Compare food-production systems using evidence
Compare food-production methods by naming the outcome, denominator, benefits and trade-offs rather than relying on total output alone.
Section 20.1 · Food supply
Exam scope and assessment notes
Core and Extended · Biology 0970, 2026–2028. Use the stated specimen features and evidence. Diagrams are schematic. Written practice is self-checked; human subject-teacher review, supervised practical competence and cumulative assessment remain pending. Cambridge states that IGCSE 0970 has the same subject content as IGCSE 0610, with 9–1 grading. This StudyForA pathway maps the 2026–2028 syllabus only. This 9–1 graded qualification is available only in a limited number of administrative zones. Confirm that your centre can enter you for this code and exam series with Cambridge International. Cambridge has published a separate syllabus for 2029. StudyForA has not reconciled that version yet; this page supports exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028 only.
Before you begin
- Know that crop and livestock production depend on both management and environmental conditions.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What is needed for a fair efficiency comparison?
What you will learn
- Compare monoculture and intensive production using supplied evidence
- State a balanced conclusion that distinguishes output from efficiency
Separate production systems and measures
A crop monoculture grows one crop species on a large area; intensive livestock keeps animals at high density with managed feeding and conditions. Both systems can support large-scale production, but they apply to different kinds of food production.
Compare total output, yield per area, output per feed input, labour or quality only when the relevant data are supplied. A larger total does not establish greater efficiency if the system also uses more land, feed, time or other inputs.
Balance advantages with disadvantages
Large-scale crop monocultures can simplify planting and harvesting, while low crop diversity can increase vulnerability to a crop-specific pest or disease. Intensive livestock can coordinate feeding and production, while high density can create welfare and disease-management concerns.
A balanced conclusion names the advantage and the relevant limitation. Do not rank systems without a stated goal, comparable evidence and the input measures needed for that goal.
Pause and explain
One system has a larger total harvest but uses more land. What should be calculated?
Worked example
System A produces 50 tonnes from 20 hectares. System B produces 63 tonnes from 30 hectares. Compare total output and yield per hectare.
Show the worked solution
- Compare total masses.
- Divide each output by its area.
Answer System B has the larger total harvest. System A yields 2.5 tonnes per hectare, while System B yields 2.1 tonnes per hectare, so A has the higher yield per area in this example.
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Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
System A harvests 36 tonnes from 12 hectares; System B harvests 48 tonnes from 20 hectares. Compare total harvest and yield per hectare.
Give me a hint
Calculate output per area as well as totals.
Compare my reasoning
- System B has 12 tonnes more total harvest.
- A yields 3 tonnes per hectare; B yields 2.4 tonnes per hectare.
System B has the larger total harvest, 48 tonnes. System A has the larger yield per area at 3 tonnes per hectare, compared with 2.4 tonnes per hectare for B.
Look for these in your work
- Totals compared
- Yield per hectare correct
A farm proposes a monoculture because it is easier to mechanise. Give one advantage and one relevant risk to consider.
Give me a hint
Balance operation with crop vulnerability.
Compare my reasoning
- Mechanisation and standardised operations can simplify production.
- A crop-specific pest may affect a large area of similar plants.
Mechanisation can make large-scale planting and harvesting more straightforward. A relevant risk is that a pest or disease affecting the crop may damage a large area; the decision depends on the crop and management.
Look for these in your work
- Advantage linked to system
- Risk qualified
A livestock system increases total output but also uses more feed. What extra information is required before claiming improved feed efficiency?
Give me a hint
Compare output per feed input.
Compare my reasoning
- Record the amount of feed used by each system.
- Divide comparable food output by feed input.
Measure comparable food output and feed input for each system, then calculate output per kilogram of feed. Higher total production alone does not show higher feed efficiency.
Look for these in your work
- Input identified
- Efficiency measure selected
Common mistakes
- Ranking systems using only total output
- Comparing systems with different denominators
- Treating an advantage as proof that no disadvantage exists
What can you explain now?
What is needed for a fair efficiency comparison?
Compare with the explanation
A named output and input measured comparably
Efficiency depends on both.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
How should you compare total production, yield per area and input efficiency, and why should conclusions include both benefits and trade-offs?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.