O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/11 · Oct/Nov 2010 · Q625 Marks

(a) Study Photographs C, D and E (Insert), which show three different types of farming. (b) Study Fig. 9, which shows the number of people who are under-nourished in Sub-Saharan Africa and in South and East Asia. [Figure 9.0]

(a)(i)What is meant by: A subsistence farming; B commercial farming?[2]
(a)(ii)Which one of the photographs, C, D or E, shows pastoral farming?[1]
(a)(iii)Describe three differences between the farming systems shown in Photographs D and E.[3]
(b)(i)Compare the trends in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and East Asia between 1971 and 2010. Support your answer with dates and statistics from Fig. 9.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain how food shortages can be caused by the natural environment.[4]
(b)(iii)Explain how subsistence farmers in LEDCs (less economically developed countries) would benefit if they increased their production of food.[5]
(c)All farming systems have inputs, processes and outputs. Name an area where small-scale subsistence farming takes place. Describe the inputs, processes and outputs of this farming system.[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 (Oct/Nov 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] A. Farming to produce just enough to feed family/tribe.
[1] B. Producing things on farms to sell/make a profit.
[1] Photograph C
[1] D is subsistence but E is commercial;
[1] E is much larger scale;
[1] D is growing vegetables, E cereals;
[1] E is more mechanised etc
[1] Reduction of numbers in Asia but increase in Africa;
[1] c. 96 – 100 million to 250 million in Africa;
[1] c. 640–645 million to c. 310–315 million in Asia
[1] Drought; crops won't grow;
[1] Flooding; crops washed away; a lot of rain drowns crops/washes them away;
[1] Hurricanes/cyclones/typhoons; destroy food;
[1] Infertile soils; no nutrients for crops to grow;
[1] soil erosion by wind; nutrients; leaching of nutrients;
[1] Pests or examples i.e. Locusts;
[1] more food to eat/for the family;
[1] thus in better health;
[1] and can therefore work harder;
[1] greater surplus to sell;
[1] greater income for family;
[1] money for education of children; or other use;
[1] access to qualifications/better job in future;
[1] able to invest money in farm machinery etc.
Level 1 (1–3 marks) Statements including limited describing a small scale subsistence farming system. (e.g. soil, ploughing, transplanting, harvesting, rice)
Level 2 (4–6 marks) Max 5 marks if no named example. 3 developed statements plus named example for 6 marks. More developed statements describing the chosen subsistence farming system. (e.g. alluvial soils, fertile soil, ploughing using plough drawn by water buffalo, harvesting using sickle, rice used to feed family, watered using traditional irrigation channels)
Level 3 (6 or 7 marks) Uses named example (e.g. rice growing in Ganges Valley). Comprehensive and accurate statements including correct reference to a named area. NB Place Specific references could be to specific areas/villages/regions or to Monsoon climate. Must have input, process and output for level 3. May name a city if appropriate.