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.

Question

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."