In today’s modern world, traditional practices are becoming less common, even in agriculture. Agricultural geography used to focus on “natural resources” and “basic human needs,” but it is now considered outdated due to the era of “signs and space” in the economy (Lash & Urry, 1994). The widespread promotion of new chemicals, machinery, and “modern” farming methods can be seen everywhere. Prioritizing quantity over quality has led to the replacement of smaller farms with diverse crops but lower yields by large monocropping farms. Sacrificing small-scale farms and their traditional methods seems necessary to cater to the majority.
This paper aims to examine whether modern agriculture is the most suitable choice for the Caribbean. While modern agriculture provides higher yields, it raises concerns about sustainability and its environmental impact. In the Caribbean, agronomic practices have mostly remained unaltered since slavery, making this discussion particularly significant. Monocropping is a notable feature of modern agriculture, where large farms cultivate a single crop. However, this technique is primarily employed for cereals and grains due to their ability to yield more crops and offer a broader selection of high-yielding varieties.
The implementation of modern farming techniques in developed nations has resulted in changes to the dietary habits and caloric intake of their populations. As noted by Science2.0 (2011), around 60% of our calorie consumption is derived from corn, rice, and wheat. Additionally, contemporary agricultural practices involve the extensive use of chemicals such as fertilizers, weedicides, and pesticides to maximize crop yields. Farmer Wendell Berry emphasizes the significance of examining these inputs rather than solely focusing on output: “To celebrate output without questioning input is like rejoicing in the water flowing out of the dam without wondering whether any water is flowing in to replace it” (Meadows). These chemicals not only have long-term detrimental effects on soil quality but also present potential health risks when we consume treated food.
Caribbean small-scale farmers have consistently resisted pressure to abandon their traditional methods in favor of new ones, despite ongoing pressure from modern agriculturists. The resistance is due to flaws in how modernization initiatives are presented to the farmers. Those who introduce innovations must adapt their rational approach to accommodate the subjective rationality of the farmers. Understanding the decision-making processes of small-scale farmers is important; many have valid reasons for not adopting innovations or discontinuing certain practices. In Jamaica, small-scale farming is crucial for economic development as it serves as a significant economic activity for rural farmers.
The text emphasizes that agriculture has a broader role beyond national food security, including self-sufficiency and increased domestic food production. Farmers’ choices regarding adopting modernization innovations are influenced by factors like indigenous knowledge, environmental awareness, changing economic and physical conditions, as well as family and community traditions. Traditional farming methods are crucial to the cultural ecology of Caribbean islands. Small-scale farmers in the Caribbean depend on seeking advice and sharing ideas within their communities to effectively address challenges, which may become hindered with the introduction of new technologies.
Most farmers based their decision not to modernize on both perception and a lack of information about the systems. The information was not presented clearly in easily-understood ways (Beckford, 2002). While the world-trend in agriculture is moving away from small farms, they fail to consider the numerous advantages of small-scale farming. Small farms have a diversity of ownership, cropping systems, landscapes, biological organization, culture, and traditions. This diversity is a great superiority over the monocultures of large-scale farming. Diversification and small-scale commercial production can increase yields, income, and opportunities from fragmented land holdings. Small-scale farming also utilizes sustainable farming methods that are environmentally friendly and do not damage or degrade the soil like the harsh chemicals used by large farms.
Moreover, small farmers are more likely to integrate crops and livestock and intercrop various crops on the same field, resulting in a more efficient use of space and time compared to large monocultures. Intercropping has proven to reduce the spread of plant disease and pest infestation, stabilize production, increase income, improve efficiency and labor, and optimize the use of resources under conditions of intensification and low technology (Dorsey, 1999). However, the excessive use of these chemicals may potentially lead to another Dust Bowl. Additionally, small-scale farming promotes community empowerment as decentralized land ownership tends to create more equal opportunities for rural people.
In addition, landowners who rely on local individuals, businesses, and services are more likely to be responsible. Small farms are also crucial to the economy because there are lower import costs on food when most suppliers are local. Moreover, people feel a personal connection to the food they consume through farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture, among other initiatives. These provide consumers with a sense of security in knowing the origin of their food and the impact its production has on the landscape and environment (Rosset, 2000). This is particularly important today as people are increasingly concerned about consuming healthy foods and being aware of the cultivation or rearing process. Furthermore, research shows that small farms surpass large farms when considering total output instead of just yield. Small-scale farmers in the Caribbean have valid reasons to reject modern agricultural innovations involving unfamiliar hybrid crop variations and intensive chemical treatments.
Research has shown that ancient customs of indigenous peoples are now recognized and supported as “modern.” These customs, known as “Principles of Permanence,” allowed for year-round crop production without harmful chemicals that damage the environment. Additionally, these principles not only protect natural resources but often replenish them. Under the term “ecological agriculture,” this traditional practice is considered the most effective approach to promoting sustainable development. It can also more efficiently and inexpensively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere compared to artificial methods. Therefore, traditional knowledge and practices play a crucial role in addressing challenges related to conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development, and mitigating climate change.
Caribbean farmers should resist the pressures from large companies in “developed” nations and continue to utilize traditional small-scale farming methods. This is because, in terms of sustainability, quality, economics, and overall productivity, traditional small-scale farming surpasses “modern” large-scale farming.
