Dependency

Definition

Dependency refers to a state of reliance on another entity for support or resources, often seen in economic contexts where less developed countries depend on more developed nations for financial aid, technology, and markets. This relationship can lead to unequal power dynamics and influences how agricultural systems are structured globally, impacting food security and trade practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dependency relationships can create cycles of poverty, where developing countries remain reliant on foreign aid, making it difficult to develop self-sustaining agricultural systems.
2. Many agricultural products from developing nations are exported to wealthier countries, often leading to local food shortages as resources are diverted for profit rather than local consumption.
3. Dependency can affect a country's ability to innovate within its agricultural sector, as reliance on imported technologies and practices may limit local development.
4. International trade agreements can exacerbate dependency by favoring the interests of developed nations, which can dictate terms that disadvantage smaller economies.
5. Increased dependency on foreign markets can make countries vulnerable to global price fluctuations, impacting local farmers and food security.

Review Questions

• How does dependency impact the agricultural practices of developing nations?
  • Dependency affects agricultural practices by forcing developing nations to prioritize cash crops for export over food crops for local consumption. This reliance on foreign markets can lead to food insecurity as essential resources are directed away from local needs. Additionally, dependency can stifle innovation since countries may depend on external technologies rather than developing their own sustainable agricultural practices.
• In what ways can dependency lead to economic imbalances between developed and developing countries in the global agricultural system?
  • Dependency creates economic imbalances by positioning developed countries as suppliers of technology and capital while developing nations remain consumers. This dynamic often results in unequal trade relationships where developing countries receive lower prices for their exports compared to the higher prices they pay for imports. Such imbalances can hinder economic growth in dependent countries and perpetuate cycles of poverty and reliance.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of dependency on agriculture in terms of food sovereignty and sustainability in affected regions.
  • The long-term consequences of dependency can severely undermine food sovereignty and sustainability in affected regions. As countries rely on external entities for food and agricultural resources, they may lose control over their food systems and traditional farming practices. This shift not only threatens local cultures but also reduces biodiversity and resilience against climate change, making it increasingly difficult for these regions to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

Related terms

Neocolonialism:

A form of indirect control or influence that former colonial powers exert over developing countries, often through economic means rather than direct political control.

Food Sovereignty: The right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, emphasizing local control over food systems.

Globalization:

The process by which businesses and other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale, often affecting agricultural practices and dependencies among nations.