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Study Figure 2 in the resources booklet, 'The growth of slums in LICs and NEEs' - AQA - GCSE Geography - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 3
Question 2
Study Figure 2 in the resources booklet, 'The growth of slums in LICs and NEEs'. Suggest why cities in LICs and NEEs are often referred to as ‘unequal cities’. Com... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study Figure 2 in the resources booklet, 'The growth of slums in LICs and NEEs' - AQA - GCSE Geography - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 3
Step 1
Suggest why cities in LICs and NEEs are often referred to as ‘unequal cities’.
Answer
Cities in LICs (Low-Income Countries) and NEEs (Newly Emerging Economies) are often termed 'unequal cities' because they exhibit significant disparities in wealth, living conditions, and access to services. These cities usually have stark divisions between affluent and impoverished areas, leading to a pronounced gap in socioeconomic factors such as education, healthcare, and housing. Factors like limited access to basic infrastructure, varying levels of employment opportunities, and contrasting levels of public services contribute to this inequality. Moreover, the development gap indicates that while some regions thrive economically, others lag behind, facing issues like inadequate sanitation and poor housing.
Step 2
Compare levels of access to piped water in urban and rural areas shown in Figure 2.
Answer
Access to piped water is generally higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. This trend reflects differences in infrastructure development, as urban settings often receive prioritized investment for water supply systems. For instance, Figure 2 may illustrate that in urban areas, the percentage of households with piped water can be up to 70%, while rural areas show significantly lower access, perhaps around 30-40%. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenges in providing adequate water services, particularly in rural communities where resources may be more limited.
Step 3
Suggest why it might be helpful to describe the growth of African cities as ‘population growth per hour’.
Answer
Describing the growth of African cities as 'population growth per hour' emphasizes the rapid and often overwhelming expansion of urban populations. This characterization helps convey the urgency and scale of urbanization issues, making clear the pressing challenges that arise from such rapid growth. Focusing on hourly population increases can highlight the dynamic nature of migration, birth rates, and urbanization trends, providing a more vivid understanding of demographic pressures faced by these cities.
Step 4
‘Urban planners are finding it challenging to keep up with the growth of cities in LICs and NEEs.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Answer
Urban planners indeed face substantial challenges in managing the rapid growth of cities in LICs and NEEs. Factors such as the influx of migrants, resource limitations, and inadequate infrastructure complicate effective urban planning. Planners must contend with urgent issues such as housing shortages, transportation inefficiencies, and resource allocation, all while trying to ensure sustainable development. Moreover, the speed at which populations are growing often exceeds the pace at which planning and resources can be effectively mobilized. Planners are also frequently hampered by financial constraints and political instability, which can hinder their ability to implement long-term solutions for urban development. Therefore, while there are strategies and frameworks in place, the reality is that many planners find it increasingly difficult to keep up with the growing complexities of urban environments.