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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Case Study - Food Supply Example
Food is one of our most basic needs, but millions of people worldwide don't have enough to eat. How we produce, distribute and access food varies hugely across the globe, creating complex patterns of food security and insecurity.
Key Definitions:
Food supply is influenced by physical factors like climate, soil quality and water availability. Human factors include technology, farming methods, transport infrastructure and government policies. Global issues such as climate change, population growth and economic inequality also play major roles.
The world produces enough food to feed everyone, yet about 690 million people go hungry. This paradox exists because food security isn't just about production it's also about distribution, access and affordability. Political instability, poverty and infrastructure problems can all prevent people from accessing available food.
Food supply varies dramatically across the world. High-income countries (HICs) generally have abundant food supplies with diverse options, while low-income countries (LICs) often struggle with food shortages and limited variety. These patterns are shaped by complex factors including historical development, trade relationships and environmental conditions.
Countries like the USA, Canada and France produce more food than they consume. They export their surplus, contributing to global food security but sometimes disrupting local markets in importing countries.
Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia cannot produce enough food for their populations. They rely on imports and food aid, making them vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
Food supply patterns are changing due to climate change, population growth, changing diets and technological advances. Countries like Brazil and India have transformed from food importers to major exporters through agricultural development.
Kenya provides an excellent case study of food supply challenges and solutions in a developing country. With a population of about 54 million people and a diverse landscape ranging from arid plains to fertile highlands, Kenya faces complex food security issues.
Kenya is a lower-middle-income country in East Africa where agriculture accounts for about 33% of GDP and employs over 40% of the total population. Despite its agricultural focus, about 10 million Kenyans suffer from chronic food insecurity and poor nutrition.
Most Kenyan farmers practice small-scale subsistence farming, growing crops like maize, beans and potatoes. They often use traditional methods with limited technology and inputs. While these methods are low-cost and culturally appropriate, yields are typically low and vulnerable to climate variations.
Kenya is also home to large commercial farms, particularly in the export sector. The country is a leading exporter of tea, coffee and horticultural products like flowers and vegetables. These farms use modern techniques and technology but have been criticised for their environmental impact and for using land that could produce food for local consumption.
Kenya has implemented various strategies to improve food security and supply:
The M-Farm app connects farmers directly to markets, providing real-time price information and cutting out middlemen. Over 14,000 farmers use this service, increasing their income by up to 50%.
Solar-powered irrigation systems have been introduced in arid regions, allowing year-round crop production. In Kajiado County, these systems have increased vegetable production by 300% and farmer incomes by 40%.
Metal silos and hermetic bags have reduced post-harvest losses from 30% to less than 10% in some areas. The government aims to distribute 100,000 metal silos to small-scale farmers by 2025.
Sustainable farming is increasingly important for long-term food security in Kenya:
The One Acre Fund works with over 400,000 small-scale farmers in Kenya, providing a complete service bundle including financing for farm inputs, distribution of seeds and fertiliser, training on modern agricultural techniques and market facilitation. Participating farmers have increased their harvests by an average of 50% and their incomes by a similar amount. The model demonstrates how comprehensive support can transform food production at the local level.
Kenya's experience offers valuable insights for addressing food supply challenges globally:
The most successful interventions in Kenya have been those adapted to local conditions and involving local communities. This suggests that global food security strategies should be flexible and context-specific rather than one-size-fits-all.
Technology has been a powerful tool for improving food supply in Kenya, but most successful when it's appropriate, affordable and accessible. Simple innovations like improved storage bags can sometimes have more impact than high-tech solutions.
Looking ahead, Kenya's food supply system faces several challenges and opportunities:
Kenya's experience shows that improving food supply requires addressing multiple interconnected factors from climate resilience and farming techniques to market access and government policy. The same principles apply globally. As we face growing challenges from climate change and population growth, integrated approaches that combine traditional knowledge with new technologies and sustainable practices will be essential for ensuring food security for all.
When writing about food supply case studies in your exam, remember to include specific facts and figures to support your points. For Kenya, you might mention the percentage of GDP from agriculture (33%), the impact of specific innovations (like the 50% income increase from M-Farm), or the scale of challenges (like 30% post-harvest losses). These details demonstrate your knowledge and strengthen your analysis.
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