The development of irrigation systems significantly improved living conditions in several ways:
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Surplus of Food: Irrigation allowed for more consistent and efficient farming, resulting in larger crop yields. This surplus of food could support larger populations and reduce the risk of famine.
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Reduced Dependence on Trade: With reliable food production from irrigation, communities became less reliant on external trade for sustenance, which could be unstable or subject to external pressures and shortages.
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Settlement Patterns: Irrigation enabled more intensive agriculture, allowing people to transition from nomadic lifestyles to permanent settlements. This led to the development of towns and cities as people could live near their farmland.
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Agricultural Diversity: Irrigation expanded the types of crops that could be grown, contributing to a more diverse diet and supporting better nutrition.
Overall, the advancements in irrigation technology were fundamental in shaping agricultural practices, community development, and societal organization in various cultures throughout history.