The contrast: agricultural production.

In order to have an efficient agriculture, three things are needed: appropriate weather, arable and productive land and water in the form of rain or in the form of mighty rivers. The ancient Egypt based its wealth in these three factors. If you think about it, when any of these factors fail, the agricultural production is poor.

Is the physical environment favorable in Colombia?

Briefly research and find out what Colombia is like regarding its soil, humidity and weather in general. Show your investigation and conclusions in a PowerPoint and send it by email to your teacher.


Structure of agricultural production in Colombia.

The use of the arable land is as follows:

  • Cotton, tobacoo, vegetable fibre, flowers, cane for ethanol and palm for biodiesel:2.5% of the total area.
  • Forestry crops: 7.2%
  • Cofee: 18%
  • Banana: 9.3%
  • Sugarcane: 8.8%
  • African palm: 7.8%
  • corn: 13%
  • rice: 10%
  • Fruit trees: 5%

SOURCE: Ministerio de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural (Colombia). Documento completo.

A simple addition... and a graph.

Except for the corn and the fruit trees, the rest of crops are either not edible or are intended for exportation (banana, cane, coffee).

  • What percentage of the total surface is used for edible crops? What percentage of the total surface is used for other crops?
  • Draw a graph  of sectors representing the percentage of the surface used for edible crops and the percentage used for other crops. When it is done, send it by email to your teacher.
To learn how to make a pie chart (circular graph), see section TECHNIQUES.

and Spain?

Taking into account the information of the Statistics National Institute you can see here:aquí, please answer:

  • What percentage of the cultivable surface are used for edible crops in Spain?
  • What percentage is used for other crops?

Remember that the wheat, the barley, potatoes, rice, vegetables, etc. are considered "herbaceous crops"

Let's compare...

  • Compare the agricultural structure of Colombia and Spain.

Remember the law of supply and demand.

  • Why are the food products relatively cheap in Spain?
  • Why are the food products relatively expensive in Colombia?

Who owns the land?

Now it's time to get to know Colombia on the ground:


Alternative link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO6YhLWmnAg

  • Summarize the main points of this documentary.

 

What does the 1% of the Colombian population own?

SOURCE: RTVE, 19 nov 2012