What percentage of people were farmers 100 years ago?

A century ago, the world was a very different place. The majority of people lived in rural areas and agriculture was the main source of livelihood for most individuals. In fact, farming was the backbone of the global economy, with a significant percentage of the population engaged in this occupation. However, with the rapid advancements in technology and industrialization, the number of people involved in farming has drastically decreased over the years. In this article, we will explore the percentage of people who were farmers 100 years ago and how it has changed over time.

According to the United Nations, in 1920, approximately 60% of the world’s population lived in rural areas and were involved in agriculture. This means that six out of every ten people were farmers. This percentage was even higher in developing countries, where agriculture was the main source of income for the majority of the population. In contrast, only 20% of the population in developed countries were farmers, as industrialization had already taken over as the primary economic activity.

During this time, farming was a way of life for many people. It was not just a means of earning a living, but it was deeply ingrained in the culture and traditions of many societies. Families would pass down their land and farming knowledge from generation to generation, and it was considered a prestigious occupation.

The agricultural sector was also the largest employer, providing jobs for millions of people. With limited job opportunities in other industries, many individuals had no choice but to work in agriculture to support themselves and their families. This was especially true for women, who were often responsible for tending to crops and livestock while men were away at war or working in factories.

However, the 20th century saw significant changes in the agricultural sector. The introduction of new technologies, such as tractors, irrigation systems, and fertilizers, revolutionized farming practices and increased productivity. This led to a decrease in the number of people needed to work on farms, as fewer workers were required to produce the same amount of food.

Moreover, the rise of industrialization and urbanization attracted people to cities in search of better job opportunities. This shift from rural to urban areas further reduced the percentage of people involved in farming. By 2020, the percentage of the global population living in rural areas had decreased to 45%, with only 26% of the population engaged in agriculture.

The decline in the percentage of people involved in farming has been more significant in developed countries. In the United States, for example, only 1.3% of the population were farmers in 2019, compared to 30% in 1920. This is due to the increased mechanization and consolidation of farms, which has led to larger farms and fewer people needed to work on them.

In contrast, developing countries still have a significant percentage of their population engaged in agriculture. In Africa, for instance, agriculture employs over 60% of the workforce, and it is the main source of income for many families. However, with the rise of urbanization and the growth of other industries, the percentage of people involved in farming is expected to decrease in the coming years.

In conclusion, 100 years ago, the majority of the world’s population were farmers, with agriculture being the main source of livelihood for many. However, with the advancements in technology and the shift towards industrialization and urbanization, the percentage of people involved in farming has decreased significantly. While farming is still an essential occupation, it is no longer the dominant economic activity it once was.