TASK 1: Recap 2 human and 2 natural causes of famine in South Sudan. What could be done to ensure this dooesn’t happen again in the future?

2.5 million people on the brink of famine in South Sudan, 2015

2.5 million people on the brink of famine in South Sudan, 2015

 

food aid

IMPORTANCE OF FOOD AID

TASK 2: Watch the two videos below and answer the questions in your notes

Why is malnourishment a problem for economic development in the long term?

Note the 5 issues explained in this video.

 

TYPES OF FOOD AID

TASK 3: Learn the vocabulary for different types of food aid below.

 

EXAMPLE OF ORGANISATION INVOLVED IN FOOD AID

TASK 4: Explore the Care organisation's website.

Briefly outline the history of the organisation. Where in the world are they currently supplying food aid?

 
 

the green revolution

TASK 5: Read the text and write a summary in your notes.

The Green Revolution was a period of intensive research and technological development in agriculture that took place from the 1940s to the 1960s. Its primary goal was to increase food production and improve food security, particularly in developing countries. This was achieved through the development and use of high-yielding crop varieties (HYVs), along with the increased use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation.

Two examples of the Green Revolution in action are:

  1. Introduction of high-yielding wheat varieties in India.

    In the 1960s, a team of researchers led by American agronomist Norman Borlaug introduced high-yielding wheat varieties to India. These varieties were able to produce more grain per acre than traditional varieties, and they were also resistant to diseases such as rust. As a result, India's wheat production increased dramatically, from 12 million tons in 1965 to 30 million tons in 1970.

  2. The use of fertilizer in Mexico.

    During the 1950s and 1960s, Mexican farmers began using synthetic fertilizers to increase the productivity of their crops. This allowed them to produce more food on less land, which helped to alleviate food shortages in the country. The use of fertilizer was combined with the development of high-yielding maize varieties, which also contributed to Mexico's increased food production during this time.

 

TASK 6: Take notes on the video. Complete the quiz.

 
 

TASK 7: Select and explain the top 3 advantages and disadvantages of the green revolution.

Advantages

  • Yields are twice to four times greater than for traditional varieties.

  • The shorter growing season has allowed the introduction of an extra crop in some areas.

  • Farming incomes have increased, allowing the purchase of machinery, better seeds, fertilisers and pesticides.

  • The diet of rural communities is now more varied.

  • Local infrastructure has been upgraded to accommodate a stronger market approach.

  • Employment has been created in industries supplying farms with inputs.

  • Higher returns have justified a significant increase in irrigation.

Disadvantages

  • High inputs of fertiliser and pesticide are required to optimise production. This is costly in both economic and environmental terms. In some areas rural indebtedness has risen sharply.

  • HYVs require more weed control and are often more susceptible to pests and diseases.

  • Middle and higher-income farmers have often benefited much more than the majority on low incomes, thus widening the income gap in rural communities. Increased rural-to-urban migration has often been the result.

  • Mechanisation has increased rural unemployment.

  • Some HYVs have an inferior taste.

  • The problem of salinisation has increased along with the expansion of the irrigated area.

 

The Green Revolution Quiz

TASK 8: Test your knowledge of the green revolution using the quiz below.

 
 

PROJECT WORK