Describe the pattern of the changes in average life expectancy shown on the map.

Suggest three reasons, other than improved health programmes, why life expectancy has increased in named regions in recent years.

Referring to examples, examine how transnational corporations (TNCs), including agribusinesses, affect food production and food availability.

Award [1 mark] for each of the following patterns, and exceptions to/clarifications of the patterns identified:

• overall pattern is one of increases in almost every region
• the exception is the Caribbean
• the largest increase in life expectancy is in Central/South America
• less wealthy regions have higher increases than more wealthy regions
• illustrates points using data/provides some quantification.

Credit alternative approaches.

A list of regions and rates, with no pattern, should gain [2 marks] only.

Award [1 mark] for identifying a reason, and [1 mark] for some development for a named region. Award only [1 mark] if no region is specified.

Possible reasons include:

• improved food supply [1 mark] means fewer deaths from famine in Africa [1 mark]
• improved access to safe water [1 mark] means fewer cholera deaths in Asia [1 mark]
• rise in incomes [1 mark] means improved nutrition in Asia [1 mark]
• improved surgery/medical response [1 mark] means reduction in mortality from accidents in Europe [1 mark]
• fewer women die in childbirth (maternal mortality reduction) [1 mark] due to spending on MDGs in Asia and Africa [1 mark]
• fewer deaths from disasters eg flooding [1 mark] due to improved flood response/adaption measures across Asia [1 mark]
• credit other valid reasons and developments.

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

There are many possible approaches to this question, but essentially TNCs and agribusiness either increase or decrease food availability. TNCs and agribusinesses, such as Cargill, Dole or Del Monte, may increase food availability through producing food crops, though not necessarily in the regions where the agribusinesses are located. Examples may be either of regions where food is produced, or of the TNCs/supply chains.

TNCs and agribusinesses specializing in the production of non-food cash crops or exotic foods may reduce the amount of food available locally, as less land is available for food crops or people leave their own plots of land to work as an employee on land farmed by TNCs/agribusiness.

There are alternative, equally valid, approaches such as looking at the environmental damage that can result in some cases from agribusiness practices and which could adversely impact local farmers.

For band D, candidates must describe some ways in which TNCs generally affect food production and/or availability for named places/TNC operations.

Band E should either provide greater exemplified detail of food production/availability issues or offer some more sophisticated evaluation of the distinction between production and availability (eg distinguishes between who is producing the food and who is consuming it).

At band F, expect both elements.

Overall well answered.

Most candidates were able to cite three reasons for increased life expectancy, but these sometimes included improved health programmes. Some did not score full marks as they did not provide named regions.

This question was generally poorly answered, with little idea of the role of TNCs and agribusinesses in food production/availability, and limited understanding of the question. The weakest answers discussed the merits of Starbucks and McDonald’s. A few good responses looked at the role of TNCs in production, distribution and marketing/retail.