2. The Green Revolution Agricultural change in LEDCs

3. What is the Green Revolution? The ‘Green Revolution’ was an attempt to stimulate changes in agriculture in LEDCs to help cope with growing population and the subsequent rising demand for food supplies. It involved improving the efficiency of food production by applying modern technology derived from MEDCs laboratories.

4. New farming methods Use of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of hybrid seeds, which are bred to be resistant to disease and quick growing. Use of fertilisers and pesticides for weed and pest control. The HYVs are hyper-sensitive and totally reliant on these chemicals. Increased use of mechanical technology e.g. tractors, combine harvesters, irrigation pumps, etc.

5. Tasks a) List THREE successes of the Green Revolution b) Describe THREE problems for small landholders as a consequence of the Green Revolution c) What was a major environmental consequence of the Green Revolution?

6. ‘Green Revolution’ quiz! 1. Where did the GR take place? 2. Give an example of a country where food production increase. 3. Why was the GR necessary? 4. What does HYV stand for? 5. HYV were _____ to disease and quick ____ 6. What else had to be bought with the package to make the HYV seeds work? 7. Why was this a problem? 8. What environmental problems were caused?