plantation economies
Plantation economies are agricultural systems that focus on the large-scale production of cash crops, typically grown on plantations. These crops, such as sugar, cotton, and tobacco, are cultivated primarily for export rather than local consumption. Plantation economies often rely on a labor-intensive workforce, which historically included enslaved people and, in some cases, indentured servants.
These economies are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, where the climate is suitable for growing specific cash crops. The wealth generated from plantation agriculture can lead to significant economic growth, but it can also create social inequalities and environmental challenges, impacting local communities and ecosystems.