. Uneven Development - Causes and Consequences (OCR GCSE Geography A (Geographical Themes)): Revision Notes

5.1.3. Uneven Development - Causes and Consequences

Overview:

• Global inequalities exist, and countries differ in their levels of development.
• A country is likely to be less developed if it has certain physical or human factors affecting its development.

Physical Factors Affecting Development:

Natural Resources**:**

• Availability of fuel sources 📝(e.g., oil).
• Minerals and metals for fuel.
• Timber availability.
• Access to safe water.

Natural Hazards:

• Risk of tectonic hazards.
• Benefits from volcanic material and floodwater.
• Frequent hazards undermine redevelopment efforts.

Location/Terrain:

• Landlocked countries face trade difficulties.

• Mountainous terrain makes farming difficult.

• Scenic areas attract tourists. Climate:

• Reliable rainfall benefits farming.

• Extreme climates limit industry and affect health.

• Climate can attract tourists.

Human Factors Affecting Development:

Aid:

• Can help countries develop key infrastructure projects faster.

• Improves services like schools, hospitals, and roads.

• Over-reliance on aid can hinder the establishment of trade links. Trade:

• Trade surplus (exporting more than importing) improves the economy.

• Good trade relationships are beneficial.

• Trading goods and services is more profitable than raw materials.

Education:

• Creates a skilled workforce, producing more goods and services.

• Educated people earn more, contributing more to the economy.

• Investment in education fosters future development. Health:

• Lack of clean water and poor healthcare lead to widespread disease.

• High disease burden limits economic contributions.

• Investment in healthcare diverts funds from development.

Politics:

• Corruption in government hinders development.

• Stable governments enhance trade abilities.

• Government investment in services and infrastructure promotes growth.

• War and conflict slow development and lead to destruction. History:

• Colonialism has slowed development in many countries, stripping them of wealth.

• Former colonies often remain at lower development levels.

• Wealth distribution and exploitation during colonial times impact current development.

Summary:

Consequences of Uneven Development

• Uneven Development:
  • Leads to significant differences in wealth and health.
  • Causes large amounts of immigration.

Impact on Wealth, Health, and Migration:

• Wealth: Higher incomes in more developed countries. Example: GNI in the UK is 40 times higher than in Chad, Africa.
• Health: Better healthcare in more developed countries leads to longer life expectancy. Example: Life expectancy in the UK is 81, but in Chad it is 51. Higher infant mortality rates in LICs.
• Migration: People move to seek better opportunities if nearby countries have higher development levels. Example: 130,000 Mexicans move to the USA annually for better jobs and education.

Reducing the Development Gap:

Microfinance Loans:

• Small loans provided to people in LICs from traditional banks.
• Helps people start their own businesses.
• Uncertain impact on large-scale poverty reduction.

Foreign-direct Investment (FDI):

• One country buys property or infrastructure in another.

• Improves access to finance, technology, and expertise.

• May come with conditions that countries must comply with Aid

• Given from one country to another as money or resources.

• Improves literacy, infrastructure, and agriculture.

• Can be misused by corrupt governments or create dependency.

• Long-term Aid: Ensures long-term change.

• Short-term Aid: Immediate help in crises. Debt Relief:

• Cancelling or lowering a country's debt.

• Frees up resources for development.

• Conditions may apply from donor countries.

Fair Trade:

• Farmers get fair prices for their products.
• Promotes development of schools and health centres.
• Ensures fair pay for producers.

Technology:

• Introduction of tools, machines, and affordable equipment.
• Renewable energy is less expensive and less polluting.
• Requires investment and skills for effective use.