Factors affecting food supply

• Why is it hard for the DRC to grow enough food?

  Due to bad infrastructure and trading relationships
• Which countries are mentioned as being vulnerable to droughts and floods?

  Parts of the DRC and Chad
• What is a consequence of malnutrition in people?

  They have low energy
• What are the consequences of a country moving into food deficit?

  It may lead to food insecurity and malnutrition
• What factors can lead a country to struggle in food production?

  Drought, floods, steep relief, or bad soil erosion
• How does poverty affect people's ability to work on a farm?

  Poverty can stop people from having enough energy to work
• What challenges do subsistence farmers face when living in poverty?

  They may not afford pesticides and fertilizers
• What is water stress?

  Environments without enough water due to pollution or drought
• How long can humans survive without water?

  1. 4 days
• What impact do pests have on crops?

  Pests eat or damage crops, reducing yields
• What disease can affect cattle?

  Mad Cow Disease
• What happened in 2001 related to livestock diseases?

  Thousands of livestock were killed due to Foot and Mouth disease
• How can technology help in farming?

  Pesticides, fertilizers, and vertical farming can increase yields
• What is the effect of automation and mechanization in farming?

  It makes farming more efficient but reduces job availability
• What is genetic modification used for in agriculture?

  To create more nutritious foods and pest-resistant strains
• How can conflict affect food supply?

  Wars can block supply chains and destroy infrastructure
• What was a consequence of the civil war in the Congo between 1997 and 1999?

  Thousands of people died from starvation or famine
• What are the main factors contributing to food insecurity?

  • Vulnerability to droughts and floods
  • Poor infrastructure and trading relationships
  • Poverty and malnutrition
  • Water stress due to pollution or drought
  • Pests and diseases affecting crops and livestock
  • Conflict disrupting supply chains
• What are the effects of malnutrition on individuals living in poverty?

  • Low energy levels
  • Less effective immune system
  • Reduced capacity for manual labor
  • Decreased cognitive function