Agriculture-based economy

Definition

An agriculture-based economy is one that relies heavily on farming and agricultural production as the primary source of livelihood and economic activity. This type of economy typically emphasizes subsistence farming, where communities grow crops mainly for their own consumption, but can also include commercial agriculture, where surplus produce is sold in markets. Agriculture forms the foundation of social structures, political organization, and trade within societies that operate under this economic model.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Agriculture was the main economic driver in Akan states, providing food security and supporting the population's livelihoods.
2. The Akan people practiced a variety of agricultural techniques, including slash-and-burn methods, which allowed them to manage land effectively and increase crop yields.
3. Crops such as yams, cassava, and plantains were staples in the Akan diet and formed the backbone of their agriculture-based economy.
4. Agricultural production also facilitated trade with neighboring societies, leading to the growth of commerce and wealth among Akan elites.
5. The agricultural surplus generated by Akan farmers played a crucial role in the political organization of their states, as it supported both local leadership structures and larger political entities.

Review Questions

• How did an agriculture-based economy shape the social structure within Akan states?
  • An agriculture-based economy was central to the social structure of Akan states as it determined roles within the community. Farming not only provided sustenance but also established hierarchies based on wealth and land ownership. Those who managed larger plots or produced surplus were often able to rise in social status, influencing political power dynamics. Consequently, agricultural practices influenced not only day-to-day life but also the broader governance and leadership within Akan societies.
• What impact did agricultural production have on trade relationships among Akan states and neighboring regions?
  • Agricultural production created a surplus that was essential for fostering trade relationships both within Akan states and with neighboring regions. The abundance of crops like yams and cassava enabled communities to exchange goods, strengthening economic ties and interdependence. As trade networks expanded due to agricultural surplus, it not only enriched local economies but also facilitated cultural exchanges and introduced new agricultural techniques between groups.
• Evaluate how the reliance on an agriculture-based economy affected the political organization of Akan states throughout history.
  • The reliance on an agriculture-based economy significantly influenced the political organization of Akan states by establishing a system where leaders were often landowners or those who controlled agricultural resources. This connection between agricultural wealth and political power meant that leaders had to maintain the loyalty of their subjects through land management and resource distribution. As populations grew and agricultural techniques evolved, this relationship became more complex, leading to the formation of centralized authorities that sought to regulate agricultural output while addressing both economic needs and social stability within the community.

Related terms

Subsistence Farming: A type of farming in which farmers grow enough food to feed themselves and their families, with little or no surplus for sale.

Cash Crops: Crops that are grown primarily for sale and profit rather than for personal consumption, such as cocoa, palm oil, and rubber in many African economies.

Trade Networks: The interconnected systems through which goods, services, and agricultural products are exchanged among different regions or communities.