Top Down & Bottom up Approaches (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Example Case Study: Top Down Approach - HS2, UK
Top-down development schemes are usually expensive
The schemes happen as a result of government or TNCs
They often involve borrowing money
Local people affected by the scheme often have little say in the process
High Speed 2 (HS2)
Aims to reduce regional inequality increasing growth, productivity and incomes in the Midlands and the North of England
The first stage will be completed in 2026
It will link Birmingham and London
Stage 2 included a link to Leeds - this part of the project has now been abandoned
Arguments for HS2 | Arguments against HS2 |
|---|---|
Increase employment and productivity in the Midlands and North | The cost has increased from £32.7bn to an estimated £72bn-£98bn |
22,000 construction jobs are to be created | 250 acres of green belt land will be built on |
The government estimates an increase in the UK GDP of £15bn a year | It will cross Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) |
Increasing numbers of people will use trains instead of cars or planes reducing emissions | HS2 trains will use 50% more energy than Eurostar trains |
Better transport connections reduce production costs | The money could be spent on many other projects to improve the quality of people's lives |
The government estimates that 70% of jobs will be created outside of London | The consultation did not take into account the views of people along the proposed route |
Example Case Study: Bottom Up Approach - Peru
Bottom-up development schemes are relatively low cost
Usually organised by NGOs and/or local people
They target the poorest communities and involve local people at all stages
Use appropriate technology which can be maintained and used by local people
Micro-Hydro Schemes in Peru
Aims to provide electricity to remote rural areas where 50% of people were living on just US$2 a day
Practical Action has installed 47 micro-hydro schemes across Peru which provide:
Metered electricity to 5,000 families
Good quality lighting
Refrigeration
Access to televisions/computers
25% of households have started or expanded businesses as a result of having electricity
60% of household incomes have increased
Chambamontera, Peru
Cost of scheme US$51,000 partly paid for by the community, Japan and Practical Action
60 families directly benefit and an additional 100 families in neighbouring villages benefit
Streetlights mean that people can go outside after dark
Improved school facilities
Completing homework in an evening is now possible
Business development is possible
Coffee processing has become mechanised
Worked Example
Explain the disadvantages of using top down approaches to development
(4 Marks)
The best way to approach this question is to make two points and then explain each one, stating why it is a disadvantage
Answer
The projects are usually expensive and involve borrowing money which leads to increased debt (1); this means that there is less money available for investment in other areas of development (1);
The projects often involve little consultation with the local population (1); people may be significantly impacted and be forced to leave their homes (1)
TNCs and governments make take advantage of the local workforce (1); people may be given low pay and poor working conditions which stop them from breaking out of poverty (1)
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