Summary
The global food supply and demand are influenced by economic development, agricultural productivity, climate, and conflict, with significant variations in calorie intake between HICs, MICs, and LICs. Globalisation of food supplies is driven by improved transport, trade agreements, and TNCs, impacting local and global scales.
- Calorie Intake — the amount of calories consumed daily varies by economic status and region. Example: HICs consume over 3,000 calories per day, while LICs often fall below 2,500.
- Nutrition Transition — shift from traditional diets to Western-style diets as incomes rise. Example: Increased meat and processed food consumption in MICs like China and Brazil.
- Mechanisation — use of machinery in agriculture to increase productivity. Example: Tractors and harvesters reduce labor needs and boost yields.
- Biotechnology — genetic modification of crops for improved resistance and yield. Example: Bt cotton and Golden Rice.
- Food Globalisation — international trade and movement of food products. Example: Kenyan green beans exported to European supermarkets.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Calorie Intake
- Nutrition Transition
- Mechanisation
- Biotechnology
- Food Globalisation
Common Confusions
- Confusing calorie intake levels between HICs and LICs
- Misunderstanding the impacts of globalisation as purely positive or negative
Typical Exam Questions
- Describe the global pattern of calorie intake? HICs have the highest intake, MICs moderate, and LICs the lowest.
- Explain how rising incomes in MICs are changing patterns of food consumption? Rising incomes lead to more meat and processed food consumption.
- For a named example, evaluate the success of strategies used to increase food supply? The Green Revolution in India increased yields but caused environmental issues.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of calorie intake variations and reasons
- Impacts of globalisation on food supply and demand
- Evaluation of agricultural strategies and their effectiveness