Question 7(1 point) During the Green Revolution agricultural practices from more developed countries diffused to less developed countries in Asia and Africa. Which of the following best explains the Green Revolution's highly variable level of success in increasing agricultural yields? Small-scale farmers in Asia often lacked the resources necessary to scquire the hybrid seeds and the chemical inputs to grow them, leaving large gaps in the success of the Green Revolution outside of urban cores b Persistent famine has occurred in India since new technologies associated with the Green Revolution were implemented because only the wealthy could afford the increased cost of the improved strains of rice. c The Green Revolution was not successful in China because the strain of rice produced was prone to widespread crop failures, and China dropped out of the program. The increased yield of the Green Revolution in sub-Saharan Africa decreased the incidence of famine, but the program was unsuccessful in India because of poor soil quality e Rice production surpassed all other crop production in sub-Saharan Africa, but corn production in Mexico was less successful because of the negative impact on the environment.

The correct answer is **a**.<br /><br />Here's why:<br /><br />* **Option a correctly identifies the core issue:** The Green Revolution technologies, while effective, often required resources (hybrid seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation) that were inaccessible to many small-scale farmers, especially in less developed countries. This uneven access created disparities in success, with larger, wealthier farms benefiting more. Urban cores often had better access to these resources, further exacerbating the divide.<br /><br />* **Option b is incorrect:** While the Green Revolution did have some negative social consequences related to wealth disparity, it significantly increased food production in India, preventing widespread famine rather than causing it. The improved strains were generally more affordable in the long run due to higher yields.<br /><br />* **Option c is incorrect:** The Green Revolution was successful in increasing yields in China, contributing significantly to its ability to feed its large population.<br /><br />* **Option d is incorrect:** The Green Revolution did have some success in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it faced significant challenges, including infrastructure limitations and climate variability. It did not eliminate famine in the region. The statement about India is also incorrect (as explained in the analysis of option b).<br /><br />* **Option e is incorrect:** While rice is a major crop in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Green Revolution focused on a variety of crops depending on the region. The statement about corn production in Mexico being less successful due to environmental impact is too general. While there were environmental concerns associated with the Green Revolution, it significantly increased corn yields in Mexico.<br />