5.2 Agriculture and Food

What does it mean that land is a finite resource?

Land is limited in quantity and cannot be increased, yet demand is rising due to population growth, agriculture, and urbanisation.

Why does population growth threaten food security?

More people require more food, while agriculture already uses around half of the world’s habitable land, increasing environmental pressure.

Define food security.

The physical and economic availability of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life.

Does the world produce enough food for everyone?

Yes, global agriculture produces enough food, but distribution is unequal and large amounts are wasted.

Who is most vulnerable to food insecurity?

Marginalised groups such as indigenous peoples, women, small-scale farmers, and low-income populations.

How is food security linked to environmental justice?

Unequal access to land and food reinforces poverty, poor health, and reduced economic productivity.

What was the Green Revolution?

A period in the 1950s–1960s when food production increased through high-yield crops, irrigation, fertilisers, and pesticides.

How did the Green Revolution increase crop yields?

Through improved crop genetics, chemical inputs, and expanded irrigation systems.

What were the environmental criticisms of the Green Revolution?

Water pollution, harm to ecosystems, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and soil degradation.

What were the social criticisms of the Green Revolution?

Displacement of indigenous communities, increased inequality, and farmer dependence on patented seeds.

Why are plant-based diets more sustainable?

Less energy is lost between trophic levels and fewer greenhouse gas emissions are produced.

What are empty calories?

Foods high in sugar, fat, and salt but low in essential nutrients.

What factors influence diet sustainability?

Food miles, supply chain length, farming methods, processing level, and cultural diet choices.

What is subsistence farming?

Farming mainly to feed the farmer’s family or local community.

What is commercial farming?

Farming that produces food for sale and profit.

What is the difference between intensive and extensive farming?

Intensive farming uses high inputs in small areas, while extensive farming uses lower inputs over larger areas.

What is nomadic pastoralism?

A system where farmers move livestock to access grazing land.

What is slash-and-burn (shifting cultivation)?

Clearing and burning land to release nutrients, followed by fallow periods.

How does climate affect agricultural choices?

It determines temperature, rainfall, and sunlight suitable for specific crops.

How do soils influence crop choice?

Soil type, fertility, structure, and water retention determine which crops can grow successfully.

What is monoculture and why is it used?

Growing one crop species to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

What is polyculture?

Growing multiple crops together to improve resilience and soil health.

What are common agricultural inputs?

Water, fertilisers, labour, energy, seeds, pesticides, and financial capital.

What are common agricultural outputs?

Food products, profit, greenhouse gas emissions, and nutrient runoff.

What is soil fertility?

The ability of soil to supply nutrients for plant growth.

Why are synthetic fertilisers unsustainable in the long term?

They cause nutrient runoff, eutrophication, and soil degradation.

What is soil erosion?

The removal of soil by wind or water.

Name soil conservation techniques.

Terracing, contour ploughing, windbreaks, mulching, and cover crops.

What is regenerative agriculture?

Farming that restores soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.

What is zero tillage?

Leaving soil undisturbed after harvest to reduce erosion and maintain nutrients.

What is agroforestry?

Combining trees with crops or livestock to improve sustainability.

Combining trees with crops or livestock to improve sustainability.

What is permaculture?

A design-based farming system that mimics natural ecosystems.

What is mob grazing?

Rotating dense livestock grazing to allow pasture recovery and improve soil health.

What is a chicken tractor?

A mobile coop that allows chickens to fertilise and prepare soil.

When can harvesting wild species be sustainable?

When done at small scale using traditional methods.

Why is bushmeat hunting often unsustainable?

It threatens biodiversity and species survival.

Why must food systems balance yield and sustainability?

To feed a growing population without exceeding environmental limits.

Which Sustainable Development Goals are most linked to food systems?

SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).