Agriculture is a crucial human activity that provides sustenance to the global population. However, agricultural practices have significantly impacted the Earth’s land use, leading to environmental challenges and concerns about food security. This article explores the extent of agricultural land use worldwide, its regional variations, and the environmental implications of agricultural expansion.
Key Facts
- Approximately half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture[3].
- Globally, agricultural land area accounts for about 38% of the total land surface.
- Cropland, which is used for cultivating crops, makes up about one-third of the agricultural land area.
- The remaining two-thirds of agricultural land consist of meadows and pastures used for livestock grazing.
- Land conversion from natural ecosystems to agriculture has historically been a significant cause of greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
- The global cropland area per capita has decreased over time due to population growth and increased demand for food, from about 0.45 hectare per capita in 1961 to 0.21 hectare per capita in 2016.
- The distribution of agricultural land use varies regionally, with Asia having the largest share of agricultural land area, followed by the Americas and Africa.
- In terms of irrigation capacity, Asia has the largest land area equipped for irrigation, followed by the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Oceania.
- Livestock accounts for a significant portion of global farming land, with 77% of agricultural land used for grazing and growing crops for animal feed. However, livestock production only contributes to 18% of the world’s calories and 37% of total protein.
- The expansion of agriculture has had a significant impact on the environment, including habitat transformation and biodiversity loss. Agriculture is listed as a threat for a large number of species evaluated to be threatened with extinction.
Global Agricultural Land Use
Approximately half of the world’s habitable land is dedicated to agriculture [3]. This vast area, covering 38% of the total land surface, is primarily used for crop cultivation and livestock grazing. Cropland, which includes temporary and permanent crops, accounts for about one-third of the agricultural land area. The remaining two-thirds comprise meadows and pastures used for grazing livestock.
Regional Distribution of Agricultural Land Use
The distribution of agricultural land use varies across regions. Asia holds the largest share of agricultural land area, accounting for 34% of the global total. The Americas and Africa follow with 25% and 24%, respectively. Europe and Oceania each contribute approximately 9-10% to the global agricultural land area.
Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Expansion
The conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural land has been a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. Deforestation for agricultural purposes releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Additionally, intensive agricultural practices, such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides, can pollute water sources and harm wildlife.
Decreasing Cropland Area per Capita
The global cropland area per capita has been declining over time due to population growth and the increasing demand for food. From 1961 to 2016, the cropland area per capita decreased from about 0.45 hectare to 0.21 hectare. This trend highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices to meet the food demands of a growing population while preserving natural ecosystems.
Livestock’s Contribution to Agricultural Land Use
Livestock production occupies a significant portion of global agricultural land. Approximately 77% of agricultural land is used for grazing and growing crops for animal feed. However, livestock production contributes only 18% of the world’s calories and 37% of total protein. This disparity raises concerns about the efficiency of land use for livestock production and the environmental impacts associated with it.
Agriculture’s Impact on Biodiversity
The expansion of agriculture has had a profound impact on biodiversity. Agriculture is listed as a threat for a substantial number of species evaluated to be threatened with extinction. Habitat transformation, pollution, and overgrazing are among the factors contributing to biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes.
Conclusion
Agricultural land use is a global phenomenon with significant environmental and food security implications. The conversion of natural ecosystems to agriculture has led to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. The decreasing cropland area per capita highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices to meet the demands of a growing population. Additionally, the large share of agricultural land dedicated to livestock production raises concerns about land use efficiency and environmental impacts. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce the environmental footprint of livestock production, and protect natural ecosystems.
References
- Our World in Data. (2019). Half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture. Retrieved from https://ourworldindata.org/global-land-for-agriculture
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2020). Land use in agriculture by the numbers. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/sustainability/news/detail/en/c/1274219/
- Our World in Data. (2019). Land Use. Retrieved from https://ourworldindata.org/land-use
FAQs
What percentage of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture?
Approximately half of the world’s habitable land is dedicated to agriculture.
How much agricultural land is used for cropland and grazing?
Cropland accounts for about one-third of the agricultural land area, while the remaining two-thirds consist of meadows and pastures used for livestock grazing.
Which region has the largest share of agricultural land area?
Asia has the largest share of agricultural land area, accounting for 34% of the global total.
What are the environmental impacts of agricultural expansion?
The conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural land has contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
How has the cropland area per capita changed over time?
The global cropland area per capita has been decreasing due to population growth and increased demand for food. From 1961 to 2016, it declined from 0.45 hectare to 0.21 hectare per capita.
How much agricultural land is used for livestock production?
Livestock production occupies a significant portion of agricultural land, with approximately 77% used for grazing and growing crops for animal feed.
What is the contribution of livestock to the world’s food supply?
Despite occupying a large share of agricultural land, livestock production contributes only 18% of the world’s calories and 37% of total protein.
How does agriculture impact biodiversity?
Agricultural expansion has led to habitat transformation, pollution, and overgrazing, contributing to biodiversity loss. Agriculture is listed as a threat for a substantial number of species evaluated to be threatened with extinction.