Improving a regional food system
Fictional decision exercise. A fictional authority has £7 million. Estimates are annual additional tonnes reaching local markets; avoid comparing these figures with nutritional quality. The options are alternatives; do not add their benefits together.
| Option | Capital cost (£ million) | Additional food reaching markets (Tonnes per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation repairs | 6 | 2400 |
| Cold storage | 4.8 | 1800 |
| Market roads | 5.5 | 2100 |
Options
Irrigation repairs
6
Reduces losses during dry periods
Water supply and equitable allocation remain concerns
Cold storage
4.8
Reduces post-harvest spoilage
Reliable electricity and maintenance are needed
Market roads
5.5
Connects farms to buyers
Road construction affects habitat
benefits may be uneven
Stakeholder evidence
Small farmer: Fees must be affordable.
Trader: Transport reliability affects waste.
Nutrition worker: Availability alone does not guarantee access.
Use the resource
Read possible decision reasoning
A strong response can favour any listed option when its priorities and evidence are consistent. Compare costs with the available budget, use the additional food reaching markets measure accurately, and discuss at least one limitation. Explain why an alternative is less suitable for the stated priority. Estimates do not guarantee outcomes; identify further information needed before a real decision.