Estimate the area of the country of Nigeria, in km². Show your working.

Outline one of the main components of the food security index.

Explain two human factors that may have led to high food insecurity in countries such as those shown.

Award [1] for correct answer.
Award [1] for evidence of some valid working / data extraction (even if with incorrect answer).

Accept answers between 800,000 and 1,000,000.

Looking for evidence of use of scale eg: 1000 x 1000 m = 1,000,000 km² (units not required for full marks).

Award [1] for stating a correct component and [1] for valid outlining or further understanding of what the food index is measuring.

For example: Affordability [1] measures the ability of people to purchase food [1].

The three other components are:

• access to food
• nutritional quality/diet
• safety.

In each case, award [1] for a relevant human factor and up to [2] for development/explanation/exemplification.

For example: High incidence of disease (HIV/AIDS, malaria, etc) [1] means fewer people available to work the land sufficiently [1], leading to a lack of food for their families [1].

Other possible factors include:

• poor farming techniques
• political instability
• cost of seeds/ fertilizers / foodstuffs
• corruption
• poor transport links
• poor storage
• population increases
• lack of aid due to militia etc
• inability to trade in world markets.

Most knew that to calculate area you had to multiply width times height. However the calculations were often incorrect, or the conversions from the scale wrong.

Most could easily name a component of the food security index however there were obviously some for whom this was a new concept.

Most concentrated on human factors, there were a few who gave physical factors. War, poverty, corruption, cash crops for export were the most frequent answers.

Examine how food production systems can use water and energy more sustainably.

Examine how different stakeholders influence the diets of individuals and societies.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The sustainability of food production systems can be assessed by consideration of their energy efficiency and water footprints. The water footprint is the volume of freshwater used in the production of food; a measure developed to address issues relating to water security and sustainable water use. Energy efficiency measures the amount of energy input to a farming system compared with output.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• The sustainable use of water can be measured by the water footprint — the volume of freshwater used in the production of food. The size of the water footprint varies between different animal and crop production systems.
• The intensification of farming has resulted in increased demands for water and an increase in the water footprint.
• The increase in agricultural demands for water may result in the need to use water more efficiently and reduce waste using strategies such as drip irrigation, re-using water, rainwater harvesting.
• Energy efficiency measures the input of energy into a farming system compared with outputs of food yield and quantity.
• Where energy inputs, such as in labour, machinery, pesticides and fertilizers are greater than the energy in food produced, the system may be unsustainable.
• In order to be more sustainable, energy inputs need to reduce, and outputs need to increase e.g. using alternative energy sources, or reducing high energy consuming inputs, such as machinery.
• Increasing commercialization and capital-intensity of farm systems, with higher energy inputs, may result in unsustainable production.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that shows understanding of how water and energy can be used more sustainably in agricultural processes and systems in different places. Another approach might be to consider the power and perspectives of different stakeholders.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly-evidenced outlining of the sustainable use of water and/or energy in food production systems.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of how water and energy can be used more sustainably in different food production systems
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The diet of different communities concerns the type and amount of food consumed and has a direct influence on people’s health and well-being. The diets of individuals and societies can be influenced by a variety of different stakeholders, at varying scales. These include transnational corporations (TNCs) — for example, agribusiness, supermarkets and fast-food outlets — international food organizations (e.g. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)), and governments. At a more local scale, the roles of doctors, teachers and family members are important.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• A variety of stakeholders influence people’s diets, from international to local.
• TNCs have a strong influence on food production and supply through fast-food outlets and supermarkets. The food chain, from supplier to consumer is dominated by a few TNCs, who have a large influence on diets.
• International organisations, such as the FAO and World Health Organization (WHO) also play a large role in influencing diets.
• The role of the media is significant, either through advertising for TNCs, or through educating people to consume a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
• National governments play a role in advising about diets, and their views/policies are transmitted to people through doctors, health workers and teachers.
• At a local scale, community groups and family members may influence the diets of other individuals.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that shows understanding of the power and perspectives of different stakeholders. These may vary between different places and spatial and temporal scales.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly-evidenced outlining of the influence of one or more stakeholders on the diets of people.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of the influence and perspectives of a variety of different stakeholders
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

This was a broad question with numerous possibilities, but answers were mostly restricted to vertical farming, in vitro meats, drip irrigation and solar power. Better answers were able to examine all aspects of food production systems including transport and food processing. Some focused on sustainable agriculture in general rather than water and energy which was the focus of the question. There was a noticeable lack of any named examples where systems have become more sustainable.

Generally well answered with a broad range of diverse examples from around the world. Most could identify different stakeholders such as TNCs, governments, the media and NGOs, and explained how they could influence diets. However, details of the actual changes to diets were very general and lacked detail. A significant number took the question to be about food supply rather than diet and wrote about the stakeholders providing or withholding food in a famine.

Examine ways in which people’s dietary choices are sometimes influenced by different types of transnational corporation (TNC).

Examine the role of diffusion and barriers in the spread of disease. 

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

People’s habits of food consumption and dietary choices have undergone significant changes in recent years in both higher-income and lower-income countries. The food chain, from production to marketing and consumption, is increasingly dominated by large TNCs that influence people’s food choices. There is an increasing uniformity of food production and consumption, and concern that poor diets may lead to a greater incidence of obesity and heart disease. Food consumption habits and dietary choices may be influenced by different types of TNC – eg agribusiness, media, supermarkets and fast-food franchises.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Agribusinesses form a crucial role in the food chain, from production (supply) to marketing and consumption.
• TNCs ensure a relatively cheap, reliable and consistent supply of food.
• Supermarkets, the media and fast-food chains promote certain types of food, affecting people’s diets.
• Need for uniformity leads to a reduction in variability and lack of choice of different types of foodstuffs.
• Close links between production and retailing of food through outlets such as supermarkets, fast-food outlets, pre-cooked meals and other food supplies.
• A link between advertising in the media and agribusinesses, influencing patterns of consumption.
• Dietary choices may vary over time and space.
• Changing patterns of food consumption in low-income countries – movement away from traditional forms of agriculture and foodstuffs. Reduction in diversity of food production and diets.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that examines the relative power of different categories/types/examples of TNC (eg, media, agribusinesses, supermarkets, fast-food franchises). Different places, eg isolated rural communities, could be less affected than people in urban centres. There is also the possibility that TNC influence is limited by factors like government health campaigns.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of how one or more different types of TNCs have influenced people’s diets.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of how two or more different types of TNCs have influenced people’s dietary choices
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The spread of infectious diseases may be increased by increasing globalization, and the movement of people between different parts of the world. Some disease outbreaks, such as influenza, may spread rapidly over a wide area. Although physical controls are important in limiting the spread, human factors, such as vaccination, quarantine and education play a crucial role.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Responses may focus on one or more named diseases.
• Types of diffusion of diseases include expansion and relocation.
• Geographic factors may act as barriers in the spread of disease and the rate of diffusion.
• Barriers may be physical (relief or water features), political (eg, quarantine), economic or social (eg, controls such as vaccination campaigns). The role of international bodies, such as relief workers and the UN, might also be considered.
• Responses should refer to the areal spread of disease, at different scales, and the rates of diffusion.
• The effectiveness of barriers may also vary according to the disease.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that focuses on the spatial interaction between places with respect to the spread of disease, and the power of different stakeholders to erect effective barriers. Another approach is to examine different diffusion processes and the extent to which barriers are effective.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of how diffusion and/or barriers affect the spread of disease(s).

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of the role of diffusion and barriers (do not expect balance) in the spread of disease(s)
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

The requirement to look at different types of transnational corporations was missed by many who only wrote about fast food restaurants and many of the answers did not focus on the changing of diet. Due to the limited choice of TNCs these answers lacked depth and specific details and could not elaborate on the combined influence they have had on the dietary choices. The better responses gave more TNC-specific details and highlighted the interrelationships and nexus of some of the following: media-agribusiness-supermarkets-food processing-fast food franchises. They also looked at the changes happening in the industry as a result of the greater awareness of healthy eating in some societies.

All responses included at least one or more named diseases, the popular ones being malaria, cholera and Covid-19. The best answers were able to look more broadly at the role of diffusion and barriers in many diseases although there was a tendency to write more about the role of barriers than diffusion. A few responses gave a detailed account of all the different types of barriers and diffusion with numerous examples.

State which world region has the least food waste created by food producers and shops.

Estimate the amount of food waste, in billions of tonnes, created by consumers in North America.

Outline how vertical farming can help increase long-term global food availability.

Explain two strengths of food waste reduction as a strategy to improve food security in the world regions shown on the graph.

Sub-Saharan Africa

100 (acceptable range of 90–110)

Award [1] for a valid way and [1] for development/explanation.

For example: More food can be grown in the same land area / yields increase [1] because crops are being grown year-round/in layers [1].

In each case, award [1] for a valid reason and up to [2] for development / explanation / exemplification.

For example: Reducing food waste could make more food available without having to produce more [1] therefore regions where population growth is occurring will have enough food [1]. This is very efficient/sustainable in terms of energy and land use [1].

Other possibilities include:

• Cost of food is lower as less is wasted
• Less is stockpiled so costs saved.

These seemed very straightforward

These seemed very straightforward.

There was a good understanding of vertical farming, but many struggled to relate it to long-term food availability.

Many did not understand this question and limited themselves to methods of food waste reduction without considering the strength of this strategy to improve food security.

Examine how spatial variations in food consumption can impact upon life expectancy.

Examine the reasons why food insecurity remains high in many places.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials.

Life expectancy shows considerable variation in different regions of the world. There is a close relationship between life expectancy and spatial variations in food consumption. Life expectancy tends to be lower in poorer regions with low food security and higher in richer, more developed areas. The relationship between life expectancy and food consumption will vary with time and scale.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Life expectancy varies spatially, between different regions and places.
• There is a relationship between life expectancy and patterns of food consumption.
• Food consumption refers to the quantity and nutritional quality of food, and is linked to food security.
• Significant inequality exists between life expectancy and food consumption in different places/regions.
• There is a close relationship between life expectancy, food consumption and income levels.
• Increases in food consumption may lead to a reduction in life expectancy due to the increased incidence of obesity and heart disease.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement. They could examine the statement at different scales – e.g. food consumption in different continents or in different parts of a city (places) linked to incomes. Another approach might be to look at interactions between food and health in contrasting ways – e.g. increased food supply can both increase and decrease life expectancy.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of the relationship between life expectancy and food consumption.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of the spatial variations in the relationship between life expectancy and food consumption
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials.

Food security considers the core issues of availability, affordability, quality and safety; that people should have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs. The lack of food security affects people on a variety of spatial scales, from village to nation, in many areas of the world. Food insecurity may be caused by many inter-related physical, economic, social and political factors. It is often associated with poverty, poor economic development and political instability. Attempts to tackle food insecurity have met with only limited success, and it remains high in many places.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Food security considers the core issues of availability, quality and safety of food.
• Low food security affects people in many areas of the world, from local to national scales.
• Low food security is often related to poverty; many people are trapped in a cycle of poverty, with poor diets, low productivity and short life expectancy.
• Other factors, such as adverse physical environment, lack of economic development, agricultural practises, crop disease, poor communications and political unrest, also contribute to low food security.
• Stakeholders involved in attempts to tackle food insecurity include international organisations (e.g. WHO/FAO), national governments and NGOs, and local communities – often with only limited success.
• The priorities and power of different stakeholders is also important.
• Strategies to reduce food insecurity include improving agricultural production, improving infrastructure and storage, trade agreements to facilitate trade in food crops, international aid, overcoming political instability, food waste reduction.
• Food insecurity remains high; it is a difficult problem to resolve and many attempts to reduce the problem have had only limited success.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement. They could examine the statement on a variety of scales – e.g. food insecurity in different countries, regions, or in different areas of a city (places) – linked to various geographic factors, together with attempts to reduce insecurity. Another approach might be to look at changes in food insecurity over different time scales, possibly linked to global climatic changes, or the power of different stakeholders.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced of outlining of causes of food insecurity.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced examination of the reasons for high food insecurity in many places
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

This was rarely attempted and when it was, responses tended to simply compare high-income and low-income countries with little reference to spatial variations.

There were some top-quality answers in which many correctly started with a definition of food security and were able to use that to structure the answer. Weaker answers were simply a description of the reasons for famine in one country and made links between famine, war, and droughts, but with little on wider social and economic issues. A large number described food insecurity but failed to examine why it 'remains high' and recognition of different scales (local, regional and national) was often lacking.

Identify the percentage of people affected by diabetes in Europe in 2000.

State the region with the highest rate of increase in diabetes between 2000 and 2030.

Suggest two reasons, other than population growth, why the number of people suffering from diseases of affluence is projected to increase globally.

Explain one global and one local action that could be undertaken to manage a pandemic such as diabetes.

3–5 (Only range from the key is correct)

Middle East.

In each case, award [1] for a possible reason linked to affluence and [1] for further development showing applied geographical knowledge of food and health.

For example: The spread of popularity of fast food outlets [1], meaning more saturated fats are consumed, resulting in increased risk of heart disease [1].

Other reasons include:

• More sedentary lifestyle / lack of exercise [1] leads to increased risk of heart disease [1].
• Greater use of computers/laptops/smartphones.
• Longevity.
• Lifestyle choices.

Award [1] for each of one global and one local action managing the pandemic and in each case a further [1] for further development/explanation showing applied geographical knowledge of food and health.

For example (global): The 2009 influenza pandemic led to new vaccinations being created [1], which were then distributed around the world by the WHO [1].

For example (local): Campaigns / raising awareness [1] for example, introducing a sugar tax on soft drinks in order to reduce the incidence of diabetes [1].

Other actions include:

• airport screening
• vaccinations and immunizations
• surveillance and monitoring by WHO
• organized plans by health boards
• risk management plans.

Examine the view that food waste reduction is the best way to achieve future food security.

Examine the relative importance of physical and human factors in the diffusion over time of one vector-borne disease.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Food security means that all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. In recent years, reducing food waste and food loss have become high on the agenda as a means of achieving food security. The reduction of wastage, be it post-harvest, in the distribution or processing stage of the food chain, or at the consumer level, will often contribute to general food security. However, if the aim is to improve access to food, in particular for the poor and over the short term, other solutions are needed.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Food is lost or wasted throughout various stages of the food supply chain: crops can become damaged, animals may die due to diseases, fish may be discarded. Food may be lost during the processing and transport stages, and consumers may waste food by throwing it away.
• In high-income countries food is mainly wasted by consumers. In low-income countries it is mainly lost during the production stages of the food chain.
• Other strategies to achieve food security may include:

• provision of food aid and relief, in the short term
• increasing food supply by improving farming technologies, such as genetically modified crops (GMOs), mechanization and irrigation
• developing sustainable farming practices
• improving infrastructure, and storage facilities for crops
• international trade agreements to facilitate the trade in food crops
• overcoming political instability.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that explicitly examines the view that waste reduction is the best possibility for future food security. Another approach might be to examine how interactions between food producers, consumers and other stakeholders will determine whether waste reduction can be achieved. The issues might also be examined at differing spatial scales (eg, local, national and international).

For 5–6 marks, expect some outlining of food waste reduction and/or food security issues. The response is partial, narrow or lacks supporting evidence.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account, which includes:

• either a well-evidenced explanation of how food security can be achieved by food waste reduction (also credit other strategies)
• or an ongoing evaluation (or discursive conclusion) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Vector-borne diseases include malaria, dengue fever, Lyme disease, Zika, Ebola and West Nile virus. Vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and tsetse flies can transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animals to humans. Mosquitoes are the best-known disease vector. The distribution of these diseases is influenced by a complex set of environmental, social and economic factors.

If an inappropriate disease is chosen (eg HIV/AIDS, cholera), award up to a maximum of [4].

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Physical factors affecting the diffusion of the disease, eg climate, stagnant surface water, altitude.
• Human factors affecting the diffusion of the disease, eg poverty, housing, rural-urban, age and gender.
• Diffusion of the disease may be affected by factors such as:

• increasing international travel due to tourism and trade
• migration of populations.

• Physical and human barriers to the spread of disease may include:

• health checks, border controls and quarantine
• vaccinations; bed nets; spraying

• Over time, spread of disease might be modified by climate change, improvements in health infrastructure, understanding of the disease, technological developments such as vaccinations and increased affluence.
• Globalization of travel and trade have a significant impact on the spread of disease.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that examines the complex interactions between the various factors affecting both the incidence and diffusion of the disease. Another approach might be to examine how the spatial diffusion of the disease is changing due to globalization and climate change processes. Another approach might be to examine the time and spatial scale of the diffusion, and the changing relative importance of physical and human factors (eg for malaria, early spread may be due to physical factors, human factors then becoming relatively more important).

For 5–6 marks, expect some outlining of human and/or physical factors in diffusion of disease. The response is partial, narrow or lacks supporting evidence.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account which includes:

• either a well-evidenced explanation of physical and human factors affecting diffusion of a disease over time
• or an ongoing evaluation (or discursive conclusion) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives (for example an evaluation of changing importance over time).

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

A popular question, with some good responses regarding different aspects of food waste in NICs and LICs, and the contribution of reduction of food waste to future food security. The better answers also examined other varied ways of achieving food security, discussing the pros and cons of each strategy. Weaker responses were narrow in focus, describing and outlining some aspects of food waste reduction without addressing the question.

A straightforward question, and many candidates focused on either malaria, Zika or Ebola. There were some good, effective answers, focusing on diffusion. Few made inappropriate choices of type of disease. Many answers were descriptive about conditions favouring the disease, with little attention paid to the physical and human factors that affect diffusion over time.

State the age group which had the highest incidence of dengue fever in 2012.

Estimate the mean incidence rate of dengue fever for all years in the 20–24 age group.

Outline one strategy used to limit the spread of a water-borne disease.

Explain how using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to increase food production can lead to one environmental disadvantage.

Explain how using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to increase food production can lead to one social disadvantage.

55–59

6.2 (allow 6 to 6.4)

Award [1] for the strategy and a further [1] for development/explanation.

For example, only use safe (boiled/bottled) water [1], to ensure that disease is not transmitted by drinking potentially infected water [1].

Award [1] for a valid disadvantage and up to [2] for further development / exemplification.

For example: potential loss of biodiversity/ depletion of wildlife [1] due to the extensive use of herbicides to cultivate GMOs [1] for example, the use of glyphosate/RoundUp as an herbicide could cause the decline of the monarch butterfly [1].

Other possible environmental disadvantages include:

• pressure on water resources/ depletion of groundwater supplies, due to need for irrigation for GMOs
• decrease in resilience to issues such as drought and insect infestation; due to lack of bio-diversity in GMO crops
• the “out-crossing” of GM crops with wild relatives, and the potential to create new weeds.

Award [1] for a valid disadvantage, and up to [2] for further development/exemplification.

For example: population health issues [1] GMOs may increase resistance to anti-biotics [1], due to the manipulation of genes in a laboratory environment [1].

Other possible social disadvantages include:

• possible increased risk of cancer; because the disease is caused by mutations in DNA, it is dangerous to introduce new genes into the body
• rise in inequality between rich and poor farmers, as poor are unable to afford high cost of inputs required by GMOs
• debt reduces farmers spending on health/education as farmers borrow money for high input costs of GMOs (seeds/fertilizer/irrigation) so have to cut back elsewhere.

No problems in reading the graph.

No problems in reading the graph.

This was well done with many correct answers identifying ways of limiting the spread of cholera and other water-borne diseases. Some were confused with dengue and malaria and incorrectly answered regarding these diseases.

Knowledge of GMO crops was poor, superficial, and often incorrect. Often there were contradictory answers or generic unsupported assertions such as 'they cause disease'. Very few gained full marks for either environmental or social disadvantage.

Examine the relative importance of prevention and treatment in limiting the spread of one or more diseases.

Examine how governments and other stakeholders can affect the severity of famine.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The relative importance of policies of prevention and treatment will depend partly on the nature of the disease – chronic (non-communicable), or contagious/infectious – as well as on the economic, social, demographic and political characteristics of affected communities. Social marginalization issues, government priorities, means of infection and government priorities are also important considerations.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

The relative importance of prevention over treatment of disease will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• The nature of the disease (chronic or infectious) – e.g. cardiovascular disease or cholera): prevention may be more important in one than the other.
• Means of infection and transmission. The pattern and rate of diffusion of the disease.
• Economic characteristics and wealth of the community.
• Demographic characteristics – an ageing population may be more prone to particular chronic diseases.
• Availability of medical professionals and facilities; cost of medicines and healthcare.
• Government priorities; levels of education and awareness; access to social media.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that examines the complex interactions between various factors affecting strategies of prevention and treatment from different perspectives and scales. The power of different stakeholders might also be examined. Another approach might be to consider the changing relative importance of prevention and treatment for countries and places at different levels of development.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly evidenced outlining of prevention and/or treatment for one or more diseases.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account which includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of strategies of prevention and treatment for one or more diseases
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) regarding the relative importance of prevention and treatment of one or more diseases.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The focus of the question is on the severity, rather than the causes, of famine, and the role and actions of different stakeholders. In some cases, the severity of the famine may be actually worsened, rather than alleviated. Apart from governments, other stakeholders include: international aid agencies and other humanitarian groups, local communities, and the media. Time scale is also important, as famine might be alleviated in the short term. In the long term, international aid may increase resilience and reduce the severity of future famines.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

The relative importance of prevention over treatment of disease will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• The severity of famine is affected by a variety of human factors and the actions of different stakeholders.
• Stakeholders include local and national governments, international aid agencies and humanitarian groups, local communities and the media.
• The views and attitudes of different stakeholders (local, national and international) should be considered.
• The actions of the media may play an important role in highlighting the severity of famine.
• International aid may be both short and long term. In the short term, medical, food aid and water supplies will reduce death tolls from hunger and malnutrition. However, in the long term this may increase dependency on foreign aid.
• Long-term aid may increase resilience and reduce the severity of future famine.
• Local communities may also increase resilience to famine, through actions such as introduction of improved farming techniques, irrigation practices, and drought-resistant crops/animals.
• Improvements in education, health care and infrastructure in local communities are also important.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that examines the contribution and power of different stakeholders in reducing the severity of famine. Another approach might be to examine the severity of famine in different places and geographical contexts, and how severity might be alleviated over time scales.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly evidenced outlining of the influence of governments and/or other stakeholders in affecting the severity of famine.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account which includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of the influence of governments and other stakeholders in affecting the severity of famine
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

This was a straightforward question, but several candidates confused prevention and treatment and hardly any examined their relative importance. The majority chose malaria and/or HIV/AIDS, with a few using Covid-19. Some of the better responses considered how different diseases require more treatment or prevention and how some countries might need to take a different approach to another country.

This was generally well answered. Some did not focus on the question asked and wrote about the causes of the famine rather than the severity. There was a good use of case studies, with Yemen being popular, and good responses were able to refer to the relative power of different stakeholders, for example, government aid and media.

State the four-figure grid reference for the spot height of 1062 metres in the northeast of the map.

Estimate the area, in km² , of cultivated land to the west of easting 02.

Outline one way in which the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) could help increase food production from cultivated land.

Explain one physical factor and one human factor contributing to the diffusion of one named water-borne disease through an area such as this.

Allow only 1462, 14 62 and 14,62 (no E /N or dashes).

10 (allow 9–11).

Award [1] for a basic outline point about increasing productivity/yield and [1] for further development.

For example: Scientists use GM technology to increase, say, the amount of fruit grown by a plant [1], which means there is a higher yield per unit area [1].

Other possibilities include:

• growing season/time of germination
• frost or pest resistance
• size and number of fruits/nuts/seeds etc.

In each case, award [1] for outlining a relevant factor and up to [2] for an explanation of why diffusion occurs through an area/from place to place.

For example: Physical – heavy rainfall [1], which may lead to flooding in the area [1] and spreads the cholera bacteria away from source [1].

For example: Human – some sections of the city are densely populated, so the sewage system is inadequate [1] and it overflows into rivers [1], which contaminates the drinking supply of places downstream [1].

Other possible factors include:

Physical

• drainage issues/swampy land
• warm temperatures / increased evaporation
• reduced water level-salinity (cholera conditions).

Human 

• through transport links, where infection is carried/spread through feces
• education about water safety.

Award a maximum of [4] if no specific disease is named, or if a water-borne disease is incorrectly identified.

A substantial number could not read the grid reference and even when the four-figures were correct there was poor knowledge of how to correctly write the grid reference.

There were some completely unrealistic estimations of area showing a lack of understanding of scale and area.

Most had some understanding of GMOs, but candidates often failed to link this to increased food production.

The responses to the disease question were generally pertinent, with very few not choosing a water-borne disease. A large number could not differentiate between physical and human factors of diffusion and mixed them up in their answers; and some showed understanding of the factors but did not link them to diffusion.

Examine how different factors have contributed to famine in one or more countries or areas.

Examine possible ways to improve food availability in different places.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

A variety of environmental, economic, political and social factors are responsible for famine, and their importance will vary spatially and temporally.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Famines are particularly severe in low-income countries and poverty-stricken regions.
• The severity or onset of famine is affected by a variety of factors, including natural hazards like earthquakes or droughts, but also social, economic and political factors, such as warfare.
• Access to international aid may alleviate the severity or onset of famine. In the short term, the focus will be on food shortages, medical assistance, water supplies and shelter. In the long term, aid is often criticized for not focusing on long-term sustainability; it may fuel corruption, fall into the wrong hands, or weaken the economies of recipient countries, increasing reliance and undermining domestic agriculture.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that examines the statement in a way that shows understanding of the various factors that have contributed to the severity of famine(s), and the role of international aid in alleviating the effects of famine.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of the role of some different factors in the severity or onset of famine.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either evidenced explanation of the role of different factors affecting theseverity or onset of famine.
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Modern techniques, such as GMOs, in vitro meat and vertical farming, have focused on the application of science to increasing agricultural productivity. Such ways are seen by some as a means of feeding a rapidly growing population within the background of environmental impacts of global warming.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Bio-engineering is used to create a variety of genetically modified crops that have higher yields, a greater resistance to insects and diseases, and are less affected by the effects of climate change, such as soil infertility, drought and salinization.
• Other modern farming techniques include in vitro meat and vertical farming.
• Mainly focused on a few crops, such as soya beans, corn, rapeseed, cotton, and to a lesser extent on animals.
• There is considerable debate surrounding the wisdom of producing GM crops, involving a variety of stakeholders: farmers, consumers, environmentalists, bio-tech companies.
• Among issues of concern are food safety, environmental impacts, habitat diversity, ownership of seeds, land ownership, the role of agribusiness in food production, future sustainability.
• Issues regarding rich versus poor farmers and growing economic and social inequality.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that examines the statement in a way that shows understanding of the issues surrounding new techniques and the often-competing views of various stakeholders. Perspectives may differ on whether new techniques/ways are viewed positively or negatively depending on the importance various stakeholders attach to issues such as food safety, biodiversity and increasing food production. Another approach might be to think critically about whether some ways are better suited to some places than others.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced ways of increasing food availability.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either evidenced explanation of ways of increasing food availability in specific places
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.