What are the positive externalities of agriculture and what are the positive and negative on agricultural technology?
Besides negative externalities such as habitat destruction, soil erosion, displacement of indigenous peoples and the double burden of malnutrition, food systems can also generate positive externalities, such as carbon sequestration, insect pollination, resilience to natural disasters and vibrant communities. The primary positive impact of technology has been increased agricultural productivity. The principle negative impact of technology has been the degradation of the environment and atmosphere. By adopting sustainable practices, farmers will reduce their reliance on nonrenewable energy, reduce chemical use and save scarce resources. Keeping the land healthy and replenished can go a long way when considering the rising population and demand for food. Agriculture provides employment opportunities to rural agricultural and non-agricultural labourers. It plays a significant role in international trade and import and export activities. Agriculture can play an important role in contributing to economic growth, through agricultural production as a result of its linkages with the rest of the economy. Consequently, it can play a significantly role in reducing poverty.
The primary positive impact of technology has been increased agricultural productivity. The principle negative impact of technology has been the degradation of the environment and atmosphere. Agriculture imposes negative externalities (uncompensated costs) upon society through land and other resource use, biodiversity loss, erosion (benefits of organic soil management), pesticides, nutrient runoff, water usage (saving water when irrigating), subsidy payments and assorted other problems. Negative externalities include the pollution of water bodies from nitrate leaching and human health impacts, such as pesticide poisoning. On the other hand, positive externalities from farming, such as community cohesion and the maintenance of livelihoods for smallholder farmers, are often undervalued. Technology in agriculture affects many areas of agriculture, such as fertilizers, pesticides, seed technology, etc. Biotechnology and genetic engineering have resulted in pest resistance and increased crop yields. Mechanization has led to efficient tilling, harvesting, and a reduction in manual labor. Agricultural technologies have negatively impacted the environment through soil degradation, air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and the disruption of food webs. Recycling of waste through technology, waste materials are recycled and produce products like animal feeds. Dirty water is recycled and ends up being used by human beings. These recycling acts save money, preserve natural resources, and avoid environmental damages.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Microbiology
- Microorganisms