Practise IB ESS HL 5.2 by comparing food-production systems, tracking food security and dietary footprints, and evaluating how named strategies shape sustainability.
Figure:Land used in Costa Rica for pineapple production between 1961 and 2013
Figure:Conversion to cropland from other land uses in north-eastern Costa Rica (1986-2011)
cash crops
- Agriculture includes pineapples, bananas, coffee and beef.
- Pineapple production expanded between 1961 and 2013 and cropland expansion converted other land uses.
With reference to Figure: Conversion to cropland from other land uses in north-eastern Costa Rica (1986-2011), identify where most of the additional land for growing crops came from between 1986 and 2011.
Figure 3: Food loss and waste (in million tonnes per year) in a North American food production system
127 million tonnes
With reference to Figure 3, identify the stage that represents the greatest food loss and waste in North America.
Outline two strategies to reduce food waste at the use stage (stage 5) in North America.
With reference to a stage in Figure 3, describe one reason for a difference between food loss and waste in a less economically developed country (LEDC).
Figure 5: Dam storage, urban and agricultural water use, and rainfall in the Western Cape, South Africa, 2014–2018
Outline one reason for the variation in agricultural water use, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure:World grain production and consumption over time
The grain-production chart shown above shows changes in world grain production and consumption between 1960 and 2006.
Construct a simple diagram to show three inputs that can lead to increases in two outputs in a food production system.
Outline two reasons why the change from tavy agriculture to agroforestry may be difficult to achieve.
Outline four factors that enable a human population to increase its terrestrial food production.
Figure Types and causes of soil degradation globally
Figure Soil profile and the relative proportions of each type of microorganism at increasing depth
Outline two farming techniques that could reduce soil erosion.
Figure:World grain production and consumption over time
The grain-production chart shown above shows changes in world grain production and consumption between 1960 and 2006.
Explain how the size of the ecological footprint of individuals may be affected by their diet.
Figure 3: Food loss and waste (in million tonnes per year) in a North American food production system
127 million tonnes
Outline two strategies to reduce food waste at the 'distribution and retail' stage in North America.
Figure:World population growth, 1750–2050
Figure 2 shows world population growth from 1750 to 2050.
The lack of food and fresh water may limit the rate of global population growth beyond 2050.
Identify two reasons that may cause food supply to be limiting.
With reference to named examples, discuss the significance of diversity in the sustainability of food production systems.