State two diseases of poverty.

Describe the distribution of diseases of poverty.

Explain two types of diffusion in relation to the spread of disease.

To what extent have recent changes in agriculture increased the production and availability of food in low-income countries?

Diseases of poverty include communicable/infectious diseases, such as malaria, ebola, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS [1].

Accept other possible answers.

Diseases of poverty are primarily concentrated in low-income countries [1] often in tropical regions, but are also found in low-income groups in more affluent countries [1].

Do not accept reasons for poverty unless they are specifically linked to developing the location/distribution/example.

Award [1] for additional detail such as a located example.

The two types named in the syllabus are relocation and expansion diffusion.

Accept other valid types of diffusion, such as contagious and hierarchical.

In each case, award [1] for identification of the type of diffusion, [1] for explaining the concept, and [1] for further development or exemplification.

For example: Influenza is primarily spread by expansion diffusion [1], which means it spreads outwards by contact with an infected individual [1] into a population that has not previously been exposed to the disease [1].

A distinction should be made between increases in food production and increases in food availability.

Recent changes in agricultural production have included increases in crop and animal yields due to scientific innovation, breeding and development of higher yielding varieties. There has also been an increase in areas under irrigation, and in the use of fertilizers and pesticides, which have increased crop yields. There has also been an increase in the area under cultivation.

The growth of agribusiness, improvements in transport and communications, the development of marketing, and improved storage facilities have also increased food availability.

However, there has been unequal development and changes have not occurred in all regions. Wealthier, more fertile regions have increased agricultural yields, while more marginal, less fertile and poorer regions have not experienced large increases. Political factors, income levels, high food prices and poor infrastructure often limit increases in productivity and availability. In other areas, especially those farmed by agribusinesses, changes may focus on the production of non-food crops for export, decreasing local food availability.

Good answers may evaluate the extent to which there have been increases in both food production and availability. They might consider changes in agricultural systems in low-income countries that have resulted in increases in productivity. They could evaluate the extent to which changes in productivity have occurred in different regions, and that food availability may vary due to economic, political and demographic factors.

For band D, expect answers that describe some changes in food production and availability in some countries.

At band E, expect either a more detailed explanation of changes in agriculture, food production and availability in particular regions, or some structured evaluation of the extent to which the statement is true.

At band F, expect both of these elements.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.