The Soybean Through World History: Lessons for Sustainable Agrofood Systems

This book explores the historical development of the soybean,from its origins as a peasant food in ancient China to its current role as the most cultivated biotech crop on Earth. It examines how the soybean commodity chain has been shaped by processes of agrofood globalization and discusses the challenges and contradictions of the current soy regime that could trigger its rupture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The soybean has played a pivotal role in the evolution of agriculture and food systems throughout world history, and its significance continues to grow in the modern era. This comprehensive book explores the multifaceted roles and functions of the soybean, shedding light on its historical development, current production practices, and potential future impacts.

The soybean's origins can be traced back to ancient China, where it was initially cultivated as a peasant food. Over time, it has evolved into a versatile crop that is now the most cultivated biotech crop on Earth. Its protein-rich content makes it an essential ingredient in a wide range of food and industrial products, including animal feed, tofu, cooking oil, soy sauce, biodiesel, and soap.

While the contemporary global soybean web has garnered significant attention for its impact on social-ecological systems, there has been limited exploration of the historical processes that led to its current configuration. This book fills this gap by examining the long and short historical development of the soybean and its changing roles within equally changing agrofood systems. It demonstrates that a comprehensive understanding of the global soybean chain requires a deep analysis of both its long-term trends and its immediate historical context.

The book also delves into the complex governance structures and power dynamics that shape the soybean commodity chain. It identifies the key actors and institutions that govern production, trade, and consumption, as well as the economic and political factors that influence their actions. By mapping out the global soybean chain, the book provides valuable insights into the ways in which capital is accumulated and distributed throughout the commodity chain.

Furthermore, the book explores the broader agrofood system of which the soybean is a part, recognizing its interconnectedness with other agricultural commodities, food systems, and environmental concerns. It examines the broader social, economic, and political implications of the soybean's production and consumption, including issues such as land use, labor practices, and food security.

In conclusion, this book is an essential resource for students, practitioners, and scholars interested in agriculture, food systems, and globalization. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the soybean's changing roles and functions throughout world history, providing valuable insights into the complex processes of agrofood globalization. By examining the historical development of the soybean and its relationship with other agrofood systems, the book sheds light on the main challenges and contradictions of the current soy regime that could trigger its rupture and end.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367406318