008 - Food Revolution

Factual Question

What scientific and technological innovations have taken place to cause a change in our Earth's ability to produce food?

Conceptual Question

How far can the scientific and technological changes to food production be used as evidence that Boserup's theory is correct?

Key Terminology

            • Irrigation

            • Genetically Modified Food

            • Green Revolution


Define the key terms above by using the 'Useful Links' below:

Useful Links

Activity One - Describe and Discuss

As always before we investigate the impact of the growth of food we need to interrogate sources to suggest if the growth has been happening.


      1. Using image 1, describe the trend in the global distribution of cereal production since 1961.

      2. Why do you believe that global food production has increased? Remember to link back to the population unit and you can also read the information in the first link of the 'Useful Resources' box?

      3. How has the increase in food production impacted what we buy?

      4. Do you consider the impact of what is in your fridge? Explain your answer.

      5. What could you personally do to be more sustainable when it comes to your food shopping choices and food waste? Have a look at the second and third link to help you.

Activity Two - Evaluation

Global population has increased rapidly since the Industrial Revolution began in the mid-1850s and to cope with this rise the production of food has also had change. We are going to investigate what changes have taken place and how it has impacted the socio-economic fabric of societies.


      1. Read the articles ´Agricultural Revolution and ´ (below) and develop a timeline of the changes that have occurred in agricultural production and why those changes were implemented?

      2. What is the Green Revolution?

      3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Green Revolution? You could create a table to help you to do this.

      4. We will debate whether the Green Revolution should have happened and should continue to occur. You will not know your side until after steps 1 to 3 have been completed.

Activity Three

I can't imagine a world where we don't have the option to eat meat. While I understand the issues that are caused by eating meat over a plant-based diet I just can't quite make the shift. So is there another way that people like me can get their 'fix' of a juicy steak on the BBQ? Watch the Ted Talk below and mind map the following:


  1. What are the problems caused by the consumption of meat? Remember to link to the nexus.

  2. What are the potential solutions?

  3. Now read the three articles about a further alternative protein source.

      • Make notes on what the protein is and how views on eating it can differ in different parts of the world.

      • Can the negative views be overcome and how?