O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/12 · May/June 2019 · Q525 Marks

Section C Answer one question from this section. (a) Study Fig. 5.1, which shows two traditional methods of irrigation used by subsistence farmers.

(a)(i)What is meant by a subsistence farmer?[1]
(a)(ii)Explain why irrigation increases the yield of crops.[2]
(a)(iii)Explain why the methods of irrigation shown in Fig. 5.1 are suitable to use in LEDCs.[3]
(a)(iv)Describe four other methods which farmers can use to increase the yield of crops.[4]
(b)(i)Study Figs. 5.2 and 5.3 (Insert), which are photographs taken on a mixed farm. State three processes which will take place on the mixed farm shown in Figs. 5.2 and 5.3.[3]
(b)(ii)Describe the advantages of mixed farming.[5]
(c)For a named country or region you have studied, explain why there have been food shortages. Name of country or region[7]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] Producing output / produce / product / crops / food to use / feed family / self / tribe
[2] Gives water / provides water / won't dry out / have water constantly / they do not go for long spells without water;
Plants grow (faster / bigger) / keeps them alive / don't die / more crops;
[3] Ideas such as: Using low / intermediate technology / lack technology / machinery ;
Have the skills to be able to use these methods / don't have skills to use machinery;
Relatively low cost / people are poor / affordable method;
Do not require sources of fuel (electricity) / they use manpower;
Animal power is used / are available;
Easy to maintain / build;
Made from local materials;
Etc.
[4] Methods such as: Crop rotation / fallowing;
Use of fertilizers / animal manure;
Insecticides / pesticides / herbicides;
Greenhouses / glasshouses / polytunnels;
Mulching;
Use HYVs / GM / disease resistant / or example;
Mechanization / automation;
[3] Ideas such as: Feeding; Planting; Sowing Harvesting; Shearing; Spreading fertiliser; Slaughtering animals; Irrigating; Ploughing; Weeding; Lambing; Herding; Spraying; Milking; Etc. Note: Jobs that the farmer does.
[5] If crops fail the farmers will be able to depend on animals / crops;
Animal manure can be used for crops;
Crops / crop waste can be used for animal feed;
Animals used to plough fields;
Farmers can use all types of land / e.g. fertile soils for crops and infertile soils for grazing;
Work will be spread throughout the year;
Income will come into the farm at various different times;
Can adapt to changes in demand;
Enables crop rotation;
Etc.
If the candidate refers to crops or animals only, do no credit.
[7] Levels marking
Level 1 (1-3 marks) Statements including limited detail which explain why there have been food shortages.
Level 2 (4-6 marks) Uses named example. More developed statements which explain why there have been food shortages. (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: Issues such as: Drought, War, Poverty, Overuse of the land, Population increase, Export of cash crops, Lack of cultivable land, Unequal distribution of land, Flooding, Poor storage of food, Poor distribution of food / aid Desertification
Note: Do not credit the causes of drought or war as L2 statements – they need to explain how these factors cause food shortages
Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details / named areas within country chosen Specific details of issues / dates Statistics (can also be credited as PS)