New Century Geography Section B Core module 1 Food Problem —
Revision Notes Can we feed ourselves?
(2nd Edition)
Section B Core module 1
Food Problem — Can we feed ourselves?
Chapter 2 Can China produce enough food for the growing population?
How is the population trend in China? Can food production in China meet the
demand from the population?
In the 1950s, the population
in China grew rapidly
Population trend
in China The growth rate has slowed
down due to the
implementation of the one-
Demand for food child policy from 1979 to
and food 2015
production in
China
The amount of food production in China increases
continuously and can still satisfy the food demand from
the population
Currently, China is the most populous country in the world. Its population
reached 1.4 billion in 2019.
Continuous population growth, loss of farmland, natural hazards, environmental
pollution, etc. increase the risk of food shortage in China.
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New Century Geography Section B Core module 1 Food Problem —
Revision Notes Can we feed ourselves?
(2nd Edition)
What are the major farming problems in China that affect food production?
Loss of arable land: China is currently under rapid
urbanisation. A lot of arable land has been converted into
urban land uses
Soil erosion: Human activities at the edges of deserts,
including over-cultivation, overgrazing and deforestation,
can cause soil erosion and affect food production. Hence,
farmland becomes more prone to desertification
Shortage of water resources: Water resources in China are
scarce and unevenly distributed. Besides, ground water has
been exploited and exhausted continuously due to rapid
development of cities and population growth in South
China, leading to the problem of water shortage
Environmental pollution: A large amount of air pollutants
and sewage are released from factories and farmers
Farming
overuse pesticides and chemical fertilisers. These lead to
problems in
serious environmental pollution which affects the growth of
China
crops and puts food safety at risk
Natural hazards: Natural hazards, including drought,
blizzard, sandstorm, flood, typhoon and plague of locusts,
often occur in China. They may lead to crop failure.
Low level of agricultural technology: Farmlands in China
are fragmented, which is difficult for the application of large
machinery. Besides, since the income and educational level
of the farmers are low, it is difficult for them to apply
agricultural technology
Decrease in labour force: Since the income and standard of
living in cities are higher than those in villages, many rural
dwellers give up farming and move to cities. Labour force in
the agricultural sector decreases, which affects food
production
1. Loss of arable land
Some existing farmlands are converted into industrial and urban land uses, such
as roads, factories and houses.
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©LING KEE PUBLISHING CO., LTD.
New Century Geography Section B Core module 1 Food Problem —
Revision Notes Can we feed ourselves?
(2nd Edition)
2. Soil erosion
When the land loses protection from vegetation, topsoil is exposed and carried
away by wind and rain easily. This causes soil erosion.
Soil erosion reduces soil fertility, affecting food production.
3. Shortage of water resources
The supply of water resources decreases from the southeast to the northwest.
Water shortage is a common agricultural problem in North China.
In 2017, the amount of freshwater per capita in China is lower than that in the
world.
4. Environmental pollution
The release of a large amount of air pollutants and sewage will lead to acid rain,
land pollution and water pollution.
5. Natural hazards
Example: A severe drought occurred in Northeast China in 2014, which led to a
serious crop failure.
6. Low level of agricultural technology
Currently, the level of mechanisation in China is still lower than that in more
developed countries.
7. Decrease in labour force
Advantages of living in cities:
Higher income;
More job opportunities;
Well-developed infrastructure and facilities;
Higher standard of living.
Disadvantages of living in villages:
Lower and unstable income;
Fewer job opportunities;
Insufficient infrastructure and facilities;
Lower standard of living.
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