Cash Crops

Definition

Cash crops are agricultural products grown primarily for sale and profit rather than for personal consumption. They are crops that are produced with the intention of being sold on the market, as opposed to subsistence crops that are grown for the farmer's own use.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cash crops are typically high-value crops that can be easily stored, transported, and sold, such as coffee, cocoa, tea, cotton, and sugarcane.
2. The production of cash crops is often associated with the development of monocultures, where a single crop dominates the landscape.
3. The shift from subsistence farming to cash crop production can lead to increased urbanization, as rural populations migrate to cities to find employment in the commercial agricultural sector.
4. The reliance on cash crops can make small-scale farmers vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and market conditions.
5. The emphasis on cash crop production can sometimes lead to the neglect of traditional food crops, potentially contributing to food insecurity in some regions.

Review Questions

• Explain how the production of cash crops relates to the concept of peasantry.
  • The shift from subsistence farming to cash crop production is closely linked to the concept of peasantry. Peasants, who are typically small-scale farmers, often transition from growing crops primarily for their own consumption to focusing on the production of cash crops for sale in the market. This shift can lead to increased commercialization of agriculture, as peasants become more integrated into the global economy and rely on the sale of their crops for income. However, the reliance on cash crops can also make peasants vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and market conditions, potentially exacerbating their economic insecurity.
• Describe the relationship between the production of cash crops and the process of urbanization.
  • The production of cash crops is often associated with the process of urbanization. As rural populations shift their focus from subsistence farming to the cultivation of cash crops, they may migrate to cities in search of employment opportunities in the commercial agricultural sector or related industries. This influx of rural migrants can contribute to the growth and development of urban centers, as they seek employment, housing, and access to markets for their cash crops. The concentration of agricultural production and the associated economic activities can also lead to the emergence of new urban areas or the expansion of existing cities, as they become hubs for the processing, distribution, and trade of cash crops.
• Analyze how the emphasis on cash crop production can impact food security and traditional food systems in a given region.
  • The emphasis on cash crop production can sometimes lead to the neglect of traditional food crops, potentially contributing to food insecurity in some regions. When farmers focus primarily on the cultivation of cash crops for sale, they may allocate less land and resources to the production of staple food crops that are essential for local consumption. This shift can disrupt traditional food systems and reduce the availability of diverse, nutritious foods within the local community. Additionally, the reliance on cash crops can make small-scale farmers vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and market conditions, further exacerbating food insecurity if they are unable to afford or access the necessary food supplies. The impact on food security can be particularly severe in regions where subsistence farming was previously the dominant agricultural practice.

Related terms

Subsistence Farming: A method of farming where the farmers grow crops or raise animals solely to meet their family's basic needs, with little or no surplus for sale.

Monoculture: The agricultural practice of growing a single crop or plant species over a large area, often for commercial purposes.

Agricultural Commercialization: The process by which agricultural production shifts from subsistence farming to market-oriented production, with a focus on generating profits through the sale of cash crops.