Variations in global food consumption patterns between DCs and LDCs over time, in terms of

–      Indicators of food consumption

–      Changing food preferences

Reasons for the growth and variations in food consumption

–      Economic

• Disposable income

•  Pricing

–      Socio-cultural

• Food preferences: organic food and fast food

• Population growth

–      Political

• • Stability of food supply

  • Food safety 

Trends in production of food crops like rice and wheat from 1960s

–      Increased intensity of production of food crops

Factors affecting the intensity of food production

–      Physical

–      Economic

–      Political (Government policy, ASEAN)

–      Technological advances (Green Revolution)

Challenges associated with intensification of production of crops from 1960s

–      Effects of use of irrigation and chemicals on water and soil quality

Causes of food shortage

–      Physical

–      Economic

–      Political 

–      Social