9781422274576

Subsistence Farming Poverty is often seen as one of the reasons for deforestation. In many places around the world, farmers practice subsistence farm- ing. This means growing food crops to meet the food requirements of one’s own family. In many places around the world, forested hillsides have been converted to subsistence farming plots.

Climate Facts

● ● About 50 percent of the world’s forests are under the threat of being cleared for farming. ● ● According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), an estimated 4,600 sq. miles (12,000 sq. km) of rainforest area was cut down between 2004 and 2005 due to soybean expansion.

The Vital Role of Deserts and Forests

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