Question

This passage is adapted from Chiedozie Egesi, “I Used to Take Cassava for Granted—but It Could Help to Wean the World Off Wheat.” ©2022 Guardian News & Media Limited.
In paragraph 5 (“Cassava . . . east Africa”), why does the author most likely state that cassava can play a role in “shock-proofing global food systems”?
Responses

The addition of cassava to the global food system could have unexpected results.
Answer A: The addition of cassava to the global food system could have unexpected results.
A

The addition of cassava to the global food system would lead to other crops becoming obsolete.
Answer B: The addition of cassava to the global food system would lead to other crops becoming obsolete.
B

Increased cassava production would eliminate a community’s need to import food.
Answer C: Increased cassava production would eliminate a community’s need to import food.
C

Increased cassava production could help global food systems withstand crises.

Answer 1

The most likely reason the author states that cassava can play a role in “shock-proofing global food systems” is:

**D: Increased cassava production could help global food systems withstand crises.**

This response indicates that by introducing or increasing cassava production, global food systems could become more resilient to various challenges or disruptions, which aligns with the concept of "shock-proofing."