Learning materials
Maps
- MapMaker Interactive: Cassava Production
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Rice Production
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Sorghum Production
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Maize Production
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Soybean Production
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Sweet Potato Production
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Yam Production
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Plantain Production
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Potato Production
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Wheat Production
A crop is a plant that can be grown and harvested for food or profit. By use, crops fall into six categories: food crops, feed crops, fiber crops, oil crops, ornamental crops, and industrial crops. Food crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, are harvested to feed the more than 7 billion people on Earth. Climate, accessibility, trade, and culture are just some of the geographic factors that influence the popularity of a food crop in a given region. Grains, such as corn, wheat, and rice, are the world’s most popular food crops. In fact, these crops are often the basis for food staples. A food stapleis a food that makes up the dominant part of a population’s diet. Food staples are eaten regularly—even daily—and supply a major proportion of a person’s energy and nutritional needs. Cassava, maize, plantains, potatoes, rice, sorghum, soybeans, sweet potatoes, wheat, and yams are some of the leading food crops around the world. These layers of our MapMaker Interactive display how many tons of these crops were produced per country as an average from 2010 to 2012.As you look through the different map layers on food crops, keep in mind that these crops don’t always feed people near where they are grown. Crops grown in one place might be exported to another, and where those crops were grown from 2010 to 2012 does not reflect where they were produced historically or even where they might grow in the future. A map, among many things, is a temporary portrait of a changing world.
Fast Fact
- Croplands cover 1.53 billion hectares on Earth, which is about 12% of Earth’s ice-free land.
Fast Fact
- Cereals account for more than half of the world’s harvested area. Cereals are grain-producing grasses, such as wheat, rice, maize, and millet. Of the 2.3 billion tons of cereal produced, about a billion tons are destined for food use, 750 million tons for animal feed, and the remaining 500 million tons is either processed for industrial use, used as seed, or wasted.
Fast Fact
- Rice is the primary crop and food staple of more than half the world’s population. Asia is the world’s largest rice-producing and rice-consuming region. Rice is also becoming an increasing food staple throughout Africa.
Fast Fact
- More of Earth’s surface is covered by wheat than by any other food crop, despite it trailing maize and rice in the sheer amount of tons harvested. About 65% of wheat harvested is used for food, 17% for animal feed, 12% for industrial use such as biofuels, and the rest for various uncategorized uses.
Fast Fact
- Plantains and bananas belong to the same genus; the primary difference between the plants is that plantains tend to be cooked or processed prior to consumption, whereas bananas are often eaten raw. Plantains, which fruit year-round, are major staples in West and Central Africa, the Caribbean, and coastal South America.
Fast Fact
- Yams are a major staple in West Africa, where they are consumed mainly as “fufu,” a gelatinous dough. Fufu can also be made from cassava and plantains.
Fast Fact
- Approximately 75% of the world’s agricultural land is devoted to raising animals, including cropland devoted to animal feed and pasture for grazing land.
Worksheets & Handouts
I am a seasoned expert with a profound understanding of agricultural systems and food production dynamics. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. To substantiate my proficiency, I can confidently discuss key concepts and evidence related to the learning materials provided.
The article delves into the realm of crop production, emphasizing the significance of crops as plants grown and harvested for sustenance or economic gain. The six categories mentioned—food crops, feed crops, fiber crops, oil crops, ornamental crops, and industrial crops—underscore the diverse purposes that crops serve. This categorization reflects a nuanced understanding of agriculture beyond mere sustenance, acknowledging the multifaceted roles that crops play in our lives.
The focus then shifts to food crops, encompassing fruits, vegetables, and grains. Grains, such as corn, wheat, and rice, emerge as pivotal components of the global diet and are considered food staples. The concept of food staples is introduced, emphasizing their role as primary sources of energy and nutrition for populations worldwide.
The interactive MapMaker tool is highlighted as a valuable resource, illustrating the production of key food crops across various countries from 2010 to 2012. This temporal perspective acknowledges the dynamic nature of agriculture and the evolving patterns of crop production. The article aptly points out that the geographic factors influencing crop popularity include climate, accessibility, trade, and culture.
Fast facts provided throughout the article serve to enrich the reader's understanding of global crop production. Noteworthy statistics, such as croplands covering 12% of Earth's ice-free land and cereals accounting for over half of the world's harvested area, contribute to a comprehensive overview of the scale and significance of agricultural practices.
Specific crops, including cassava, maize, plantains, potatoes, rice, sorghum, soybeans, sweet potatoes, wheat, and yams, are discussed in the context of their global prominence. The article emphasizes that the production of these crops is not confined to the regions where they are grown, highlighting the interconnectedness of the global food supply chain.
The fast facts regarding rice as a primary crop for over half the world's population and wheat covering more of Earth's surface than any other food crop provide additional depth to the narrative. Insights into the uses of wheat, such as 65% for food and 12% for industrial purposes like biofuels, underscore the versatility of crops in supporting various human needs.
The article concludes by presenting additional facts, such as the connection between plantains and bananas, the significance of yams in West Africa, and the allocation of 75% of the world's agricultural land to raising animals. These facts broaden the scope of the discussion, encompassing a range of crops and their cultural, culinary, and economic roles.
In summary, this article seamlessly weaves together concepts of crop categorization, global food staples, geographic influences, and the interconnectedness of the world's agricultural landscape. The inclusion of interactive maps and factual data enhances the reader's appreciation for the complexity and importance of crop production on a global scale.
