O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/13 · Oct/Nov 2014 · Q625 Marks

Study Fig. 9, which shows the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per person and the percentage of the GDP that comes from agriculture for selected countries. GDP is a measure of wealth. [Figure 6.1]

(a)(i)On Fig. 9, mark and label a cross to show India using the following information: GDP per person US$4000 percentage of GDP that comes from agriculture 17%[1]
(a)(ii)Using Fig. 9 only, state the general relationship between GDP per person and the percentage of the GDP that comes from agriculture. Support your answer with statistics.[2]
(a)(iii)Explain why many people in LEDCs are subsistence farmers.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain how commercial farmers in MEDCs are able to produce high yields per hectare.[4]
(b)(i)Using Fig. 10 only, explain how human actions can cause soil erosion.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain how farmers can prevent soil erosion and maintain soil quality.[5]
(c)For a named area you have studied, identify the type of farming which takes place and explain why the land is used in this way. Name of area Type of farming[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 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a)(i) On graph N.B.: do not have to write the name. 1 mark
[2] (a)(ii) Higher the GDP per capita the lower the % from agriculture/negative correlation; or vice versa (1) Paired statistics to illustrate the relationship (2nd mark) Must have 2 contrasting countries to show the difference. Or can use 'highest/lowest' for 1 country with appropriate stats. 2 @ 1 mark
[3] (a)(iii) Ideas such as: • lack of land/small plots/population pressure; • they need to feed their families/they have no other work; • lack of skills; • lack of technology; • cannot produce enough output for surplus/or to sell/they can't grow much; • lack of or can't afford pesticides/seeds/machinery or examples; • poor roads/isolated; etc. 3 @ 1 mark
[4] (a)(iv) Ideas such as: • irrigation; • use of fertilizers or e.g.'s; • pesticides/insecticides/manure; • use of greenhouses; • hydroponics/aeroponics; • mechanization/or example; • high yielding seeds or example's/GM crops; etc. 4 @ 1 mark
[3] (b)(i) Ideas such as: • fewer trees/people chop down trees or deforestation/marginal land cultivated or over-cultivation/overgrazing/land over-used (max 2); • land is left bare/nothing holds soil together; • increased evaporation from the soil/moisture is evaporated/dries out/exposed to sun; • loose soil is blown away by wind; etc. 3 @ 1 mark
[5] (b)(ii) Ideas such as: • use of fertilizers/manure; • contour ploughing/avoid ploughing up and down slope; • prevent water being channelled downslope; • plant trees/prevent or control deforestation; • reduce impact of wind; • avoid leaving land fallow/grow cover crops; • soil is constantly covered/roots hold soil in place; • apply mulch; • do not overgraze. • irrigation; • do not over cultivate marginal land/avoid over cultivation; • crop rotation; etc. 5 @ 1 mark or development
[7] (c) Levels marking Level 1 (1–3 marks) Statements including limited detail which identify and/or explain why the land is used in this way. Level 2 (4–6 marks) Uses named example. More developed statements which explain why the land is used in this way. (N.B. Max 5 if no named example) Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements, which identify and explain a farming type in an area, including some place specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Relief, Climate, Soil type/fertility, Market/demand, Access, Government policy etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details; Named soil types, Specific climatic details, Details of markets, Specific government policies etc.