Candidates should be able to
- Describe in general terms the main features of an agricultural system: inputs, processes
and outputs.
- Describe the influence of natural and human inputs on the processes and outputs of the
two agricultural systems listed in the Syllabus [a large-scale system of commercial farming
and small-scale subsistence farming]. Studies should include natural inputs (relief, climate
and soil) and human inputs (economic, social and sometimes political). Their combined
influences on the scale of production, methods of organisation and the products of each
system should be studied. Reference may be made to an example such as plantation
agriculture or extensive commercial cereal farming or extensive livestock production etc.,
to illustrate a large-scale system of commercial farming. Examples such as intensive
subsistence rice cultivation or shifting cultivation etc. could profitably illustrate a system of
small-scale subsistence farming. Other illustrations might be selected rather than the
above. In each case reference should be made to a detailed case study.
- Recognise the causes and effects of food shortages. Shortages of food may be related
to natural problems such as soil exhaustion, drought, floods, tropical cyclones, pests,
disease etc. There should be an awareness of the effects of these natural problems on
selected areas within LEDCs. Economic and political factors and their effects upon food
shortages should be noted, for example low capital investment, poor distribution /transport
difficulties, wars etc. The effects of food shortages in encouraging food aid and measures
such as those of the 'Green Revolution' to produce more food should also be considered. |
