Factors affecting food securitySpec 4.7.5.1
- Food security
- Having enough food to feed a population.
Biological factors which are threatening food security include:
- the increasing birth rate has threatened food security in some countries
- changing diets in developed countries means scarce food resources are transported around the world
- new pests and pathogens that affect farming
- environmental changes that affect food production, such as widespread famine occurring in some countries if rains fail
- the cost of agricultural inputs
- conflicts that have arisen in some parts of the world which affect the availability of water or food.
Sustainable methods must be found to feed all people on Earth.
Farming techniquesSpec 4.7.5.2
The efficiency of food production can be improved by restricting energy transfer from food animals to the environment. This can be done by:
- limiting their movement
- controlling the temperature of their surroundings.
Animals that move less and are kept warm transfer less energy to their surroundings, so more of the energy from their food is used for growth. Some animals are fed high protein foods to increase growth.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| More meat produced from the same amount of food, so food is cheaper | Some people have ethical objections: animals are kept in restricted, unnatural conditions |
| Less land is needed for the number of animals | Costs of heating, buildings and feed |
| Helps meet the demands of a growing population | Disease can spread quickly between animals kept close together |
Sustainable fisheriesSpec 4.7.5.3
Fish stocks in the oceans are declining. It is important to maintain fish stocks at a level where breeding continues or certain species may disappear altogether in some areas.
| Method | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Control of net size | A larger mesh lets small, young fish escape. They survive, grow and breed |
| Fishing quotas | A limit on how much fish can be caught, so enough fish are left to breed and stocks recover |
These techniques promote recovery of fish stocks and conserve them at a sustainable level.
Role of biotechnologySpec 4.7.5.4
Biotechnological and agricultural solutions, including genetic modification, can help meet the demands of the growing human population. Modern biotechnology techniques enable large quantities of microorganisms to be cultured for food.
Mycoprotein
The fungus Fusarium is useful for producing mycoprotein, a protein-rich food suitable for vegetarians.
- The fungus is grown on glucose syrup.
- It is grown in aerobic conditions (with oxygen).
- The biomass is harvested and purified.
Genetically modified organisms
A genetically modified bacterium produces human insulin. When harvested and purified this is used to treat people with diabetes.
GM crops could provide more food or food with an improved nutritional value, such as golden rice.
Tap to enlargeQuick check
Define food security.
Show answer
Having enough food to feed a population.
Why does limiting the movement of food animals increase efficiency of food production?
Show answer
Less energy is transferred to the environment, so more goes into growth.
Give two ways to keep fish stocks sustainable.
Show answer
Control of net size and fishing quotas.
What is mycoprotein and what is it grown on?
Show answer
A protein-rich food made from the fungus Fusarium, grown on glucose syrup in aerobic conditions.
What is produced by a genetically modified bacterium to treat diabetes?
Show answer
Human insulin.