FOOD SECURITY ACTIVITIES

Activity 1

FIGURE 3.6: FOOD SECURITY FOOD SECURITY

Research by the United Nations shows that there are about 7 billion people in the world today;
a billion of them hungry. Forty years from now there will be 9,2 billion people. To meet this
demand, 70% more food will have to be produced than in 2000.
International policy, such as the use of agricultural subsidies, has caused the cost of production
in the USA and UK to drop. Thus farming of certain products in poor nations, such as in Africa,
is not viable. US poultry can be landed in Africa cheaper than the cost of production in Africa.
[Source: Adapted from an interview with Professor Mark Laing, UKZN]

3.6 Refer to FIGURE 3.6, (attached) an article based on food security.

3.6.1 Define the term food security. (1 x 2)
3.6.2 Why are poor countries, like those in Africa (according to the article), not able to
compete with rich countries to increase food production?
(2 x 2)
3.6.3 Food insecurity has had many negative effects in certain countries. Name any TWO
such effects. (2 x 2)
3.6.4 State TWO factors that have caused food insecurity in Africa.(2 x 2)
3.6.5 Genetically modified (GM) crops are being promoted as a solution to food insecurity in
Africa. Take the advantages and disadvantages of GM crops into account and write a
paragraph (approximately 8 lines) in which you discuss whether GM crops should be
introduced to Africa. (4 x
2)

Marking Guideline
3.6.1 When people have a permanent reliable supply of sustaining food (2) [Concept] 1x2 (2)
3.6.2 Higher production costs in Africa (2)
Agricultural subsidies in rich countries (2)
Lower production costs in rich countries (2)
 [ANY TWO] 2x2 (4)
3.6.3 Hunger/famine (2)
Farming of certain products not viable due to subsidies given in rich countries (2)
Cheaper to import poultry than to produce- due to subsidies (2)
Decreased productivity rates (2)
Poverty (2)
Conflict over resources (2)
[ANY TWO. Accept other] 2x2 (4)
3.6.4 Shortage of arable land (2)
Soil infertility (2)
Droughts (2)
Floods (2)
Incorrect farming methods (2)
Lack of funds for agricultural research (2)
High production costs (2)
Poor infrastructure (2)
Production of cash crops (2)
Corruption (2)
Conflict over resources (2)
Foreign competition (2)
[ANY TWO] 2x2 (4)
3.6.5 Might increase the food security (solution) for the growing population in Africa (2) OR
Might not increase (not a solution) the food security (2)
ADVANTAGES
GM crops are able to survive in a greater range of climatic conditions (2)
GM crops have a greater nutritional value (2)
GM crops are more resistant to pests and diseases (2)
GM crops have a longer storage life (2)
More food per hectare can be produced (2)
DISADVANTAGES
New seeds have to be planted each year which is costly (2)
The effects of GM crops on food chains are not known (2)
The long term effects of GM crops on man’s health are not known (2)
If GM seeds developed by multi-national companies, they now have
monopoly (2)
[ANY FOUR Accept other. Candidates’ answer to introduce GM crops or not must be
measured against their take on advantages and disadvantages]
Activity 2
FIGURE 4.5: FOOD SECURITY
Study FIGURE 4.5 which is a cartoon showing how the world leaders of the eight most
economically developed countries view the problem of food security.

4.5
4.5.1 What do we call the group of countries seated around the table?
(1 x 1)
4.5.2 What evidence in the cartoon shows that the eight people around the table have little
regard for food security?
(1 x 1)
4.5.3 State TWO factors that the eight countries have in common.
(2 x 1)
4.5.4 Explain TWO reasons why some countries have problems with food security.
(2 x 2)
4.5.5 How can the use of genetically modified crops improve food security in poor countries?
(3 x 2)

Marking Guideline
4.5
4.5.1 G8 (1) (1 x 1) (1)
4.5.2 They are eating like gluttons (1)
Huge variety and large portions of food are being consumed (1)
More and more food is being carried in (1) [ANY ONE] (1 x 1) (1)
4.5.3 They are all rich, First World or more economically developed countries (1)
They all come from the Global North (1)
They have all politically strong and global leaders (1) [ANY TWO] (2 x 1) (2)
4.5.4 Poorer, less developed countries are more prone to natural hazards and disasters (like
drought, floods, pests, climate change etc.) and thus grow enough food less successfully as
compared to richer, more advanced nations (2)
Some countries are politically unstable and have poor or bad governance, so cannot plan and
make effective provision for food security (2)
Large population growth in some countries threatens their food security (2)
Economic recession puts people’s jobs at risk; families are at risk to food security if household
heads lose their jobs or livelihood (2)
High prices in food increases food insecurity (2)
Lack of energy affects food production and storage and creates the risk of food insecurity (2)
Uncertain foreign trading environment (2)
4.5.5 GM Crops are said to be the solution to poor, struggling countries as
GM foods are more nutritious (2)
GM crops are more resilient to pests and climate change (2)
 Higher yields can be attained from GM crops (2)
Greater varieties of food stuffs can be developed and grown as GM crops (2)
It is more sustainable (2) [ANY THREE] (3 x 2) (6)

Activity 3
3.6 FIGURE 3.6 is a table showing South Africa's position on the global food security index.

3.6.1 Describe the change in South Africa's food security index score from 2012 to
2016. (1 x 1) (1)
3.6.2 State the change in South Africa's world ranking in terms of the food security index
from 2012 to 2016. (1 x 1) (1)
3.6.3 When is a country considered to be food secure? (1 x 2) (2)
3.6.4 Explain the positive impact of having food security in South Africa
(2 x 2) (4)
3.6.5 Write a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines in which you analyse the reasons for
South Africa's low food security index. (4 x 2) (8)
Marking Guideline
3.6
3.6.1 Increased (1) (1 x 1) (1)
3.6.2 Decrease in rank/Dropped seven places (1) (1 x 1) (1)
3.6.3 When all the people have access to nutritious (healthy) food (2) (1 x 2) (2)
3.6.4 Food security enables growth and health in South Africa's population (2)
Enables South Africa to improve nutrition of its workforce (2)
Ensures that all sectors of the population are fed constantly/no food shortage (2)
Ensures higher productivity levels of inhabitants (2)
To prevent hunger and famine (2) To prevent malnutrition/stunted growth/diseases (2)
A healthy population reduces the burden on the government/less expenditure on healthcare (2)
Increases life expectancy and labour force (2)
Reduces need to import food at high cost (2)
Lower food prices (2) Outflow of capital from the country is reduced
(2) To prevent social uprisings (2)
[ANY TWO] (2 x 2) (4)

3.6.5 REASONS FOR LOW FOOD SECURITY INDEX IN SOUTH AFRICA

Natural Drought conditions/natural disasters increased resulting in a drop in production levels reducing
the amount of food available (2)
Climate change has resulted in variable rainfall over most cultivation regions which has dramatically
reduced production levels (2)
Pests and diseases decrease crops (2)
Soil erosion resulting in thin and poor soils/large areas have infertile soils (2)
Social/Services Electricity supply is compromised and increased costs affects food production and
food storage (2)
Lack of access to water supplies for irrigation (2)
Increased health risks/reduced life expectancy (HIV/AIDS) decreases the ability to produce food (2)
Poor transport facilities in rural areas make food less accessible (2)
Poor use of technology or research/poor farming methods/lack of skills (2)
Uncertainty because of land reform/failed land reform programmes result in land not being cultivated
(2)
Population demand for food is greater than food supply (2)
Increase in farm murders drive farmers of their land (2)
Economical Economic decline and foreign ratings creates an increasing inflation rate which increase
the cost of food (2)
Increased rural-urban migration reduces food production (2)
High cost of food (2)
Lack of employment/poverty to buy expensive food (2)
Fluctuating food prices (2)
High production costs e.g. purchasing fertilisers (2)
Subsistence farming has a low productivity (2)
Lack of access to loans/lack of capital to invest in farming activities (2)
Not enough commercial farmers (2) Farmers produce for the export market and not for the local
market (trade policies) (2)
Misappropriation of funds for the development of farmers (2)
Processed food (e.g. tinning of food) is expensive (2)
[ANY FOUR] (4 x 2) (8)
Activity 4
2.3 Refer to the extract below on food security.

FOOD SECURITY IN SOUTH AFRICA 20202021

According to a report released by Statistics South Africa, Measuring Food

Security in South Africa: Applying the Food Insecurity Experience Scale,
almost 23,6 per cent of South Africans were affected by moderate to severe
food insecurity in 2021.
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has been working on improving its
measurement of food security and recently introduced the Food Insecurity
Experience Scale. Since food insecurity is a global phenomenon, it is
important to measure it using tools that guarantee comparability across
countries.
Health pandemics, such as Covid-19, has denied many South Africans their
right to adequate food as indicated in the South African Constitution. This has
undermined the efforts that have been made to meet the National
Development Plan's goal of ʹZero Hungerʹ by 2030.
[Adapted from [Link]

2.3.1 Define the concept food security. (1 x 2) (2)

2.3.2 What percentage of South Africans experienced food insecurity

in 2021? (1 x 1) (1)

2.3.3 What is the importance of the Food Insecurity Experience Scale

according to the extract? (1 x 2) (2)

2.3.4 Suggest how health pandemics, such as Covid-19, lead to food

insecurity in South Africa. (1 x 2) (2)

2.3.5 In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain how the

South African government can assist farmers in achieving
'Zero Hunger' by 2030. (4 x 2) (8)
Marking Guidelines

2.3. 2.3.1 When nutritious food is accessible to the people of a country

[CONCEPT] (1 x 2) (2)

2.3.2 23,6% (1) (1 x 1) (1)

2.3.3 To make a comparison of food security across countries (1 x 2) (2)

2.3.4 People were unable to work reducing food production/industry (2)

Due to unemployment people could not purchase food (2)
Borders closed and countries could not import food (2)
[ANY ONE] (1 x 2) (2)
2.3.5 Incentives can increase productivity on farms (2)
Technical support for small scale farmers will increase production (2)
Providing modernised farming equipment will increase production (2)
Encourage (incentives) subsistence farmers (fragmented land) to
embrace commercial farming (2)
Incentives for co-operative farming will increase the variety and
quantity of products (2)
Research into a variety of farming practices will optimize production (2)
Land reform programmes should be prioritized to give more people
access to farming land (2)
Subsidising farmers with the procurement of genetically modified(GM)
crops will guarantee production of crops (2)
Programmes to upskill farmers will improve efficiency and protect the
land (2)
Access to pesticides and insecticides improve and ensure the quality of
crops (2)
[ANY FOUR] (4 x 2) (8)
 Activity 5
2.5 Refer to the interview between Refiwe Moloto and Zanele Khomo below, about
food security in KwaZulu-Natal and answer the questions that follow.

Cape Talk Show host Refiwe Moloto chats to Zanele Khomo from
the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry about the looting in
KZN.
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry has warned that the civil unrest
and public violence in KwaZulu-Natal will most likely lead to job losses and food
shortages in the country.
"KZN specifically contributes 16% of South Africa's GDP, so such damage is
detrimental to our economy," says Zanele Khomo, the Chief Growth Officer of the
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Khomo says the looting and destruction will result in food insecurity and loss of
livelihoods as many factories and food producers shut down.
According to the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the cost of the
damage in the province had already exceeded R100 million on Monday and it is
expected to keep rising in the days and weeks to come.
Khomo says officials from the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry met with
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala, on Monday to provide an assessment of the
situation.

[Adapted from source: [Link]

securty-job-security-and-livelihoods-durban-chamber-of-commerce, Capetalk 567 AM]

2.5.1 Define the term food insecurity. (1 x 2) (2)

2.5.2 Quote ONE direct consequence from the extract, of the civil unrest and
public violence in KwaZulu-Natal, on food security. (1 x 1) (1)

2.5.3 Describe how the unrest might have led to food insecurity. (1 x 2) (2)

2.5.4 Discuss the relationship between unemployment and food insecurity.

(2 x 2) (4)

2.5.5 What strategies can the government implement to prevent food

insecurity in the areas affected by the civil unrest and public violence in
KwaZulu-Natal? (3 x 2) (6)
Marking Guideline

2.5.1

A condition in which people do not have enough nutritious food and

may not know where their next meal will come from. (2)
[CONCEPT] (1 x 2) (2)

2.5.2

Food shortage (1) (1 x 1) (1)

2.5.3
The rioting and looting, especially in KZN, affected farm production
as there were no workers. (2)
The rioting and looting hampered critical activities such as
harvesting. (2)
Some products could not be harvested as a result of riot-related
vandalism. (2)
Farmers failed to transport produce to the Durban ports for
export. (2)
Deliveries to the market were not possible. (2)
Many workers in the agricultural sector in KZN were not able to
report for work during the rioting. (2)
Distribution centres were not accessible, for the farming community
to deliver their produce. (2)
Distribution centres were not able to deliver food to their clients to
sell. (2)
Rioting and looting resulted in income losses of highly perishable
products. (2)
[Any ONE] (1 x 2) (2)

2.5.4

Unemployed people are less able to buy enough healthy food to feed
themselves. (2)
When unemployment increases, food insecurity becomes a more
serious problem. (2)
Hunger and poor nutrition can result in physical and mental
 weaknesses which will result in absenteeism from work. (2)
Food insecurity can cause unemployment and poverty because of
the poor health of workers. (2)
The higher the unemployment, the higher the rate of food
insecurity. (2)
[Any TWO] (2 x 2) (4)
2.5.5
Protect food supply chains and consider them essential services. (2)
Prioritise the supply of food to the affected areas. (2)
Place an export ban on food products and supply the affected areas
first. (2)
Create security at the food markets in these areas. (2)
Enhance food availability as a priority in the affected areas. (2)
Food emergency management systems need to be put in place. (2)
The movement of goods, including food and agricultural produce on
the roads to these areas must be prioritised. (2)
Subsidise food prices so that people can afford to buy food. (2)

[Any THREE] (3 x 2) (6)