Food Distribution, Quality & Malnutrition (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)): Revision Note

Food distribution, quality & malnutrition

Food distribution patterns

• Food distribution involves moving food from production areas to consumers

  • This is influenced by factors like:

    • Economic policies

    • Trade systems

    • Infrastructure quality (e.g. transportation systems)

  • Many countries import a significant portion of their food, relying on global trade networks

• Uneven distribution often results in food surpluses in some regions and food scarcity in others

  • Wealthier countries typically have diverse, high-quality food supplies

  • Lower-income countries may face food shortages

  • Rural or isolated areas can have limited infrastructure

    • This can make food access difficult, even near production areas

Food quality and nutrition

• Food quality varies widely, impacting nutrition and health

  • Quality food is rich in essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals and protein)

  • Processed foods often have lower nutritional value and may be high in sugar, salt and fats

• Quality of food does not always correlate with food quantity or appearance

  • High biomass (e.g. large volume of staple grains) does not always mean high nutritional value

  • Calorie-rich, nutrient-poor foods can lead to 'hidden hunger'

    • This is where malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies occur despite adequate calories

  • Populations relying on low-quality diets may face health issues even with enough food (e.g. if diets lack essential nutrients)

Types of malnutrition

• Malnutrition refers to health issues arising from inadequate or unbalanced nutrition

• There are two main types:

  • Undernourishment

  • Overnourishment

Undernourishment and undernutrition

• Undernourishment is when there is insufficient calorie intake to meet basic energy needs

• Undernutrition is a lack of essential nutrients, even if calories are sufficient

• Causes:

  • Food scarcity, poverty, and food distribution problems

  • Common in low-income areas where diets lack variety and essential nutrients

• Health impacts:

  • Weight loss

  • Weakened immunity

  • Extreme fatigue

  • Stunted growth

  • Developmental issues

Overnourishment and overnutrition

• Overnourishment is the excessive intake of calories

• Overnutrition is the excessive intake of non-essential nutrients (e.g. fats, sugars, and salts) without sufficient vitamins and minerals

• Causes:

  • Linked to high food consumption and low physical activity

  • Common in wealthier populations with high access to calorie-rich, processed foods

• Health impacts:

  • Chronic diseases, e.g. obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes

Causes of food insecurity and malnutrition

• Natural disasters: droughts, floods, and crop pests reduce food availability

• Economic inequality: low-income populations may struggle to afford nutritious food

• Conflict and political instability: wars disrupt agricultural production and food distribution networks

• Cultural and dietary practices: cultural habits and food preferences impact food choices (e.g. overconsumption in some cultures)

Real-world examples

Irish potato famine (1845–49)

• Caused by potato blight, a fungal disease that destroyed potato crops

  • Potato was a staple food for many Irish people at the time

• Heavy reliance on a single crop left the population vulnerable to food shortages

• Poor government response and weak food distribution systems worsened the famine

• Led to one million deaths and mass emigration from Ireland

East African famines

• Frequent famines in East Africa, notably in Ethiopia and Somalia

  • Caused by drought and regional conflict

• Limited infrastructure and political instability prevent food distribution in these regions

• Many people are suffering from undernutrition due to restricted access to varied, nutrient-rich foods

• Dependence on international aid highlights the challenges of local food self-sufficiency in developing countries