Factors Affecting Development & Welfare (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Stages of Development
All countries move through the different stages of development
The UN identifies four main stages of development
The Development Gap
The development gap is the difference in levels of development between the least developed and most developed countries in the world
There are many factors which lead to the differences in development
Natural Resources
Physical geography
Landlocked countries find trade more difficult and so often develop more slowly
Small countries develop more slowly due to having fewer human and natural resources
Those countries with extreme climates develop more slowly
The physical geography also impacts on the natural resources available
The natural resources are those things provided by the physical environment
Natural resource | Uses |
|---|---|
Water | Domestic use, energy |
Forests | Timber, habitat, rubber, recreation, food, medicines |
Fossil Fuels | Fuel, energy |
Soil | Growing crops |
Rocks | Construction |
Minerals | Glass, jewellery, money |
Animals | Food, skins |
Some countries are able to meet all their needs from the natural resources they have
Many countries have to import some natural resources are not available within their borders
When countries have to import natural resources this means they do not have the security of supply as imports could be affected by war or political issues
Water, food and energy security are particularly important to support a country's development
Human Resources
Demography
The population structure of a country
The birth and death rates, as well as immigration, affect the available workforce
Technology
Can help to increase water, food and energy security
Mechanisation of farming increases yields and improved land surveying may reveal more energy sources
Technology can also mean that existing resources are used more efficiently
Social
Levels of education affect the skills people have. The more educated a population is the more a country will develop
Healthcare affects how well people are which affects their ability to work
Lack of equality can mean that the overall productivity of a country is affected
Governmental Inputs
The stability and effectiveness of government can have a significant impact on development and human welfare
Development and human welfare are greatest where there is a democratically elected government
Corrupt governments do not invest in the country's development or in improving the quality of life for the population
Governments impact economic policies which in turn affect development and human welfare
Open economies where foreign investment is encouraged to develop faster
The higher rates of saving and lower spending result in faster development
Worked Example
Study figure 1 shows GDP per capita in South America and the percentage change in GDP
Identify one piece of evidence that there is a development gap in South America
(2 Marks)
Answer
It is important that for the second mark you use evidence from the source
There is a difference in GDP per capita between countries (1) French Guiana has a GDP per capita of less than US$4000 whereas Suriname has a GDP per capita of over US$13,000 (1)
OR
There is a difference in the percentage increase of GDP per capita (1) Guyana's increase in GDP per capita is only 1.4% whereas Chile's is 3.7% (1)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember where an exam question asks for one piece of evidence do not give more than that. In the case of the worked example, the one piece of evidence is the comparison between two countries.
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