Human and Physical Influences on Food Choices
Physical Factors: The Natural Foundations of Food Choices
1. Climate
Climate determines which crops can be grown and where.
- Tropical Climates: Ideal for rice, bananas, and sugarcane.
- Temperate Climates: Suitable for wheat, barley, and apples.
- Arid Climates: Favor drought-resistant crops like millet and sorghum.
Consider how climate change affects food choices. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall can disrupt traditional farming systems.
2. Soil Fertility
Soil fertility influences crop yields and quality.
- Rich, Loamy Soils: High productivity (e.g., the Great Plains in the USA or central and eastern Ukraine).
- Poor, Sandy Soils: Limited options without fertilizers (e.g., parts of Sub-Saharan Africa).
Think of soil as a bank account. Fertile soil is like a well-funded account, supporting growth, while poor soil is like an empty account, requiring "deposits" of nutrients through fertilizers.
3. Water Availability
Water is essential for agriculture, influencing both crop types and yields.
- Irrigated Regions: Grow water-intensive crops like rice.
- Rainfed Areas: Rely on drought-resistant crops.
Don’t assume irrigation is always a solution. Over-reliance can deplete water resources and cause long-term environmental damage.
4. Natural Hazards
Natural hazards like droughts, floods, and storms can disrupt food production.
Human Factors: Shaping Food Choices
NoteWhile physical factors set the stage for food production, human factors shape how we use these natural resources.
1. Economic Factors
Affluence and income levels strongly influence diets.
- High-Income Countries (HICs): Diets rich in meat, dairy, and processed foods.
- Low-Income Countries (LICs): Reliance on staple grains like rice and maize.
Avoid assuming that all wealthy individuals eat the same diet. Cultural preferences and health trends also play a role.
2. Cultural Factors
Cultural and religious practices deeply influence food choices.
- Cultural Heritage and Traditions: Cultural practices strongly dictate food choices. For example in India vegetarianism is prevalent among many communities due to religious beliefs, such as Hinduism, which promotes non-violence and reverence for all living beings.
- Religious Dietary Laws: Religions impose various restrictions regarding the type of food and the way it is prepared. For example in Islam, the prohibition of pork and the concept of halal defines permissible food and dietary practices.
How do cultural traditions influence food choices in your community? Are these traditions changing with globalization?
3. Political Factors
Government policies and trade agreements affect food availability and prices.
- Subsidies: Encourage production of certain crops (e.g., corn in the USA).
- Trade Policies: Influence imports and exports (e.g. Common Agricultural Policy and free flow of food items within the EU).
Don’t overlook the impact of political instability. Conflicts can disrupt food distribution, leading to shortages even when food is available.
The Interplay of Physical and Human Factors
- Food choices are rarely influenced by a single factor. Instead, they result from the complex interaction of physical and human elements.
