Worldview Reflection. In my view, our relationship with the land and non-human beings should be one of reverence and sustainability. The article by Timothy A. Wise, sheds light on the ecological consequences of certain agricultural practices, urging me to consider the impact of my own actions. Growing up I always believed in the importance of nurturing a deep connection with nature, spending time outdoors, and advocating for environmentally conscious choices. History, beliefs, and traditions hold great significance in shaping my identity and daily life. While the article explored the impact of modern agricultural methods on traditional farming practices, it reinforced my appreciation for the wisdom passed down through generations, because my dad’s family is full of farmers and that was how they make a living, I value the cultural heritage of my family and community, and I actively seek to preserve and learn from their traditions. Integrating these teachings into my life helps me navigate the complexities of the modern world while staying grounded in my roots. Technology has undoubtedly shaped my life in both positive and negative ways. Many articles and discussions we have had in class shed insights into the consequences of technological advancements in agriculture resonated with me. While technology offers numerous benefits, I am mindful of its potential drawbacks, such as disconnection from nature and overreliance on artificial solutions. I strive to find a balance by leveraging technology for education, connectivity, and positive change while ensuring that it aligns with sustainable practices and does not compromise our natural environment. When it comes to resource distribution, I believe in striking a balance between fairness and opportunity, our current exploration of agricultural policies and their effects on marginalized communities prompted me to consider the importance of equitable access to resources. While I recognize the value of economic competition, I support policies that prioritize social welfare and bridge the gaps between certain income classes. By advocating for equality among members of my society, I hope to contribute to a more just and inclusive society, a society where no group of people suffers endlessly without intervention. I value personal autonomy, allowing individuals to express who they are and their beliefs the way they want to and pursue their passions. However, I also understand the need for a well-functioning society that ensures the safety and well-being of its members. A proper mix of personal freedom with collective responsibility where everyone looks after their fellow human is essential for creating a harmonious and inclusive community, and the lack of this is a serious problem in many societies in our time. To sum it up my worldview reflects my personal reflections and values, I strive to cultivate a sustainable and respectful relationship with the land, honor the significance of history, beliefs, and traditions, navigate the impacts of technology responsibly, advocate for equitable resource distribution, and uphold personal freedoms within the framework of a harmonious society. Critical Reading "Africa’s Land Use Problem: Is Green Revolution Agriculture a Solution or a Cause? This article is aimed at those interested in African agriculture and environmental sustainability and the central claim of the text is that the Green Revolution programs in Africa, particularly those promoted by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), are causing more harm than good to the local communities and its people by reducing crop diversity and leading to unsustainable agricultural expansion. The context of the article is the ongoing debate on the impact and effectiveness of the Green Revolution in Africa. The Green Revolution, promoted heavily by AGRA and supported by various countries in Africa and backed by their governments, is a set of practices designed to increase agricultural productivity through the use of modern farming technologies, like commercial seeds and fertilizers, and the utilization of other modern-day technologies. However, the author argues against this model, presenting a counter-narrative that criticizes its outcomes and proposes agroecology as an alternative. The author constructs his arguments through a combination of empirical and logical reasoning. Empirical reasoning is demonstrated through the use of data from AGRA countries, particularly Zambia and Rwanda, showing increases in maize and rice production, reduction in traditional staple crops, and the rising numbers of undernourished people despite increased maize production. Logical reasoning is used to explain how government subsidies and support for certain crops have influenced farmers' decisions, leading to a decline in crop diversity and an increase in land under cultivation. However, Wise in his article does not provide a clear methodology for collecting or interpreting the data he used. While the evidence provided is very strong and well put together, it is unclear whether it is primary or secondary, but we can also note he provided certain graphs and tables that show AGRA’s progress report for 3 years, and also the productivity report for Zambia and these are core evidence that back up his argument. While the argument is logically coherent and makes good use of empirical data to support its claims, it could be improved by considering counter-arguments and explaining the methodology used for data collection and interpretation. Additionally, the author makes an assumption that agroecology can replace the Green Revolution practices without providing substantial empirical evidence. Therefore, while the article provides valuable insights into the problems with the Green Revolution in Africa, its argument could be more persuasive with additional evidence and a more balanced perspective. The overall quality of the article’s argument is well put together and would be satisfactory but Wise here would have issues if counterarguments are laid down. The argument proposed that the Green Revolution in Africa is causing more damage through unsustainable agricultural expansion and a reduction in crop diversity—is logical and well supported by empirical evidence from specific countries (Zambia and Rwanda) where these programs have been implemented. But even the evidence provided does largely support the author’s claims, illustrating how an emphasis on maize and rice production, facilitated by government incentives, has resulted in declines in other crops and an alarming rise in undernourishment despite the increased maize yield. This effectively showcases the unintended negative impacts of the Green Revolution approach. In conclusion, despite the article's shortcomings, it is credible to a large extent. The author succeeds in drawing attention to the potential negative impacts of the Green Revolution in Africa and brings to light important issues about agricultural sustainability and food security on the continent. The specific cases of Zambia and Rwanda offer a compelling look into the real-world implications of these agricultural policies. The article also prompts a valuable discussion about the need for alternative agricultural strategies, like agroecology, in the face of these challenges. Reading Reaction Reading Timothy A. Wise's article stirred various emotions in me, deeply rooted in my worldview. Growing up around farming and believing strongly in sustainability, I found myself aligning with Wise's critique of the Green Revolution's adverse effects on the environment and traditional farming practices. My respect for traditional wisdom echoed in my appreciation of the author's concern about lost crop diversity. My experiences as part of a farming family amplified my empathy toward the issues faced by African farmers, whose challenges resonate with my own heritage. While I recognize technology's benefits, my worldview favors a balance. I found myself nodding at Wise's critique of modern farming's overreliance on technology, highlighting the need for responsible usage. My belief in equitable resource distribution and social welfare was reinforced as Wise shed light on how marginalized communities bear the brunt of the Green Revolution. This echoed my advocacy for fairness in society and policy-making. Finally, my commitment to personal autonomy and collective responsibility resonated with Wise's argument for more farmer-inclusive policies. My reading experience and evaluation of Wise's article clearly reflect my worldview: a balance between respecting traditions, environmental sustainability, equitable distribution, and harmonious societal functioning. Citation Wise, T. A. (2021). Africa’s Land Use Problem: Is Green Revolution Agriculture a Solution or a Cause?
