Food Security Basics
What does food security mean?
Having reliable access to enough safe and nutritious food.
What gas released by human activities contributes most to climate change?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
What is agriculture?
The growing of crops and raising of livestock.
Name one way individuals can reduce food waste.
Eat leftovers, meal plan, compost, buy only what is needed.
Which STEEP category examines how people, communities, and populations are affected by food security?
Social
Name one factor that can affect food security.
Examples: drought, conflict, poverty, climate change, natural disasters.
How can drought affect food production?
Crops fail and livestock may die due to lack of water.
What is a crop?
A plant grown for food or other products.
What is sustainable agriculture?
Farming that meets current needs without harming future generations' ability to grow food.
Using drones, irrigation systems, and improved crop varieties to increase food production is an example of which STEEP factor?
Technological
True or False: A country can produce lots of food and still experience food insecurity.
True.
Name one extreme weather event that can threaten food security.
Floods, bushfires, heatwaves, cyclones, storms.
Why is water important for agriculture?
Plants and livestock need water to survive and grow.
How can irrigation improve food security?
It provides water to crops during dry periods.
If rising food prices make it difficult for families to buy nutritious food, which STEEP factor is being demonstrated?
Economic
Why can poverty lead to food insecurity even when food is available?
People may not be able to afford to buy the food.
How might rising temperatures reduce crop yields?
Heat stress can damage crops and reduce growth.
What is one technological advancement that helps farmers increase food production?
Irrigation, machinery, improved seeds, fertilisers, drones.
Why is reducing food waste important?
It increases the amount of food available and reduces environmental impacts.
Droughts, floods, and changing rainfall patterns can reduce food production. Which STEEP factor does this represent?
Environmental
What are the four dimensions of food security?
Availability, Access, Utilisation, Stability.
Explain one way climate change can affect food security both now and in the future.
More frequent droughts, floods, and heatwaves can reduce food production and make food supplies less reliable.
How can soil degradation affect food security?
Poor soil reduces crop growth and lowers food production.
Describe one strategy governments could use to improve food security.
Investing in agricultural technology, improving infrastructure, supporting farmers, or developing water management systems.
Government decisions about water management, farming subsidies, or food imports are examples of which STEEP factor?
Political