Introduction to Agriculture: History, Context and Global Trends

Abstract

Agriculture is the stage upon which human societies have choreographed their survival, innovation and transformation for millennia. This chapter presents a broad but textured introduction to agriculture: its deep historical roots, the ways in which farming practices and systems have evolved and the major global trends shaping the present and near future. Rather than an encyclopedic treatment, the text aims to offer a readable academic overview that balances technical clarity with human context. It describes major shifts from early domestication and land-use patterns to industrialization, the Green Revolution and contemporary moves toward digital and regenerative approaches. The piece also explores the economic, social and environmental forces that frame agricultural decision-making at farm, landscape and policy scales. The conclusion synthesizes lessons and points toward pathways that reconcile productivity, resilience, equity and ecology