Study attributes potato introduction to Old World population and urbanization growth
1 report, 1 independent
Updated Oct 6
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What happened
A study by Nathan Nunn and Nancy Qian explored the introduction of potatoes from the New World to the Old World. The research concluded that potatoes were responsible for 25% of the population growth and 27-34% of the urbanization growth in the Old World between 1700 and 1900. The study noted that potatoes provide significantly more calories and nutrients per acre than staple crops like wheat, oats, or barley.
From theboar.org
Why it matters
The findings highlight how a high-yield staple crop fundamentally altered agricultural capacity and resource management in the Old World. Potatoes require substantially less land to provide the same amount of energy compared to traditional grains, suggesting a major shift in land use efficiency.
From theboar.org