L7

Question 1

The Green Revolution

Answer 1

1940-1960
agricultural technicques (improved crop varieties, fertilizers, and machinery) were introduced to increase food production;
to reduce hunger in developing countries by using more efficient farming methods

with support of US gov’t and Rockefeller Foundation

Question 2

Charles C Mann

Answer 2

compared Norman Borlaug with William Bort
The Wizard VS The Prophet
Norman Borlaug = a wizard (aiming for innovation and increased production)
William Bort = a prophet (advocating for sustainability and environmental care)

Question 3

Norman Borlaug

Answer 3

Seen as ‘father’ of the GR

believes in ‘American ingenuity’ (if you do hard work, you can make things happen); idea of the GR

won the nobel peaze prize 1970

Developed new crop varieties (like wheat) that grew faster and produced higher yields > Increase in income and livelihood of millions of Mexiacan farmers > The Korean Revolution was underway > convince India and Pakistan to adapt new approach > GR swept through Asia and around the world > saving hundreds of millions more from famine and starvation

he did plantbreeding, but didnt have the right degree for that, so it is seen as some sort of test

Question 4

William Bort

Answer 4

was an ecologist
believes in natural (limited) capacity
more like a Malthusian perspective

Question 5

Vandana Shiva

Answer 5

Indian activist who argues that the GR destroyed traditional farming methods and harmed biodiversity

Question 6

Raj Patel

Answer 6

Author who points out the inequality caused by the GR; rich farmers benefited, but small farmers were left behind

Question 7

Negative effects of GR

Answer 7

Environmental:
- soil depletion
- water pollution
- loss of biodiversity

Inequality:
- wealthy farmers benefited more
- small farmers struggled

Question 8

Rockefeller foundation

Answer 8

It focuses on addressing global challenges in areas like public health, education, agriculture, and poverty.

The foundation played a key role in funding and supporting the Green Revolution, helping to develop high-yield crops and improve agricultural practices to combat hunger in developing countries.

Question 9

M.S. Swaminathan

Answer 9

the Indian “Father of the Green Revolution”

While Norman Borlaug developed the high-yielding crop varieties and agricultural techniques, Swaminathan was instrumental in bringing these innovations to India and adapting them to local conditions.

Question 10

Mansur-Lam

Answer 10

His role, like M.S. Swaminathan’s in India, was to help adapt and implement the principles of the Green Revolution in local contexts. Here’s how Mansur-Lam fits into the broader narrative of the Green Revolution.

He represents the local leadership necessary to make the Green Revolution applicable and effective in specific regional contexts.

Question 11

Sicco Mansholt

Answer 11

Dutch politician, key architect of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Initially focused on increasing agricultural production post-WWII, aligning with the goals of the Green Revolution.

Called for inquiries into the problems caused by pesticides, emphasizing the need for sustainable agricultural practices.

Contributed to the environmental movement and the eventual ban of DDT in many countries, promoting a shift towards eco-friendly farming methods.

Question 12

Norman Borlaug as a ‘phophet’ (1970)

Answer 12

“For we are dealing with two opposing forces, the scientific power of food production and the biologic power of human reproduction” = ‘Malthusian zombie’ that keeps coming back