Introduction to Factors Influencing Agriculture: Human Factors

Humans as a Factor Influencing Agriculture

​Agricultural production is influenced by external factors:

1. Human factors
2. Biotic factors
3. Climatic factors
4. Edaphic factors.

​​Human Factors

These are human characteristics which affect the way decisions are made and operations carried out. These characteristics include:

​Level of education and technology:

• ​Skills
• Technological advancements.

​Human health/HIV-AIDS:

• These affect the strength, the vigour, vision and the determination to work.
• HIV/AIDS is the biggest threat to human health today and has long lasting effects on agriculture, such as;
• Shortage of farm labour.
• Loss of family support.
• Low living standards leading to despondency and hopelessness.
• Increased criminal activities.
• More time spent by the Government and NGO's in Caring for the sick.

​Economy;

​Stability in the countries' economy affect agricultural production.

​Government Policy:

• These are governmental laws which have been enacted to protect farmers, land and livestock.
• Food policy
• Policies on control of livestock parasites and diseases.
• Policies on marketing of both local and export products and others.

​Transport and communication:

​For agricultural goods to move from the farm to the consumers.

​Cultural practices and religious beliefs:

​These activities hinder important changes in a society that may bring agricultural development.

​Market forces:

​Demand and supply forces which affect prices of commodities in a free market.

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