Food security (AQA GCSE Biology): Revision Notes
Food security
What is food security?
Food security means having enough food to feed everyone in a population. We need sustainable ways to produce food so that everyone on Earth can be fed properly.
This is becoming a bigger challenge as the world's population grows and various factors threaten our ability to produce food.
The challenge of feeding a growing global population while maintaining environmental sustainability is one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Impact of increasing birth rate
The world's population is growing rapidly in many areas. This creates serious challenges for food security and puts pressure on our environment.
The population growth cycle
When population increases, several problems happen in sequence:
- More people need more food - Obviously, more mouths to feed means greater demand for food
- More land needed for farming - We have to use more land to grow crops and raise animals for meat and fish
- People and goods move around more - This movement spreads new pests and diseases that can damage crops and harm animals
- More waste is produced - Larger populations create more pollution, which damages the environment
Environmental consequences
As we try to feed more people, we often damage the environment. More intensive farming can harm soil quality, pollute water sources, and reduce biodiversity.
Intensive farming practices used to feed growing populations can create a vicious cycle where environmental damage reduces future food production capacity.
Real-world example: disease spread
Real-world Example: Bluetongue Disease Spread
Bluetongue disease shows how global challenges affect food security:
What is bluetongue?
- A viral disease affecting sheep and cattle
- Spread by insects
- Can make animals seriously ill or kill them
- Usually found in warm parts of southern Europe
Why is it spreading? Climate change is making the UK warmer. The insects that carry bluetongue can now survive in the UK's changing climate.
Impact on farmers Farmers worry because bluetongue can kill their animals. This reduces the food supply and affects their income. When diseases spread to new areas, local animals often have no resistance, making the problem worse.
Other factors that threaten food security
Several factors can reduce food supplies around the world:
Conflicts and wars
Wars and conflicts create major disruptions to food systems:
- Make it difficult for farmers to grow and transport food
- Destroy farming equipment and infrastructure
- Force people to leave their farms
- Disrupt food distribution networks
Economic pressures
Economic factors significantly impact food production costs:
- Rising costs of fuel make transport more expensive
- Higher prices for fertilisers, machinery, and seeds
- More expensive animal feed
- These all increase food production costs
Economic pressures often hit smaller farmers hardest, as they have less capacity to absorb increased costs compared to large agricultural operations.
Environmental changes
Climate and environmental factors pose increasing threats to food security:
- Reduced rainfall can cause widespread famine
- Floods and droughts destroy crops
- Climate change affects growing conditions
- Pollution damages soil and water quality
Changing diets
In developed countries, people are eating differently. Some foods require more resources to produce, putting extra pressure on food systems.
Key Points to Remember:
- Food security means having enough food for everyone in a population
- Growing populations create more demand for food and put pressure on the environment
- Climate change helps diseases and pests spread to new areas, threatening crops and animals
- Conflicts, economic problems, and environmental changes can all reduce food supplies
- Sustainable farming methods are essential to feed everyone without damaging the environment