Food Security (Cambridge (CIE) AS Environmental Management): Exam Questions

Exam code: 8291

24 mins3 questions
1
4 marks

Approximately one third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted.

In many low-income economy countries (LICs) food wastage occurs when food is stored.

Fig. 2.1 is a news report on a method for farmers to reduce food waste in Uganda, an LIC in Africa.

Text describing a device used by Ugandan farmers to dry produce efficiently, using garden waste, preventing harmful emissions, and increasing produce value.

Fig. 2.1

Explain how the device described in Fig. 2.1 provides a sustainable method of food production in Uganda.

2
2 marks

Food wastage is one reason why there is a global shortage of food.

State two other reasons.

3a
6 marks

The United Nations estimated that, in 2019, approximately 750 million people experienced severe levels of food insecurity.

(i) Define food insecurity

[2]

(ii) Describe causes of food insecurity.

[4]

3b
6 marks

Fig. 4.1 shows aeroponics, an agricultural technique for growing crop plants. Aeroponics is a strategy for improving food security.

The crop plants are grown without soil and have their roots in air. Water is sprayed onto the roots as a fine mist.

Diagram showing plants growing towards a light source from left, illustrating phototropism. Plants bend under various light intensities.

Fig. 4.1

Suggest benefits and limitations of aeroponics as a strategy for reducing food insecurity.

3c
4 marks

One other strategy for improving food security is the use of pesticides such as herbicides and fungicides.

Describe how pesticides improve food security.

3d
2 marks

Many crop plants are annual plants. An annual plant produces a crop in one year and then dies. Perennial plants live for more than two years and produce a crop each year. Plant breeders try to breed perennial crop plants from annual crop plants.

Suggest two advantages of perennial crops compared to annual crops.