Key learning points

1. Different strategies can be used to increase food supply.
2. Strategies to increase food supplies include irrigation, aeroponics and hydroponics.
3. Biotechnology has a role, for example, producing genetically-modified crops that are drought-resistant.
4. A new green revolution is needed to increase the production of smaller farms without harming the environment.
5. Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kenya, is a large-scale agricultural development with advantages and disadvantages.

Keywords

• Hydroponics - growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water and without soil

• Aeroponics - growing plants in a mist environment without the use of soil

• Biotechnology - use of technology to modify organic products or processes, for example, genetically-engineering crops

• New green revolution - approach to boosting food production that seeks to benefit poor farmers bypassed by the original green revolution and conserve the environment

• Appropriate technology - technology suited to the needs, skills, knowledge and wealth of local people in the environment in which they live

Common misconception