Factors affecting food supply

Climate: extreme weather (e.g. droughts, floods) reduces crop yields. Climate change leads to unpredictable growing seasons and desertification.
Technology: advanced technology (e.g. irrigation, GM crops) boosts food production in HICs, but LICs lack access to modern farming techniques.
Pests and disease: crops and livestock are vulnerable to pests (e.g. locusts) and diseases; poor pest control in LICs reduces yields.
Water stress: lack of water for irrigation limits food production, especially in arid (dry) regions. Overuse of water for agriculture depletes supplies and damages ecosystems.
Conflict: wars disrupt farming, destroy infrastructure, and displace populations, leading to food shortages. Blockades and sanctions can prevent food imports.
Poverty: poor farmers cannot afford seeds, machinery, or fertilisers to increase yields. Poverty limits access to food, even when it is available.

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