Topic Summaries

Factors affecting food supply

IGCSE > Geography > CIE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Food supply > Factors affecting food supply
Previous Module
Next Module

Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Tropical storm hazards

Responding to tropical storms

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

Water supply

Energy supply

  • Climate: extreme weather (e.g. droughts, floods) reduces crop yields. Climate change leads to unpredictable growing seasons and desertification.
  • Technology: advanced technology (e.g. irrigation, GM crops) boosts food production in HICs, but LICs lack access to modern farming techniques.
  • Pests and disease: crops and livestock are vulnerable to pests (e.g. locusts) and diseases; poor pest control in LICs reduces yields.
  • Water stress: lack of water for irrigation limits food production, especially in arid (dry) regions. Overuse of water for agriculture depletes supplies and damages ecosystems.
  • Conflict: wars disrupt farming, destroy infrastructure, and displace populations, leading to food shortages. Blockades and sanctions can prevent food imports.
  • Poverty: poor farmers cannot afford seeds, machinery, or fertilisers to increase yields. Poverty limits access to food, even when it is available.

Unlock Factors affecting food supply

Subscribe to SnapRevise+ to get immediate access to the rest of this resource.

Premium accounts get immediate access to this resource.

Previous Module
Next Module