Question 1: What does 'food security' mean?

Answer: Food security refers to the state when all people have reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life.

Question 2: Define 'food miles'.

Answer: Food miles are the distances food travels from production to consumption, affecting its environmental impact.

Question 3: What is 'agroforestry'?

Answer: Agroforestry is a land use system that integrates trees with crops or livestock to improve productivity and sustainability.

Question 4: Name one factor that influences food production in tropical regions.

Answer: Climate conditions, such as high temperatures and rainfall, influence food production.

Question 5: Give an example of a country that relies heavily on food imports.

Answer: The United Kingdom relies heavily on food imports from countries like the Netherlands and Spain.

Question 1: Which continent has the highest variety of food crops due to its diverse climate?

Answer: Africa

Question 2: Name the process by which farmers increase food production using chemicals and machinery.

Answer: Intensification

Question 3: What is the main reason for the increase in food imports by the UK?

Answer: Limited domestic land for agriculture and higher demand for diverse foods.

Question 4: Name one environmental issue caused by intensive farming.

Answer: Soil degradation or pollution from chemicals.

Question 1: Based on the case study of Ethiopia's drought in 2019, explain how climate variability affected food security.

Answer: Climate variability, such as irregular rainfall and prolonged drought, reduced crop yields and livestock health, leading to food shortages and increased reliance on food aid, thus compromising food security.

Question 2: Identify two strategies Ethiopia has implemented to improve resilience against drought-related food shortages.

Answer: Introduction of drought-resistant crops and development of irrigation infrastructure.

Question 3: Discuss the impact of food imports on Ethiopia’s local agriculture.

Answer: Heavy reliance on imports can undermine local farmers’ income, reduce self-sufficiency, and potentially lead to loss of agricultural skills and biodiversity.

Question 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of international aid in improving food security in Ethiopia.

Answer: International aid has provided immediate relief and supported infrastructure projects; however, long-term solutions require sustainable development, investment in local agriculture, and climate adaptation strategies. While aid helps alleviate crises, dependence on aid can hinder self-sufficiency if not complemented with local capacity-building.

Question 1: Explain why tropical regions such as Brazil and Indonesia are major producers of certain food crops.

Answer: Tropical regions have warm temperatures, high rainfall, and abundant sunlight, creating ideal conditions for growing crops like coffee, cocoa, and bananas. These factors support high productivity and year-round farming.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of desertification and its impact on food production.

Answer: Desertification results from overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable farming practices, combined with climate change leading to reduced rainfall. It causes soil degradation, loss of arable land, and decreased food production in affected areas.

Question 3: Explain the role of technological advancements in increasing food production in developed countries.

Answer: Technological advancements such as mechanization, genetic modification, and chemical fertilizers have increased crop yields, improved pest control, and enabled farming in less suitable areas, thus boosting food production.

Question 1: To what extent are current global strategies sufficient to ensure food security in the face of climate change?

Answer: Global strategies such as improving agricultural technology, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainable farming are vital. However, climate change presents unpredictable challenges, and strategies must be adapted locally. While these measures help, ongoing climate impacts require more innovative and resilient approaches to truly secure food supplies worldwide.

Question 2: Evaluate the environmental and social impacts of intensive farming practices used to meet growing food demands.

Answer: Intensive farming increases food production but often leads to environmental issues like soil erosion, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Socially, it can cause health problems from chemical use and reduce rural employment. Sustainable practices are needed to balance productivity with environmental health and social well-being.