Finding more land for food

With prices for foodstuffs rising to new levels, the question of whether or where agricultural land could be expanded to increase supply for key staples has become a pressing matter on the global agenda. Which region has the most potential to expand its arable land?

A. East Asia
B. South Asia
C. Sub-Saharan Africa
D. Latin America

C. Sub-Saharan Africa is correct.

Africa's share of the world's arable land is 11 percent, proportional to its share of the world population. However, by 2030, Africa's share of the world population will reach 18 percent. By this time, arable land area in developing countries will increase by 13 percent.

Half of the increase in Africa is expected to take place in the sub-Saharan part of the continent. But for this to occur, public and private investment in agricultural research must increase, along with government policies toward farmers. East Asia and the Pacific have only 14 percent of the world's arable land but 31 percent of the world population. South Asia has 15 percent of the world's arable land and 22 percent of its population. Latin America has 10 percent of the world's arable land and 9 percent of its population.

The Globalist Quiz is produced by The Globalist, a Washington research organization that promotes awareness of world affairs. © 2008 The Globalist, theglobalist.com.