O-LevelPakistan StudiesThe environment of PakistanOct/Nov 2024 · Q225 Marks

Study Fig. 2.1 (Insert), a map of southern Pakistan.

(a)(i)Name the cities labelled X, Y and Z on Fig. 2.1.[3]
(a)(ii)Using Fig. 2.1 only, describe the distribution of barrages shown.[3]
(a)(iii)Give one reason for building a barrage and one different reason for building a dam. barrage dam[2]
(b)(i)Study Fig. 2.2, a bar graph showing the minimum water requirements for selected crops in Pakistan. Complete Fig. 2.2, using the information in the table. crop wheat minimum water requirement (mm) 410[1]
(b)(ii)Calculate the difference between the minimum water requirements for sugar cane and rice. ..................................................... mm[1]
(b)(iii)Complete Fig. 2.3 by using arrows to match the type of irrigation with the correct description. An example has been done for you. type of irrigation karez perennial canal Persian wheel tubewell description a channel linked to dams or barrages that supplies water throughout the year a method that directs groundwater via underground tunnels a pump that brings water from a well to the surface a draught-powered system that raises water from a well [Figure 2.3][2]
(b)(iv)Explain two ways agricultural practices can damage the natural environment. You should develop your answer.[4]
(c)(i)What is 'land reform'?[1]
(c)(ii)Suggest how land reforms could increase agricultural production in Pakistan.[2]
(d)Read the following two views about initiatives that have been implemented to increase agricultural production in Pakistan: A Education and training have had the most impact on agricultural production. B Improved seeds have had the most impact on agricultural production. Which view do you agree with more? Give reasons to support your answer and refer to examples you have studied. You should consider view A and view B in your answer.[6]

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 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] X = Quetta
[1] Y = Hyderabad
[1] Z = Karachi
[1] uneven/scattered
[1] follow/along/in rivers/Indus/Sutlej/Ravi/tributaries
[1] most/many are/cluster in Punjab/in the NE
[1] (only) found in Sindh and Punjab
[1] more in Punjab than in Sindh/7 are in Punjab and 3 are in Sindh
[1] more in East than West/closer to Indian boundary (than Iran/Afghanistan boundary)
[1] 4/5/cluster/group/several near/around/100–150 km from Multan
[1] found between 25°/26°N – 30°/31°/32°N or between 68°/69°E – 74°/75°E
[1] Barrage: to divert water into areas of need/to farmland/into canals/for irrigation OR to control the flow of water/regulate river levels OR to create a reliable/constant water supply OR flood control/prevention.
[1] Dam: to generate (hydro)electricity/HEP/hydel power OR flood prevention/reducing flood damage/hold back rivers/meltwaters OR to create reservoirs/to store water/to create a water supply (for irrigation/drinking).
[1] correctly plotted bar at 410mm wheat
[1] 570 (mm)
[1] karez: a method that directs groundwater via underground tunnels
[1] perennial canal: a channel linked to dams or barrages that supplies water throughout the year
[1] Persian wheel: a draught-powered system that raises water from a well
[1] tubewell: a pump that brings water from a well to the surface
[2] Using pesticides/herbicides/insecticides can seep into the water supply, contaminating drinking water and causing water pollution.
[2] Using fertilisers can seep into rivers, polluting water and causing eutrophication (algae blooms), which kills aquatic life.
[2] Over-irrigation or seepage from unlined canals can lead to waterlogging and soil salinity, rendering the soil unusable.
[2] Deforestation for grazing land can lead to soil erosion, reduce biodiversity, and increase atmospheric CO2.
[2] Overgrazing, caused by hooves and grazing, damages vegetation and leads to soil erosion and desertification.
[2] The use of high-yield varieties (HYVs), over-cultivation, or planting the same crop annually can quickly exhaust soil nutrients, reducing soil fertility and quality.
[2] Tractors and other farm machinery cause air pollution from fossil fuels, compact the soil, and damage soil structure.
[2] Livestock farming releases methane, which contributes to global warming.
[1] a law/policy/rules reallocating land or changing its ownership, or stating the amount of land a person can own/hold. This can involve consolidating land into larger plots or dividing it into smaller ones, aiming for fairer distribution of land and protecting tenants from eviction or landowner rights.
[1] if you own the land, you are more likely to farm it, invest in it, or improve it
[1] previously wasted land is farmed, leading to more total area farmed
[1] larger areas of land are easier to use machinery, leading to more efficient farming and the ability to test new techniques
[1] economies of scale are created
[1] cooperatives/groups/farmers can share costs of machinery, seeds, fertilisers, or irrigation methods
[1] it is easier to get loans for large farms to buy equipment
[1] more people, including subsistence farmers or previously landless individuals, will be able to produce food
[1] possible increased diversification/variety of crops if there are more individual landowners
[L3] Education and training have/have not had the most impact: literacy allows farmers to access information e.g. online/via mobile phones; educated to use and repair modern machinery; educated on efficient/modern irrigation methods; awareness of new power sources to increase efficiency e.g. solar power; uneven access to education/training; hard to train all farmers/illiteracy levels are high; farmers may not have time to be educated/attend training; expensive for government to provide/farmers may not have enough money for training/education.
[L3] Improved seeds have/have not had the most impact: high-yielding varieties (HYV)/genetically modified (GM) crops can increase production; better drought resistance/reducing crop failures; pest-resistance is improved; faster growing times allows for multiple harvests; farmers need education to be able to use improved seeds correctly.