Global patterns of calorie intake (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography) : Revision Note

Global patterns of calorie intake

• Food consumption around the world is increasing due to:

  • Population increase: the world population has now reached 8 billion

    • Much of this growth has been in LICs and MICs where people are more likely to suffer food insecurity

  • As countries develop people have money to buy more food

  • Transport of food is easier and cheaper than in the past

• Sufficient food is produced to feed the world's population

  • The distribution of the food available is not equal

• To live a healthy and active life people require about 2,500 calories  

  • In areas like the USA and Europe people consume more calories than needed

  • In areas such as Pakistan, Venezuela and sub-Saharan Africa people consume fewer calories than needed

Reasons for variations in calorie intake

• There are many factors which affect calorie intake these may be due to:

  • food supply

  • food production

  • diet

• Diet can impact the levels of calorie consumption 

  • People in HICs tend to have a higher calorie consumption, as diets are richer in fats and sugars

  • In LICs people tend to consume fewer calories, as diets focus on lower fat and higher fibre diets

• Food production is dependent on several factors

Climate

• Crops and animals require suitable conditions the climate impacts on whether there is enough, too little or too much precipitation and sunshine

Soil

• Soil depth, structure, fertility and pH all influence the types of crops which can be grown

Water

• Crops and livestock need water

• The amount needed is dependent on the type of crop/livestock

• Farmers need enough water to irrigate during drier times

Technology

• The availability of technology will impact on the yield produced

Government

• Investment in agriculture tends to be higher in HICs

• Government subsidies are often available to help support farmers so that they keep producing food

Crop choice

• Some crops are able to feed more people

• Choosing suitable crops affects the number of people who can be fed