All developed countries have a stunningly high urbanization rate, and it is doubtless because of the industrialization that took place at the same time. People moved from farms to cities, where they worked in conglomerations and enjoyed the benefits of urban life.
Urban life is convenient, with amenities such as restaurants and shops within easy reach. However, a book titled Bullshit Jobs published in 2018 suggests that more than half of all jobs are meaningless.
The benefits of urbanization are clear: a higher population density facilitates manufacturing processes and logistic networks, allowing for more timely delivery of goods and services.
But a game changer has evolved over time as well. Technology enables many services to be done over the internet, and goods can be purchased and delivered through a very well-established logistic network.
However, urban life has its drawbacks. The word “downtown” has become synonymous with negative aspects such as noise, pollution, drug issues, and crime, and these problems have worsened over time, especially with the influx of illegal migrants.
As a result, people are moving to the suburbs, but this comes with its own set of issues, such as car reliance, a slightly lower crime rate, and a lack of diversity in terms of buildings and shops. It is difficult to distinguish a suburb in New England or in Vancouver. McDonald’s, Walmart, Costco, and Home Depot all seem the same.
Some people may find enjoyment in the limited entertainment options in the suburbs, but far more people are forced to commute to the city for work. This leads to long commute times and the issue of bedroom communities. People are essentially “locked in” to the city.
Many jobs, especially those in the tertiary sector, are in fact meaningless or even toxic. So, what can be our future? Let’s explore some alternatives, such as returning to farm life?
Our land is facing a real threat from the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which has severely affected soil quality. Only 5% of the population is contributing to the industry that feeds the remaining 95%.
Can we move 15% of the population back to the farm?
Organic farming is a more sustainable future, but it is more labor-intensive. Having more labor force working in the fields can increase the supply of organic food, reducing prices and making it more affordable. This migration can turn into a good cycle.
If more people are willing to move back to rural areas, not only can rural towns thrive again, but the problems within cities can also be alleviated.
Labor work, especially in nature, is good for mental health. Farmers will face stress due to climate change, but as we reintroduce smaller-scale farming practices and reduce the leverage level, organic farming tends to be more resilient and sustainable. It can generate more wealth, both physically and mentally, and the cost of living in rural areas can be lower than in cities.
There can be many possibilities in a farm life. Maybe it’s time to return to the nature.
Further readings:
- Will Harris: A Bold Return to Giving a Damn - One Farm, Six Generations, and the Future of Food
- James Howard Kunstler: Living in the Long Emergency - Global Crisis, the Failure of the Futurists, and the Early Adapters Who Are Showing Us the Way Forward