whereby early ancestors (farmers) got the idea of planting the seeds in wet fertile soils so that they did not have to go out in search for food.
Invention of farming tools. Farmers invented and used farming tools such as the bronze hoe whereas they previously used digging sticks and wooden hoes.
Knowledge of weather – Egyptian priest studied the stars and planets to know when the river could flood. They would use this focusting to determine when to prepare the land and plant their crops.
Adequate storage facilities – the farmers built storage facilities to keep their grains. This enabled them to grow a lot of food during the years of plenty and then stored it to use during famine times.
Support from Egyptian rulers – some Egyptian rulers helped the development of agriculture by supporting farmers e.g. king Mene who built dams to control floods.
Invention of writing – the Egyptians invented writing during the rule of king Mene. This enabled them to keep accurate records of the seasons and volumes of water that came with them.
Availability of labour – the majority of the people in the Nile valley were poor and they were ready to offer their services as farm labourers to wealthy farmers.
Effects of early agriculture in Egypt.
Improved farming led to increased food production thus the people had enough and regular food supply.
The farmers settled down permanently and their living standards improved significantly.
Agriculture led to the production of enough supply of food. This in turn led to increase in trading activities.
Urban centres like Memphis, thebe and Aswan developed along the Nile valley.
Agriculture enables some societies to specialize in other activities since a few people could now produce enough food for all. Specialization took place in handcrafts especially in the manufacturing of tools.
Like the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians discovered writing, arithmetic and geometry. Writing and the calendar were invented for keeping records periodically to predict floods.
By 3000BC, the Egyptians were sailing along the Nile, this greatly enhanced transport of goods.
The increase of agricultural produce was able to support a new class of people such as priest and soldiers.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The changes that occurred during the agrarian revolution.
European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as agrarian revolution. These were marked by the following.
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
This is the term used to describe a time of sudden and radical change in agricultural methods and livestock rearing. The changes were brought about by the invention and use of machines which reduced the number of workers on farms and increased food production. It involved the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
The changes took place in many countries at different times and in different ways.
The changes occurred between 1750-1850.
Agrarian revolution in Britain.
Farming methods before the agrarian revolution in Britain.
Up to the 18th century land in west Europe belonged to a feudal king who distributed it to the nobility (rich land owners).
They in turn used part of the land and rented the rest to the peasant farmers who paid it by labour.
Before 1750 farmers practised open filed system by which land was divided into 3 positions.
Growing corn and wheat.
Another for beans, peas, barley and oats.
The last land was left to regain fertility.
The open field system did not allow effective farming because land was not fully utilized, the fallow of land; existence of path and cart criss-crossed the land wasting time and labour.
The field system discouraged livestock rearing because it was difficult top stop spread of diseases since livestock grazed together.
It was difficult to practise selective breading because animals grazed on same piece of land.
The early farmers in Europe used simple implements for cultivation e.g. sticks hoes and pangas.
Each portion of land was divided into several strips to cultivate every year. There were low agricultural yields to meet the food demand for the growing population.
Due to the use of simple tools they practised small scale cultivation.
The Europeans farmers used broadcasting method of planting. A lot of seeds therefore wasted.
They practised intercropping and mixed farming but it was in effective and produced low yields.
The farmers did not use manure or fertilizers hence the soil was depleted off its fertility leading to poor produce or law yields.
Disadvantages of the open field system.
Land was not fully utilized because land was left fallow and produced nothing.
The foot path and cart hacks that went through untested field wasted land.
The practise of leasing field fallow wasted a lot of time and land.
Farmers and labourers had to travel over long distances because pieces of land were scattered all over.
The open field methods discouraged livestock rearing because diseases spread very easily. It was even more difficult to practise selective breading.
It was not easy to get enough hay (animal feeds) for winter breeding. Farmers were therefore forced to slaughter animals in autumn and have the food salted for later use.
The method of farming was in efficient and consequently yielded very low produce that could not cater for the increased European population.
Monocropping and ignorance about the use of manure and fertilizers depleted soil nutrients leading to soil erosion and poor yield.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia:
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
During the agrarian revolution in Britain, European countries underwent a lot of changes between 1750-1850. These changes were marked by:
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
The general effects of early agriculture in Egypt and Mesopotamia:
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
During the agrarian revolution, European countries underwent many changes between 1750-1850. These changes were referred to as the agrarian revolution and were marked by:
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Egypt is one of the regions in the world where early agriculture started. It is estimated that about 5000 and 4000 BC, people who were living in the area of the Nile valley learned how to domesticate animals and growing crops.
They grazed cattle, sheep and goats along the lower Nile valley. They kept ducks, geese and hens.
They grew crops like; cotton, beans, wheat, barley, onions, vines, figs, flax and lentils.
Agriculture was practised on the banks of river Nile because the river Nile deposited silt and the lower Nile carried alluvial soils from Ethiopia and east Africa highlands. Canals were dug from the Nile to direct the water to their farms, during the dry seasons.
N/B. canal irrigation replaced basin irrigation. This was followed by the invention of the shadoof which consisted of a long pole that swing up and down with a bucket attached at one end.
The use of shadoof made two harvests in a year possible. The Egyptians invented bronze hoes and the ox-drawn plough.
Factors that favoured the development of agriculture in Egypt.
Availability of water for irrigation – Egypt was supplied with plenty of water by the river Nile which has three tributes; white Nile and blue Nile.
Good fertile soils – when the Nile overflowed its banks, it covered the lower part of the country with a layer of fertile black soil. Farmers made use of this soil to grow their crops.
Favourable topography – the land along the Nile valley was gently sloppy which enabled farmers to use basin irrigation to water their crops.
Climate – Egypt has a warm sunny climate which helps crops to grow and ripe faster.
Indigenous plants – the availability of indigenous crops whereby early ancestors (farmers) got the idea of planting the seeds in wet fertile soils so that they did not have to go out in search for food.
Invention of farming tools. Farmers invented and used farming tools such as the bronze hoe whereas they previously used digging sticks and wooden hoes.
Knowledge of weather – Egyptian priest studied the stars and planets to know when the river could flood. They would use this forecasting to determine when to prepare the land and plant their crops.
Adequate storage facilities – the farmers built storage facilities to keep their grains. This enabled them to grow a lot of food during the years of plenty and then store it to use during famine times.
Support from Egyptian rulers – some Egyptian rulers helped the development of agriculture by supporting farmers e.g. king Mene who built dams to control floods.
Invention of writing – the Egyptians invented writing during the rule of king Mene. This enabled them to keep accurate records of the seasons and volumes of water that came with them.
Availability of labour – the majority of the people in the Nile valley were poor and they were ready to offer their services as farm labourers to wealthy farmers.
Effects of early agriculture in Egypt.
Improved farming led to increased food production thus the people had enough and regular food supply.
The farmers settled down permanently and their living standards improved significantly.
Agriculture led to the production of enough supply of food. This in turn led to increase in trading activities.
Urban centres like Memphis, thebe and Aswan developed along the Nile valley.
Agriculture enables some societies to specialize in other activities since a few people could now produce enough food for all. Specialization took place in handcrafts especially in the manufacturing of tools.
Like the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians discovered writing, arithmetic and geometry. Writing and the calendar were invented for keeping records periodically to predict floods.
By 3000BC, the Egyptians were sailing along the Nile, this greatly enhanced transport of goods.
The increase of agricultural produce was able to support a new class of people such as priest and soldiers.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
European countries underwent many changes between 1750-1850 during the agrarian revolution. These changes were marked by:
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Egypt is one of the regions in the world where early agriculture started. It is estimated that about 5000 and 4000 BC, people who were living in the area of the Nile valley learned how to domesticate animals and growing crops.
They grazed cattle, sheep and goats along the lower Nile valley. They kept ducks, geese and hens.
They grew crops like; cotton, beans, wheat, barley, onions, vines, figs, flax and lentils.
Agriculture was practised on the banks of river Nile because the river Nile deposited silt and the lower Nile carried alluvial soils from Ethiopia and east Africa highlands. Canals were dug from the Nile to direct the water to their farms, during the dry seasons.
N/B. canal irrigation replaced basin irrigation. This was followed by the invention of the shadoof which consisted of a long pole that swing up and down with a bucket attached at one end.
The use of shadoof made two harvests in a year possible. The Egyptians invented bronze hoes and the ox-drawn plough.
Factors that favoured the development of agriculture in Egypt.
Availability of water for irrigation – Egypt was supplied with plenty of water by the river Nile which has three tributes; white Nile and blue Nile.
Good fertile soils – when the Nile overflowed its banks, it covered the lower part of the country with a layer of fertile black soil. Farmers made use of this soil to grow their crops.
Favourable topography – the land along the Nile valley was gently sloppy which enabled farmers to use basin irrigation to water their crops.
Climate – Egypt has a warm sunny climate which helps crops to grow and ripe faster.
Indigenous plants – the availability of indigenous crops whereby early ancestors (farmers) got the idea of planting the seeds in wet fertile soils so that they did not have to go out in search for food.
Invention of farming tools. Farmers invented and used farming tools such as the bronze hoe whereas they previously used digging sticks and wooden hoes.
Knowledge of weather – Egyptian priest studied the stars and planets to know when the river could flood. They would use this forecasting to determine when to prepare the land and plant their crops.
Adequate storage facilities – the farmers built storage facilities to keep their grains. This enabled them to grow a lot of food during the years of plenty and then store it to use during famine times.
Support from Egyptian rulers – some Egyptian rulers helped the development of agriculture by supporting farmers e.g. king Mene who built dams to control floods.
Invention of writing – the Egyptians invented writing during the rule of king Mene. This enabled them to keep accurate records of the seasons and volumes of water that came with them.
Availability of labour – the majority of the people in the Nile valley were poor and they were ready to offer their services as farm labourers to wealthy farmers.
Effects of early agriculture in Egypt.
Improved farming led to increased food production thus the people had enough and regular food supply.
The farmers settled down permanently and their living standards improved significantly.
Agriculture led to the production of enough supply of food. This in turn led to increase in trading activities.
Urban centres like Memphis, thebe and Aswan developed along the Nile valley.
Agriculture enables some societies to specialize in other activities since a few people could now produce enough food for all. Specialization took place in handcrafts especially in the manufacturing of tools.
Like the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians discovered writing, arithmetic and geometry. Writing and the calendar were invented for keeping records periodically to predict floods.
By 3000BC, the Egyptians were sailing along the Nile, this greatly enhanced transport of goods.
The increase of agricultural produce was able to support a new class of people such as priest and soldiers.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
During the agrarian revolution, European countries underwent many changes between 1750-1850. These changes were marked by:
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
Egypt is one of the regions in the world where early agriculture started. It is estimated that about 5000 and 4000 BC, people who were living in the area of the Nile valley learned how to domesticate animals and growing crops.
They grazed cattle, sheep and goats along the lower Nile valley. They kept ducks, geese and hens.
They grew crops like; cotton, beans, wheat, barley, onions, vines, figs, flax and lentils.
Agriculture was practised on the banks of river Nile because the river Nile deposited silt and the lower Nile carried alluvial soils from Ethiopia and east Africa highlands. Canals were dug from the Nile to direct the water to their farms, during the dry seasons.
N/B. canal irrigation replaced basin irrigation. This was followed by the invention of the shadoof which consisted of a long pole that swing up and down with a bucket attached at one end.
The use of shadoof made two harvests in a year possible. The Egyptians invented bronze hoes and the ox-drawn plough.
Factors that favoured the development of agriculture in Egypt.
Availability of water for irrigation – Egypt was supplied with plenty of water by the river Nile which has three tributes; white Nile and blue Nile.
Good fertile soils – when the Nile overflowed its banks, it covered the lower part of the country with a layer of fertile black soil. Farmers made use of this soil to grow their crops.
Favourable topography – the land along the Nile valley was gently sloppy which enabled farmers to use basin irrigation to water their crops.
Climate – Egypt has a warm sunny climate which helps crops to grow and ripe faster.
Indigenous plants – the availability of indigenous crops whereby early ancestors (farmers) got the idea of planting the seeds in wet fertile soils so that they did not have to go out in search for food.
Invention of farming tools. Farmers invented and used farming tools such as the bronze hoe whereas they previously used digging sticks and wooden hoes.
Knowledge of weather – Egyptian priest studied the stars and planets to know when the river could flood. They would use this forecasting to determine when to prepare the land and plant their crops.
Adequate storage facilities – the farmers built storage facilities to keep their grains. This enabled them to grow a lot of food during the years of plenty and then store it to use during famine times.
Support from Egyptian rulers – some Egyptian rulers helped the development of agriculture by supporting farmers e.g. king Mene who built dams to control floods.
Invention of writing – the Egyptians invented writing during the rule of king Mene. This enabled them to keep accurate records of the seasons and volumes of water that came with them.
Availability of labour – the majority of the people in the Nile valley were poor and they were ready to offer their services as farm labourers to wealthy farmers.
Effects of early agriculture in Egypt.
Improved farming led to increased food production thus the people had enough and regular food supply.
The farmers settled down permanently and their living standards improved significantly.
Agriculture led to the production of enough supply of food. This in turn led to increase in trading activities.
Urban centres like Memphis, thebe and Aswan developed along the Nile valley.
Agriculture enables some societies to specialize in other activities since a few people could now produce enough food for all. Specialization took place in handcrafts especially in the manufacturing of tools.
Like the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians discovered writing, arithmetic and geometry. Writing and the calendar were invented for keeping records periodically to predict floods.
By 3000BC, the Egyptians were sailing along the Nile, this greatly enhanced transport of goods.
The increase of agricultural produce was able to support a new class of people such as priest and soldiers.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while other made implements, and this led to rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged in people within various regions regularly exchange their products for those that lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like; ur, Nippur, kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific class in consideration of their wealth and prestige e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. It became necessary to have regulations that would guide people at a activities to avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt hieroglyphics was developed, people especially the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy, this was the origin of formal education. In sumeria it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions e.g. ox drawn plough and seed drill, wheel was invented in 3000BC and solar calendar in Egypt, Mesopotamia developed science and maths, maths provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advanced in mathematics and science the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were able to construct great buildings.
During the agrarian revolution, European countries underwent many changes between 1750-1850. These changes were marked by:
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increase in population and demand for food. Farmers should no longer afford to leave the land fallow again.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increase crop yields e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants.
Lord townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for 94 years period.
Intercropping. Intercropping crops like maize and beans which did not require the same nutrients from the soil grew well; it made farmers realize more yield.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed were; AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, shorthorn and Hereford. He also improved breeds such as; the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the oxford. He developed pig varieties such as; the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machine. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse drawn drilling machine by jethro tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. The use of machine changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were required instead of small existing strips. The large farms were enclosed by fencing after the small pieces of land were put together, (consolidated). This was the enclosure movement. It created large farms which allowed the use of the horse drill and crop rotation. The farmers acquired title deeds. They used it to borrow money from financial farm offices. Farmers adopted modern ideas and techniques of farming, books and papers containing latest information on agriculture began to be published.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlord realise that they could make money by constructing large scale crop farming and selling farm produce at a profit.
The industrialization together with the discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to invention of machinery that made work easier and demand of raw materials.
The mechanization of the farm led to the extensive farming, it enabled farmers to increase average acre crops.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production e.g. lord townsheld came up with the idea of crop rotation where different crops were grown in the field in successive years.
New discoveries in the field of medicine led to improvements in agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yield. They also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control plant and animals.
There was rapid population increase which led to increase demand for food. The agriculture sector had to provide enough food for this population. The demand for more food led to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better forms of transport such as railway and better roads facilitated agricultural produce to industries and urban even overseas, they could easily transport and sell their food crops.
The development of the royal agricultural society in 1838 helped to spread the new and techniques of farming all over the country.
The 1st animals to be tamed and kept in bomas protection; man later learned the art of selecting breeding. Animals were led to good pastures.
Dogs.
They helped in hunting and drove away dangerous animals.
They helped man to herd cattle, sheep and goats.
Goats.
They were domesticated in south west Asia around 5000BC. They reached Africa by 5000BC in Egypt.
Sheep.
They were domesticated after dogs about 9000BC in Iraq. They were also kept in Syria, Europe and Africa.
Cattle.
They were 1st domesticated in south west Asia in turkey around 5800BC and later in Iraq and Iran. They later spread to North Africa and Ethiopia.
Camel.
It originated in North America though found in North Africa. It later spread to Asia and South America.
Benefits of domesticated animals.
Animals provided regular food supply in the form of meat and milk.
Animal’s skins are used for clothing and beddings among other purpose.
The hooves and horns were used as containers or as drinking vessels. The horns were used as communication instruments.
Animal bones were used to make a variety of products e.g. ornaments, needles and weapons.
Animals like camel, horses and donkey were used for transport. This enabled people to travel long distance faster and with heavier loads.
Oxen and donkey were used for ploughing the land during cultivation. It therefore increased yields.
The dog, apart from being man’s friend, protected him against dangerous animals.
Some animals produced manure which greatly improved agricultural produce.
Early agriculture in Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia – means "the land between the rivers" it is also known as the Fertile Crescent.
It’s tigris and Euphrates, which flow into the Persian gulf. This fertile region gave rise to one of world’s greatest civilization which began around 3000BC.
Food production around 8000BC. The southern part of Mesopotamia is known as sumeria. It is arid with little rain. The Sumerians practised basin irrigation but later constructed canals and dykes. River deposited silt at its lower valley. They invented the ox plough, seed drill and woven basket for the storage of their produce.
Factors that made agriculture possible in Mesopotamia.
Availability of water for irrigation from rivers tigris and Euphrates.
Sumerians built canals to control flooding and direct water to farm lands.
Good fertile soils brought in great quantity by the two rivers, this enriched soils in lower parts of Mesopotamia and made it suitable for growing crops and rearing of cattle.
Availability of wild plants and animals like wheat and barley which were suitable for domestication and encouraged settlers to start growing crops.
The Sumerians found it easy to farm animals.
Demand for food increased as people settled and no longer needed to search for food. Population started to increase resulting in high demand for food.
Availability of farm land. The major concern was to increase the area ready for cultivation; floods were controlled by canal, dike and bridges construction.
The invention of farming tools. The Sumerians invented farming tools, which enabled them to improve the method of farming, using implements like ox plough and seed drill.
Good transport system. The Sumerians had a fairly good transport system in the form of donkeys, wheeled carts and canoes.
Availability of labour. The availability of slave labour in sumeria facilitated the developing agriculture as farmers were able to cultivate larger areas using free labour.
The effects of early agriculture in Mesopotamia.
People lived a settled life.
People began to specialise in specific occupations.
Trade emerged as people within various regions regularly exchanged their products for those that they lacked.
Trade led to growth of urban centres.
The society began to be stratified as specific classes emerged in consideration of wealth and prestige, e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of laws and government.
With increased food production came the need for record-keeping and thus writing was developed.
Education centres developed.
Important inventions including the ox-drawn plough, the seed drill and the wheel were made.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People began to specialize in specific occupations, some concentrated on farming while others made implements, leading to the rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Trade emerged as people within various regions regularly exchanged their products for those that they lacked.
Urbanization. Agricultural areas grew in size and population as people settled there. It gave rise to towns like Ur, Nippur, Kish and Babylon.
Social classes. The society began to be stratified into specific classes in consideration of wealth and prestige, e.g. land owners and blacksmiths.
Development of law and government. Regulations became necessary to guide people’s activities and avoid conflict.
Formal education. In Egypt, hieroglyphics was developed and the upper clans were trained in numeracy and literacy – the origin of formal education. In Sumeria, it was cuneiform.
There was invention. Egyptians and Sumerians are credited with important inventions such as the ox-drawn plough and seed drill; the wheel was invented in 3000BC and the solar calendar in Egypt; Mesopotamia developed science and maths, which provided the formulae for measuring time, distance and area.
Development of religion.
There was architecture due to advances in mathematics and science, enabling the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to construct great buildings.
During the agrarian revolution, European countries underwent many changes between 1750-1850, marked by:
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Most of the land had to be used due to increased population and demand for food. Farmers could no longer afford to leave the land fallow.
New methods of farming. Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers, which increased crop yields (e.g. phosphorus and potash for plants).
Lord Townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil. A new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat was introduced on the same plot for a 94-year period.
Intercropping. Crops like maize and beans, which did not require the same nutrients, were grown together; this resulted in higher yields.
Application of scientific principles of farming. The farmer Robert Bakewell invented selective breeding of livestock. Animal breeds that were developed included AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, Breading and Hereford; he also improved breeds such as the Leicester, the Shropshire, the Suffolk and the Oxford. He developed pig varieties such as the Yorkshire, Tamworth and Berkshire.
The use of machines. Farmers used iron hoes instead of sticks; they replaced the broadcast method by planting in rows. They invented a horse-drawn drilling machine by Jethro Tull in 1701. In 1876, Andrew Meikles invented the mechanical thresher. A binder was added to the reaper so that corn was cut and poured at the same time. Patrick Bell invented the mechanical reaper which replaced the sickle in harvesting corn. Machine use changed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure system. Large farms were created by consolidating small strips of land with fencing. This enclosure movement allowed the use of horse drills and crop rotation. Farmers acquired title deeds and used them to borrow money from financial offices. Modern ideas and techniques of farming were then adopted, with books and papers sharing the latest agricultural information.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain.
The introduction of the enclosure system made landlords realise they could profit from large-scale crop farming and selling farm produce.
The industrialization and discovery of medicine brought drastic changes.
Industrialization led to the invention of machinery that made work easier and increased the demand for raw materials.
The mechanization of farms enabled increased crop yields per acre.
Experiments were conducted to improve crop production – for example, Lord Townsheld proposed crop rotation where different crops were grown in successive years.
New medical discoveries further improved agriculture.
Scientists discovered the use of fertilizers to improve yields and also discovered pesticides and fungicides to control pests.
Rapid population growth increased the demand for food, leading to the abolition of the open field system in favour of the enclosure system.
Better transport systems such as railways and improved roads allowed agricultural produce to be transported and sold more easily, even overseas.
The development of the Royal Agricultural Society in 1838 helped spread new farming techniques across the country.
The 1st animals to be tamed were kept in bomas for protection; later, man learned the art of selective breeding and led animals to good pastures.
Dogs.
They helped in hunting and drove away dangerous animals.
They helped man herd cattle, sheep and goats.
Goats.
They were domesticated in southwest Asia around 5000BC and reached Africa by 5000BC in Egypt.
Sheep.
They were domesticated after dogs, around 9000BC in Iraq, and were also kept in Syria, Europe and Africa.
Cattle.
They were 1st domesticated in southwest Asia in Turkey around 5800BC, later in Iraq and Iran, and eventually spread to North Africa and Ethiopia.
Camel.
It originated in North America, was found in North Africa, and later spread to Asia and South America.
Benefits of domesticated animals.
Animals provided a regular food supply in the form of meat and milk.
Animal skins were used for clothing and bedding, among other purposes.
Their hooves and horns were used as containers or drinking vessels, and the horns served as communication instruments.
Animal bones were used to make a variety of products such as ornaments, needles and weapons.
Animals like camels, horses and donkeys were used for transport, enabling long-distance travel with heavier loads.
Oxen and donkeys were used for ploughing, which increased crop yields.
The dog, besides being man’s friend, protected him against dangerous animals.
Some animals produced manure, which greatly improved agricultural produce.
Early agriculture in Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia means "the land between the rivers" and is also known as the Fertile Crescent.
Its rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, flow into the Persian Gulf. This fertile region gave rise to one of the world’s greatest civilizations, beginning around 3000BC.
Food production began around 8000BC in the southern part of Mesopotamia, known as Sumeria. Although arid with little rain, the Sumerians practised basin irrigation and later built canals and dykes. Rivers deposited silt in the lower valley. They invented the ox plough, seed drill, and woven baskets for storage.
Factors that made agriculture possible in Mesopotamia.
Availability of water for irrigation from the Tigris and Euphrates.
Sumerians built canals to control flooding and direct water to farmlands.
Good fertile soils enriched by river silt made the land suitable for growing crops and rearing cattle.
Availability of wild plants and animals like wheat and barley encouraged domestication.
The Sumerians found it easy to farm animals.
Increased demand for food as people settled led to a higher population and a need for more food.
Availability of farmland was enhanced by controlling floods through canals, dikes, and bridges.
The invention of farming tools improved cultivation methods.
Good transport systems, including donkeys, wheeled carts, and canoes, aided in moving produce.
Availability of labour, including slave labour, allowed for larger-scale farming.
Effects of early agriculture in Mesopotamia.
People lived a settled life.
People began to specialise in specific occupations.
Trade emerged as regions regularly exchanged products.
Urban centres grew.
Society became stratified into classes based on wealth and prestige.
Development of laws and government followed.
Increased food production led to record-keeping and the development of writing.
Education centres developed.
Important inventions such as the ox-drawn plough, seed drill and wheel were made.
Adoption of sedentary life. People moved to where their farms were and settled on them.
Division of labour. People specialized in various occupations, leading to the rise of blacksmiths and potters.
Trade. Regions exchanged products regularly.
Urbanization. Settled agriculture gave rise to towns such as Ur, Nippur, Kish and Babylon.
Social classes. Society became stratified based on wealth and prestige.
Development of law and government. Regulations were needed to avoid conflict.
Formal education emerged with the development of hieroglyphics in Egypt and cuneiform in Sumeria.
Important inventions in agriculture, such as the ox-drawn plough and seed drill, were developed. The wheel and solar calendar further advanced civilization.
Development of religion.
Advances in mathematics and science enabled the construction of great buildings.
European countries underwent many changes between 1750-1850 during the agrarian revolution, marked by:
New system and land ownership.
The use of machines.
New farming methods.
We may now examine them in details.
Abolition of fallows. Increased population and food demand meant land could no longer be left fallow.
New methods of farming. Fertilizers such as phosphorus and potash were used to increase crop yields.
Lord Townsheld discovered that clover added nitrogen to the soil, leading to a new crop rotation system of barley, clover, tamps and wheat over 94 years.
Intercropping crops like maize and beans grew well together, increasing yields.
Application of scientific principles led Robert Bakewell to invent selective breeding of livestock, developing breeds such as AberdeenAngus, Ayrshire, Devon, and others.
The use of machines, including iron hoes, horse-drawn drills (invented by Jethro Tull in 1701), mechanical threshers, and reapers, transformed agriculture from small scale to large scale.
Land enclosure consolidated small strips into large farms, allowing modern farming techniques and title deeds that enabled borrowing funds.
Factors leading to the agrarian revolution in Britain included the enclosure system, industrialization, improved machinery, and advances in agricultural science and transport.
Better transport such as railways and improved roads further facilitated the movement and sale of produce.
The Royal Agricultural Society, established in 1838, helped spread modern farming techniques.
The 1st animals to be tamed were kept in bomas for protection; later, man learned selective breeding and led animals to good pastures.
Dogs helped in hunting, drove away dangerous animals, and assisted in herding cattle, sheep, and goats.
Goats were domesticated in southwest Asia around 5000BC and reached Egypt by 5000BC.
Sheep were domesticated after dogs, around 9000BC in Iraq, and were also kept in Syria, Europe, and Africa.
Cattle were 1st domesticated in southwest Asia (Turkey around 5800BC), later in Iraq and Iran, and spread to North Africa and Ethiopia.
Camel originated in North America, was found in North Africa, and later spread to Asia and South America.
Benefits of domesticated animals include a regular food supply (meat and milk), use of skins for clothing and bedding, and the use of hooves, horns, and bones for various tools and containers. They also aided transport and ploughing, and some produced manure to improve soil.
Early agriculture in Mesopotamia emerged in the Fertile Crescent, between the Tigris and Euphrates. Despite an arid climate, innovations such as basin irrigation, canal construction, and the invention of farming tools allowed agriculture to flourish.
Factors such as abundant water, fertile soils enriched by silt, and the domestication of wild plants and animals enabled the rise of Sumerian civilization.
Effects included settled life, specialization of labor, the emergence of trade and urban centres, social stratification, development of laws and government, the invention of writing, and advancements in technology.
Adoption of sedentary life, division of labor, trade, urbanization, social stratification, development of law and government, and the emergence of formal education were major outcomes.
Important inventions and the development of writing and mathematics further advanced these civilizations.
During the agrarian revolution (1750-1850) in Britain, major changes included new systems of land ownership, the use of machines, and new farming methods.
These changes transformed agriculture, making it more efficient and productive.
Factors included the introduction of the enclosure system, industrialization, mechanization, agricultural experiments (such as crop rotation), advances in fertilizers and pesticides, improved transport, and the establishment of agricultural societies.
The use of new and improved farming methods led to high yield or increase of food supply and therefore there was food security.
The population of Britain increased rapidly due to increased quality and quantity and a variety of food. Better diet reduced deaths caused by malnutrition. There were better living standards and high life expectancy.
It led to diversification of agriculture by growing cash crops, citrus fruits and keeping animals through selective breeding. They introduced, for example, the Leicester sheep.
The British farmers established large scale (plantation) farming and abandoned subsistence farming. This facilitated mechanization.
There was the emergence of new classes. A new class of wealthy land owners emerged; the poor farmers were forced to migrate from rural areas to industrial centers that formed the working class.
The agrarian revolution led to the development and expansion of agro-based industries. Agricultural produce from crops and livestock facilitated the growth of industries.
When farming became commercial, Britain expanded both local and international trade. This boosted the economy.
The development of roads and railways improved transport of agricultural products to markets and raw materials to industries.
The agrarian revolution 1st began in Britain in 1750. The revolution later spread to parts of the world such as Latin America, North America, Asia, Africa and Europe.
The U.S.A is in northern America which covers the United States, Canada and Mexico. Many people migrated to North America starting from the 16th century to escape religious and political persecution. They founded many colonies, but during the agrarian revolution in Britain, agriculture in the U.S.A also developed due to British influence and local factors. People learned to cultivate indigenous crops like maize, potatoes, tobacco and pineapples.
They were also cultivated by the indigenous American community (the Red Indians).
The original inhabitants of the U.S.A were hunters and gatherers.
The early migrants practised subsistence farming; they grew crops such as maize, cassava, beans, tomatoes, pepper, groundnuts and cashew nuts.
Farming was done on a small scale and could not sustain the population, so food had to be imported from Britain.
The enclosure system forced many people to migrate and settle in America, especially the landless.
Those who migrated introduced new methods of farming to grow enough food for consumption and export.
Many people acquired new land and cleared it for agriculture, though many died of diseases.
Others who went to America included labourers and craftsmen seeking a better life.
The immigrant settlers introduced horses, sheep, pigs, fowls, seeds and plants from Europe.
They improved European machines; for example, JOHN DECRE invented the steel plough; CYRUS MACORMICK established a factory in Chicago; ELI WHIRTEEY invented the cotton gin; JOHN PERKINS developed the refrigerator; and JOHN GORRIE was granted the 1st American patent for a refrigeration machine that preserved food for longer.
After the invention of refrigeration, carcasses were transported by train to packing factories instead of live animals.
Due to differences in soil fertility and climate, several agricultural zones emerged – the south became a cotton zone, the central region produced maize, and the northern zone produced wheat.
Large-scale farming began due to mechanization, even before cotton and sugarcane plantations depended on slave labour.
The invention of the telegraph by ALEXANDER GRAPHER enhanced communication.
Science and research resulted in better hybrid seeds and different strains of livestock, with the use of fertilizers and pest control measures.
Immigration – poor people who lost their land in Europe due to the enclosure system migrated to North America with new skills and knowledge, bringing animals like cattle, sheep and horses.
Modern farming – plantation farming, crop zoning, the use of hybrid seeds, farm machinery and agricultural education transformed agriculture into a big industry.
Availability of land – the U.S.A was vast and sparsely populated, so ample land was available for agriculture, leading to the creation of agricultural zones such as cotton and corn belts, with different climate zones accommodating a wide variety of crops.
Labour – in the 18th century, many slaves were transported to the New World, including the U.S.A, providing cheap labour for cotton, sugar and tobacco plantations.
Machinery – the development of machinery and other scientific discoveries encouraged farming. JOHN PEER invented the steel plough; CYPRUS MECCOMICK invented a reaper; refrigeration and canning preserved food at low temperatures.
Government policies – the American government supported the agriculture sector by investing in science and technology, granting financial assistance and loans for land development, and instituting measures to protect farmers from imported competition.
Infrastructure – the development of transport and communication networks (roads, railways, and waterways) enhanced and facilitated agriculture.
Diversification of agriculture occurred through the introduction of new farm animals and crops brought by European immigrants.
The discovery and invention of new machines such as combined harvesters, the steel plough and reaping machines enabled American farmers to bring more land under cultivation.
New methods of farming – for example, the use of fertilizers and hybrid seeds – increased food production, especially maize and wheat.
The agrarian revolution led to the expansion of agriculture-related industries such as canning and refrigeration, which in turn expanded the milk and meat industries.
Mechanization of agriculture replaced slaves and other labourers on farms, prompting migration to urban areas.
Improved transport systems (water, rail, and roads) enabled the efficient movement of farm inputs to farms and agricultural products to markets.
The expansion of food production increased trade between the U.S.A and Western Europe, boosting the American economy.
There was increased overall food production due to improved methods.
It facilitated research and scientific inventions in agriculture that improved crop varieties and livestock.
The 3rd world refers to less developed countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Most of these developing countries were colonized by Europeans and practised traditional agriculture.
Colonization introduced new crops, but many of these countries continued to have weak economies and depended mainly on relief food imported from developed countries—even many years after independence.
Many factors have led to food shortages in Africa and the rest of the developing world.
The rate of population growth exceeds the rate of food production.
Poor land use and traditional farming methods, along with a lack of modern inputs like fertilizers and machinery.
Some countries experience adverse weather conditions such as droughts and floods.
Desertification of formerly arable land negatively affects food production.
Overemphasis on cash crop farming at the expense of food crops.
Rural–urban migration of youth in search of white-collar jobs depletes the rural labour force needed for food production.
Many lack funds to purchase required farm inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, as well as to hire labour.
Political upheavals and instability prevent focus on food production and force expenditure on armaments.
Neglect of drought-resistant crops (e.g. cassava and millet) due to misguided attitudes.
Poor and inadequate storage facilities result in significant post-harvest losses.
Pests and diseases have destroyed large amounts of crops and livestock (for example, the tsetse fly causing animal losses).
Poor infrastructure discourages increased food production, with significant losses due to inadequate transport to markets.
Over-reliance on food aid has created a dependency in many African countries.
Poor economic planning by many third world governments, where emphasis is placed on other development projects at the expense of agriculture.
Poor land tenure systems, where a few European farmers own most of the best land while many indigenous Africans own only very small parcels.
Developing countries often have a heavy foreign debt burden, relying on rich lending agencies such as the IMF and World Bank.
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has reduced the agricultural workforce by affecting young, economically productive individuals.
Many people have lost their lives due to drought and famine.
There is increased suffering among millions of malnourished children and mothers who are weak and sickly.
Food shortages have led to social problems such as theft.
They have caused refugee crises in Africa, as drought and famine force people to migrate to other countries.
Lack of food hampers economic development—for example, children who are hungry cannot work or pursue education.
Food shortages have led to dependence on food aid from rich countries; such aid sometimes includes genetically modified food whose long-term effects are unknown.
They adversely affect agriculture-based industries (e.g. banking, confectionery, milk processing and sugar factories), inevitably leading to unemployment.
Land reclamation – converting wasted or unproductive land into productive land through irrigation of arid areas, draining swamps, clearing bushes and reclaiming deserts.
Reforming policies – shifting agricultural policies from a focus on cash crops to food production.
Extension services – providing research information, dissemination and advice to farmers is vital.
Encouraging family land use – discouraging land fragmentation and encouraging consolidation for household self-sufficiency.
Research – extensive research (for example, by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute) on hybrid maize varieties such as Katumani.
Improving infrastructure – developing transport, communication, storage, marketing and banking facilities to link farming areas to markets.
Adopting new farming methods – developing nations need to introduce modern farming techniques to increase food production.
Providing loans and grants – governments should offer financial assistance to farmers for purchasing machinery and inputs.
Resolving conflicts – governments must take immediate action to end civil wars and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Family planning – educating people on family planning so that families have only as many children as they can feed.
Environmental conservation – through reforestation, proper land utilization, and controlling soil erosion to increase food production.