Derwent Whittlesey’s Classification of World Agricultural

Whittlesey’s classification system is based on a combination of climatic conditions and the types of crops grown. He identified eight major agricultural regions, which are further divided into sub-regions. The classification takes into account both subsistence and commercial agriculture, providing insights into the varying agricultural practices across different geographical areas.

The Eight Major Agricultural Regions

1. Shifting Cultivation (Slash-and-Burn Agriculture)

   • Description: Practiced in tropical rainforests, where farmers clear a piece of land by cutting and burning vegetation to grow crops.
   • Regions: Amazon Basin, Central Africa, Southeast Asia.
   • Crops: Cassava, maize, yams, and rice.

2. Intensive Subsistence Agriculture

   • Description: Characterized by high labor input on small plots of land to produce food primarily for subsistence.
   • Regions: East and South Asia (e.g., China, India).
   • Crops: Rice, wheat, barley, and pulses.

3. Pastoral Nomadism

   • Description: A form of agriculture focused on the herding of animals, where communities move seasonally to find pastures.
   • Regions: North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia.
   • Animals: Camels, sheep, goats, and yaks.

4. Wet Rice Dominant

   • Description: A highly productive agricultural system centered on the cultivation of rice in flooded fields (paddy).
   • Regions: Southeast Asia, parts of India and Bangladesh.
   • Crops: Primarily rice, with some secondary crops like fish and vegetables.

5. Commercial Grain Farming

   • Description: Large-scale production of grains for sale, often utilizing mechanized farming techniques.
   • Regions: North America, parts of Europe, and Argentina.
   • Crops: Wheat, corn (maize), and barley.

6. Commercial Mixed Farming

   • Description: Combines crop and livestock production, focusing on both subsistence and commercial purposes.
   • Regions: Western Europe, eastern United States, and parts of Australia.
   • Crops: Corn, soybeans, and livestock (cattle, pigs).

7. Dairy Farming

   • Description: Focused on the production of milk and dairy products, often located near urban markets.
   • Regions: Northeastern United States, parts of Western Europe, and India.
   • Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.

8. Plantation Agriculture

   • Description: Large-scale agricultural enterprises that grow cash crops for export, typically in tropical climates.
   • Regions: Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa.
   • Crops: Coffee, tea, rubber, sugarcane, and bananas.