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Learning objective

Students should be able to describe and explain the key characteristics of agricultural systems, including the types of farming such as commercial and subsistence, as well as arable, pastoral, and mixed farming. They should understand the inputs, processes, and outputs involved in these systems, and how natural factors (like relief, climate, and soil) and human factors (such as economic and social influences) affect agricultural land use. Additionally, students should recognize the causes and impacts of food shortages, including natural disasters (like droughts, floods, and pests) and economic or political issues (such as low investment and transport challenges). They should also discuss the negative consequences of food shortages, including the need for food aid and strategies to enhance agricultural output. Case studies should include an agricultural system or farm and a country or region experiencing food shortages.

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Cambridge IGCSE GeographyEconomic development

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Quick explanation

Students should be able to describe and explain the key characteristics of agricultural systems, including the types of farming such as commercial and subsistence, as well as arable, pastoral, and mixed farming. They should understand the inputs, processes, and outputs involved in these systems, and how natural factors (like relief, climate, and soil) and human factors (such as economic and social influences) affect agricultural land use. Additionally, students should recognize the causes and impacts of food shortages, including natural disasters (like droughts, floods, and pests) and economic or political issues (such as low investment and transport challenges). They should also discuss the negative consequences of food shortages, including the need for food aid and strategies to enhance agricultural output. Case studies should include an agricultural system or farm and a country or region experiencing food shortages

  • This point belongs to Food production, especially Food production outcomes.
  • You need to be able to students should be able to describe and explain the key characteristics of agricultural systems, including the types of farming such as commercial and subsistence, as well as arable, pastoral, and mixed farming. They should understand the inputs, processes, and outputs involved in these systems, and how natural factors (like relief, climate, and soil) and human factors (such as economic and social influences) affect agricultural land use. Additionally, students should recognize the causes and impacts of food shortages, including natural disasters (like droughts, floods, and pests) and economic or political issues (such as low investment and transport challenges). They should also discuss the negative consequences of food shortages, including the need for food aid and strategies to enhance agricultural output. Case studies should include an agricultural system or farm and a country or region experiencing food shortages.
  • The key ideas to know are Describe, Explain, and Identify.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DescribeExplainIdentifySuggest

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Description

Agricultural Systems Overview

Agricultural systems can be classified into commercial and subsistence farming, with further divisions into arable, pastoral, and mixed farming. Inputs include seeds, fertilizers, and labor, while outputs are the crops and livestock produced. Natural factors such as climate and soil quality, along with human factors like economic conditions, influence agricultural practices.

  1. a

    Explain the differences between commercial and subsistence farming.

    Aim for approximately 3 distinct marking points.

    [3]
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