Chapter 4-6

How did environmental factors affect food production?

In the book, the strange flood has destroyed their maize and tobacco. Usually, the village William lived in has a surplus that can be stored for the period with no harvest. This year, many families, including William, don’t have enough food to eat without crops.

How does Chapter 5 illustrate supply and demand? How do people in William’s community react to experiencing food scarcity? What do you think about the fact that many societies still operate using the barter system? What would you trade for goods and services if you did not have money?

I wouldn’t say I like this question because I was driven mad by the AP economy, which we are learning aggregate demand and aggregate supply now, but of course, I’ll answer it. 

Because nature has destroyed the supply of an autonomous food. Which causes a decrease n supply and an increase in the price level. It will not only increase the price of food but also increase the cost of other substitutions. That is why the food supposed to feed dogs and animals turned into the things that sell to humans and create the value of 10 kwacha. This situation has caused a shortage of food supply. The people in William’s community have turned into a position that many people were trying to find some on the half-time job to earn money and buy food. Even William’s wealthy friend’s family didn’t have foods they usually have at Christmas, reflecting how food in William’s community is needed.

Even though the government has to support emergency and cheap maize to their community, many people still can’t afford or can’t buy it. 

The society which still operated by the barter system may have their season. In my opinion, the way they were running on may be the best way for them in the current period, or the opportunity cost for them to change is more significant than the current profit they can see after changing. But the possible reason is that they don’t have money to buy it, which is the situation that many members of the community William lived in.

I may choose what is unnecessary for our home to exchange the items we need if I don’t have enough money. For example, I may use one of my earphones, several cups and teapot, and so on. Also, I may use myself as a labor force to exchange goods and services.