Study Fig. 9, which shows information about where three cash crops are grown commercially in Bangladesh (an LEDC in Asia). [Fig. 9] Study Fig. 10, which shows the percentage change in the area of land used for growing jute, sugar cane and tea in Bangladesh and the amount produced between 1997 and 2010. [Fig. 10]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Farming (to produce crops / animals) which are sold / to make money / to take to market / to make a profit / for business / for a company etc.
2. [2] Jute is grown in central area / close to rivers Sugar cane is grown in the west / close to border / near to international boundary;
3. [3] Ideas such as: the crops are bulky; so that the crops can easily be transported to the factory / there is less distance for the crops to be transported; it reduces the cost of transport; the crops get to the factory while they are still fresh / reduces time to get to the factory / avoids damage to the crops in transit; transport infrastructure is poor in Bangladesh etc.
4. [4] Ideas such as: Road / rail transport (1) for transport of raw materials / goods (1); Proximity to ports / sea / coast (1) to import / export (1); Near river (1) for cooling / water to use in processes (1); Proximity to airports (1) for business travel abroad (1); Location of markets (1) to reduce transport costs (1); Labour supply (1) as processes will require workforce (1); Cost of land (1) as large area will be needed (1); Availability of electricity (1) to operate machinery (1); Flat land (1) factories easily constructed (1); Large areas of land (1) for construction / expansion (1); Cost of labour (1) as NICS are low cost (1); Agglomeration (1) for economies of scale (1); Near university (1) for skilled labour (1); In area which are not likely to flood (1) so factories will not be damaged / production halted (1) etc. Government policies (1) incentives (or example) may attract industry to an area (1) etc. One mark for identification of appropriate factors and a further mark for explanation. Candidates can access the second mark without the first.
5. [3] Ideas such as: Acreage of tea increased; By 14% Acreage of sugar cane decreased; By 33% / -33% change
6. [5] Ideas such as: more mechanisation / technology / more machines or example; use of fertilisers / manure; use of pesticides / herbicides / insecticides; greater use of irrigation; better quality seeds / HYVs; GM crops / GMO – genetically modified organisms; Crop rotation / leave fields fallow; Greenhouses / plastic tunnels; Hydroponics; Aeroponics; Educate farmers about crop rotation / machines etc.
7. [7] Levels marking: Level 1 (1-3 marks): Statements including limited detail which explain how the natural environment has influenced how the land is used. Level 2 (4-6 marks): Uses named example. More developed statements which explain how the natural environment has influenced how the land is used. (Note: Max 5 if no named or inappropriate example) Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements including some place specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: relief, precipitation temperatures sunshine soils natural hazards etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details; Names of places within chosen area Specific details / statistics of soil / climate etc. Note: The factors are natural. No link to land use and the answer is IR.