O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2020 · Q625 Marks

Study Figs. 6.1 and 6.2, which show information about a subsistence farming area in The Gambia (an LEDC in Africa). [Figure 6.1] [Figure 6.2]

(a)(i)What is meant by subsistence farming?[1]
(a)(ii)Use the key to complete the sketch map, Fig. 6.2, which shows land use in the farming area by shading: the rice fields the vegetable gardens the fields of maize and millet.[2]
(a)(iii)Suggest three reasons why the vegetable gardens are closer to the village than the rice fields.[3]
(a)(iv)Describe the problems which may be caused for local people if the area of woodland to the east of the village was cleared to grow more maize and millet.[4]
(b)(i)Study Fig. 6.3, which shows recommendations which agricultural experts have given to subsistence farmers in areas such as the one shown in Fig. 6.1. [Figure 6.3] Explain how each of the three recommendations in Fig. 6.3 may increase the farmers' food supply. Build a covered, concrete-lined well close to the farm Put electric fences around the fields of maize and millet Use some land to graze a small herd of goats[3]
(b)(ii)Describe other methods farmers in LEDCs can use to increase their agricultural output.[5]
(c)For a named country or region you have studied, explain how natural factors have caused 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 (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (Farming which) produces food for farmers own use/use of family/tribe
Note: Do not penalise candidates for referring to selling the surplus providing they refer to output being used for family..
[2] On Fig. 6.1
All 3 correct = 2 marks
1/2 correct = 1 mark
2 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as: Vegetables need much more (regular) attention; They can be protected from thieves/wild animals; They do not need to be close to the river (like the rice does)/rice grows on flood plain/rice needs more water/vegetables will not be flooded by the river; They don't need as much land/large fields; Vegetables are harvested/picked more regularly; The soil is well drained, etc.
Note: Comparison not needed – accept 'it/they' as 'vegetables'
3@1 mark
[4] Ideas such as: It provides/there will no longer be a supply of firewood; It provides/there will no longer be a supply of building materials; It provides/no longer areas to hunt/gather fruit/berries/food from the woodland; It provides/the farm will lose the shelter from the wind/storms; Soil erosion/mudslides may occur/it prevents soil erosion; More run off leads to floods; Increased siltation reduced water supply for irrigation/leads to more regular flooding; etc.
Note: Answers must relate to people not the natural environment.
4 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as: Building a well will enable farmers to irrigate/water crops (more effectively); Putting electric fences around fields will prevent theft by people or trampling by animals/stop animals eating them; Using land to graze goats will provide manure/provide milk and meat/vary the diet of the farmer/increase food supplies, etc.
3 @ 1 mark
[5] Ideas such as: Use of fertilizers/manure; Pesticides/herbicides; Crop rotation/fallowing; GM crops, Better quality seeds/hybrid seeds (or example, e.g. IR8 rice); Selective breeding of livestock/vaccination of livestock; Use irrigation or example (e.g. Persian Wheel, sprinklers, build bunds, etc.); Terrace hillsides; Introduce machinery (or example, e.g. ploughs, harvesters); Land reform/consolidation of holdings; Greenhouses/glasshouses/cloches/covering crops with plastic; Nets to keep off birds/scarecrows Intercropping; Mulching Large scale growth of cash crops/plantations or example, e.g. sugar cane, oil palm; Education about improved techniques (or example); Farming cooperatives; Contour ploughing; Wind breaks; use natural predators to kill pests, etc.
(do not accept examples as DEV)
5@1 mark or development
[7] Levels marking
Level 1 (1-3 marks): Statements including limited detail which identify natural factors which have caused food shortages to occur. Little rainfall = L1
Level 2 (4-6 marks): More developed statements which explain how natural factors have caused food shortages to occur (Note: Max 5 if no named or inappropriate example) Little rainfall so crops don't grow = L2
Level 3 (7 marks): Comprehensive and accurate statements which explain how natural factors have caused food shortages to occur, including some place references.
Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Drought, Floods, Soil infertility, Soil erosion, Pests (or example, e.g. locusts), plant disease; Example of natural disaster – e.g. tsunami, volcanic eruption, etc.
Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details, Named places Specific details/statistics about natural events Specific plant diseases or pests
Note: Do not credit identical development points for more than one L2 idea (e.g. crops die).