The Global Food System

This lesson examines how food is produced, distributed, and consumed at a global scale. You will study trends in food production, the Green Revolution, agribusiness, food miles, commodity chains, and the role of transnational corporations (TNCs) in shaping the global food system. Understanding these interconnected processes is essential for AQA A-Level Geography.

---

Global Food Production Trends

Global food production has increased dramatically since the mid-20th century. Between 1961 and 2023, total food production more than tripled, while the world population grew from 3.1 billion to 8 billion — meaning per capita food production has increased substantially.

Key Statistics

• Global cereal production rose from approximately 880 million tonnes (1961) to 2,800 million tonnes (2023) — FAO data
• Average global dietary energy supply increased from approximately 2,200 kcal/person/day (1961) to 2,950 kcal/person/day (2023)
• The proportion of the global population classified as undernourished fell from approximately 36% (1970) to 9.2% (2023), though absolute numbers have risen since 2015

Uneven Distribution

Despite increased production, food distribution remains profoundly unequal: