| Date | May 2018 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 18M.1.SL.TZ0.3 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Outline | Question number | 3 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Figure 4(a): Tavy – traditional method of slash-and-burn agriculture used in Madagascar
Figure 4(b): Clearance of forest for traditional tavy method of agriculture
Figure 4(c): Agroforestry – an alternative to the traditional tavy method of farming
The resource booklet provides information on Madagascar. Use the resource booklet and your own studies to answer the following.
With reference to Figures 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c), outline two reasons why a change from tavy agriculture to agroforestry may be more sustainable.
Outline two reasons why the change from tavy agriculture to agroforestry may be difficult to achieve.
Markscheme
This question requires “Resource Booklet - May 2018 SL paper 1”, available under the "your tests" tab > supplemental materials.
In agroforestry:
forests/habitats and their biodiversity are maintained / reduces deforestation;
tree/forest cover/root system reduces risk of flooding/flash floods/soil erosion;
tree canopy/plant cover reduces impact of precipitation on soils / soil erosion;
within agroforestry soil maintains organic matter / levels of fertility / trees fix nitrogen in soil / leaves from trees enrich soil;
forest provides a variety of resources e.g. medicinal plants/firewood/timber/crops / farmer can get milk and food from agroforestry / forest can provide fodder for animal;
manure from animals can be used as a fertilizer for crops/trees;
land can be used sustainably/indefinitely/over long period of time rather than for a few years;
no burning of woodland reduces amount of carbon dioxide effect on global warming/climate change / forest can absorb carbon dioxide.
Accept converse statements for tavy method.
This question requires “Resource Booklet - May 2018 SL paper 1”, available under the "your tests" tab > supplemental materials.
tavy is a method that can be considered part of the local culture/traditions;
people tend to have an aversion to change / do not trust change;
if site conditions are poor, rehabilitation can take time / if soil is poor in nutrients it can be difficult to establish agroforestry / trees take time to grow so benefits would not be seen immediately;
agroforestry cannot provide same products as traditional methods e.g. rice;
lack of education to explain the advantages of alternative methods / lack of knowledge about agroforestry / agroforestry is a more complex system to farm / tavy is easier than agroforestry /agroforestry requires more work;
lack of funds to promote agroforestry.
Examiners report
The majority of responses were good and a large proportion achieved full marks.
The majority of candidates achieved either 1 or 2 marks for this response. A common error was focusing on only one marking point.
