Rural Geography: Can-Do checklist

Human Environments By the end of this topic you should be able to:

For each of the following farming systems – shifting cultivation, intensive peasant farming (e.g. paddy cultivation), and commercial arable farming (e.g. cereal production):

• describe and explain the main farming features and methods

• explain the population density associated with the farming system

• describe the farming changes which have taken place since 1950

• discuss the benefits and problems resulting from the changes

• assess the impact of changes on people, ways of life and the landscape

• comment on successes and problems resulting from the changes.

Referring to a named area of shifting cultivation (a case study such as the Amazon):

• describe and explain how crop outputs decline over time

• suggest possible reasons for a reduced fallow period, and explain the likely impact on soils.

Referring to a named area of intensive peasant farming (a case study such as Kedah):

• describe the traditional methods of rice production

• describe changes in crop production, and suggest general reasons for increased crop yields due to e.g. the ‘Green Revolution’.

 Referring to a named area of commercial arable farming (a case study such as the American Prairies):

• describe how physical and human factors have affected the farming activities, and comment on their relative importance

• explain the settlement pattern which has developed.

GMTs

• describe and analyse land-use data and crop yields in maps, diagrams and tables • analyse farm survey results shown e.g. in tables

• annotate and analyse field sketches and photographs of rural landscapes

• comment on the accuracy of statements which describe farming patterns shown on maps, diagrams, tables etc.