Topic Summaries

Factors affecting food supply

IGCSE > Geography > Pearson IGCSE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Food supply > Factors affecting food supply
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Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

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.

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