O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2021 · Q525 Marks

Study Fig. 5.1, which shows a systems diagram for commercial farming, and Fig. 5.2 (Insert), which is a photograph of a commercial farm.

(a)(i)What is meant by commercial farming?[1]
(a)(ii)Which two of the following are natural inputs of the commercial farm shown in Fig. 5.2? Circle your answers in the list below: chemical fertiliser farm workers gentle slopes fertile soils irrigation sprays tractor[2]
(a)(iii)Explain how farmers can benefit from being near a large urban area.[3]
(a)(iv)State two different climatic factors which affect farming. For each factor give an example of how it can influence land use.[4]
(b)(i)Using Fig. 5.3 only, state three processes which take place on the farm in December.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain why many farms are mixed farms.[5]
(c)For a named country or region you have studied, explain why food shortages occur. 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 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (Farming) to sell output/make a profit/as a business. 1 mark
[2] Fertile soils; Gentle slopes. 2 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as; Market available/sell the produce there; Less transport costs; Perishable items can be produced/they get products to the market quickly; Workforce available; Farming supplies or e.g.s seed/machinery etc. 3 @ 1 mark
[4] Ideas such as: rainfall/precipitation/drought etc.; E.g. rice will only grow if there is sufficient rainfall; in dry areas goats may be kept Temperatures/hot/cold etc.; E.g. in cold areas sheep/goats is more likely Length of growing season/frost free days; E.g. rice needs growing season of 190 days; frost will kill sugar cane/fruit; Amount of sunlight; E.g. Cereal crops need sunshine for ripening 4 @ 1 mark Note: reverse ideas can be accepted.
[3] Ideas such as: Livestock fed indoors; Milking cows; Ploughing. 3 @ 1 mark
[5] Ideas such as: If crops fail can rely on animals/spread the risk; E.g. a wet summer may result in poor crops but grass will grow well and cows produce lots of milk; If animals suffer diseases crops will still grow; If crop prices are low money still is being made from animal products; Income received throughout the year; Jobs spread throughout the year; Crop waste can be used to feed animals; Animal manure can fertilise soils for crop growing; Allows use of fields to be rotated; All types of land can be used; E.g. steep slopes/infertile soils can be used for animals; Different nutrients provided in diet (i.e. subsistence farmers) etc. 5 @ 1 mark or development
[7] Levels marking Level 1(1-3 marks) Statements including limited detail which explain why food shortages occur. Level 2(4–6 marks) Developed or linked statements which explain why food shortages occur. Level 3(7 marks) Comprehensive and accurate statements which explain why food shortages occur, including some place reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Increasing population Loss of land to urbanisation etc desertification War Drought Lack of government investment Flooding Volcanic eruption/tsunami/earthquake Production of cash crops/plantations rather than food crops Poor distribution network Corruption Country cannot afford to import food etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Names of places within chosen region/country Specific details/statistics Note: For the e.g. accept country, part of country or larger area (e.g. Sahel) but desert names are not acceptable. Drought = L1 Drought so crops/animals die/yield reduced = 1 × L2