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holly battisson
04/12/2025
Geography
Food and Resources - GCSE Geography
421
•
4 Dec 2025
•
GCSE Geography: Food and Resources Explained
holly battisson
@hollybattisson
1 / 6
Food Security Basics
Food security means having enough nutritious and affordable food available when you need it. Sounds simple, but it's actually quite complex! When people can't access enough food, they experience food insecurity, which affects over 1 billion people globally.
The UK faces interesting food challenges. We want strawberries in December and avocados year-round, which means importing loads of food and creating massive food miles (the distance food travels from farm to plate). Meanwhile, some countries have a food surplus - more than enough to feed everyone.
Organic food consumption is rising because people think it's better for the environment and healthier. This shift shows how consumer choices directly impact food production methods worldwide.
Quick Tip: Food miles aren't just about distance - they also include the carbon footprint of transporting food across the globe!
Almeria, Spain - Intensive Agriculture
Picture 40,000 hectares of greenhouses stretching as far as you can see - that's Almeria! This Spanish region is one of Europe's driest areas with just 228mm of rain per year, yet it's become the world's largest greenhouse complex.
These plastic seas produce 2.7 million tonnes of vegetables annually, creating jobs and relatively cheap food for European markets. Local workers earn solid incomes, which boosts the regional economy significantly.
However, there's a dark side. Immigrant workers often receive extremely low wages, creating unfair working conditions. The system also generates enormous amounts of plastic waste, contributing to global warming. Local rivers have been blocked or diverted, leading to unexpected flooding problems.
This case study perfectly shows how intensive agriculture can solve food production challenges whilst creating serious environmental and social issues.
Key Point: Almeria demonstrates that solving one problem (food production) can create others (environmental damage and worker exploitation).
Rice-Fish Farming in Bangladesh
In Jamalpur, Bangladesh, farmers discovered something brilliant - keeping fish in rice fields increases crop yields by up to 10%! This appropriate technology works perfectly because it uses local knowledge and resources.
The system is beautifully simple. Rice grows in flooded paddies with deeper areas for fish, nets keep predator birds away, and bunds (earth walls) retain water. Fish waste fertilises the rice, whilst rice provides shelter for the fish.
This method has transformed local food security. Families now have both more rice and protein from fish, plus extra income from selling surplus. The scheme is completely sustainable because it involves local people using traditional knowledge with slight improvements.
It's a brilliant example of how small changes can make huge differences without requiring expensive technology or outside expertise.
Success Story: Rice-fish farming shows that sustainable solutions often come from working with nature, not against it!
Global Food Production Strategies
Modern farming uses some pretty amazing techniques to boost food production. Irrigation systems supply crops with precise amounts of water, whilst aeroponics grows plants in mid-air by spraying nutrient mists directly onto roots - no soil needed!
Hydroponics takes this further by dangling plant roots into nutrient-rich solutions. These methods might sound like science fiction, but they're increasingly common in commercial farming.
The Green Revolution dramatically increased food production, particularly in Africa, helping reduce famine through improved seeds and farming techniques. Biotechnology now allows scientists to manipulate living organisms to create crops with desired characteristics like drought resistance.
Appropriate technology focuses on giving lower-income countries (LICs) tools they can actually use and maintain. There's no point introducing super-advanced equipment if local farmers can't afford to run or repair it!
Think About It: The best farming technology isn't always the most advanced - it's the one that actually works for the people using it.
Sustainable Food Production Methods
Sustainable farming is all about producing food without destroying the environment for future generations. Permaculture creates food systems that mimic natural ecosystems, avoiding harmful chemicals whilst protecting biodiversity.
Organic farming relies on natural soil nutrients instead of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. It's gentler on the environment but often produces lower yields, making it more expensive.
Local food production reduces carbon footprints by cutting transport distances, whilst seasonal food means eating what grows naturally at different times of year. Urban farming brings food production into cities through rooftop gardens and small allocated plots.
Choosing sustainable meat and fish means supporting free-range farming and responsible fishing practices. These methods cost more but create less environmental damage and often provide better animal welfare.
Your Choice Matters: Every time you buy food, you're voting for the type of farming system you want to support!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE Geography: Food and Resources Explained
holly battisson
@hollybattisson
Ever wondered why your strawberries cost so much in winter or why some countries struggle to feed their populations whilst others throw food away? Food security affects billions of people worldwide, and understanding how we produce, distribute, and consume food... Show more
Food Security Basics
Food security means having enough nutritious and affordable food available when you need it. Sounds simple, but it's actually quite complex! When people can't access enough food, they experience food insecurity, which affects over 1 billion people globally.
The UK faces interesting food challenges. We want strawberries in December and avocados year-round, which means importing loads of food and creating massive food miles (the distance food travels from farm to plate). Meanwhile, some countries have a food surplus - more than enough to feed everyone.
Organic food consumption is rising because people think it's better for the environment and healthier. This shift shows how consumer choices directly impact food production methods worldwide.
Quick Tip: Food miles aren't just about distance - they also include the carbon footprint of transporting food across the globe!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Almeria, Spain - Intensive Agriculture
Picture 40,000 hectares of greenhouses stretching as far as you can see - that's Almeria! This Spanish region is one of Europe's driest areas with just 228mm of rain per year, yet it's become the world's largest greenhouse complex.
These plastic seas produce 2.7 million tonnes of vegetables annually, creating jobs and relatively cheap food for European markets. Local workers earn solid incomes, which boosts the regional economy significantly.
However, there's a dark side. Immigrant workers often receive extremely low wages, creating unfair working conditions. The system also generates enormous amounts of plastic waste, contributing to global warming. Local rivers have been blocked or diverted, leading to unexpected flooding problems.
This case study perfectly shows how intensive agriculture can solve food production challenges whilst creating serious environmental and social issues.
Key Point: Almeria demonstrates that solving one problem (food production) can create others (environmental damage and worker exploitation).
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Rice-Fish Farming in Bangladesh
In Jamalpur, Bangladesh, farmers discovered something brilliant - keeping fish in rice fields increases crop yields by up to 10%! This appropriate technology works perfectly because it uses local knowledge and resources.
The system is beautifully simple. Rice grows in flooded paddies with deeper areas for fish, nets keep predator birds away, and bunds (earth walls) retain water. Fish waste fertilises the rice, whilst rice provides shelter for the fish.
This method has transformed local food security. Families now have both more rice and protein from fish, plus extra income from selling surplus. The scheme is completely sustainable because it involves local people using traditional knowledge with slight improvements.
It's a brilliant example of how small changes can make huge differences without requiring expensive technology or outside expertise.
Success Story: Rice-fish farming shows that sustainable solutions often come from working with nature, not against it!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Global Food Production Strategies
Modern farming uses some pretty amazing techniques to boost food production. Irrigation systems supply crops with precise amounts of water, whilst aeroponics grows plants in mid-air by spraying nutrient mists directly onto roots - no soil needed!
Hydroponics takes this further by dangling plant roots into nutrient-rich solutions. These methods might sound like science fiction, but they're increasingly common in commercial farming.
The Green Revolution dramatically increased food production, particularly in Africa, helping reduce famine through improved seeds and farming techniques. Biotechnology now allows scientists to manipulate living organisms to create crops with desired characteristics like drought resistance.
Appropriate technology focuses on giving lower-income countries (LICs) tools they can actually use and maintain. There's no point introducing super-advanced equipment if local farmers can't afford to run or repair it!
Think About It: The best farming technology isn't always the most advanced - it's the one that actually works for the people using it.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sustainable Food Production Methods
Sustainable farming is all about producing food without destroying the environment for future generations. Permaculture creates food systems that mimic natural ecosystems, avoiding harmful chemicals whilst protecting biodiversity.
Organic farming relies on natural soil nutrients instead of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. It's gentler on the environment but often produces lower yields, making it more expensive.
Local food production reduces carbon footprints by cutting transport distances, whilst seasonal food means eating what grows naturally at different times of year. Urban farming brings food production into cities through rooftop gardens and small allocated plots.
Choosing sustainable meat and fish means supporting free-range farming and responsible fishing practices. These methods cost more but create less environmental damage and often provide better animal welfare.
Your Choice Matters: Every time you buy food, you're voting for the type of farming system you want to support!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in Geography
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user