Development Basics
What is “development” in Geography?
The improvement in people’s quality of life and standard of living
What does HDI stand for?
Human Development Index.
What is meant by the “North–South Divide”?
The global gap between richer industrialised countries (mostly north) and poorer developing countries (mostly south)
What does SDG stand for?
Sustainable Development Goals.
What is South Africa’s HDI approximately?
Around 0.70 (medium development).
What’s the difference between economic growth and development?
Growth is an increase in wealth or output; development includes improvements in health, education, and equality.
What three components make up the HDI?
Life expectancy, education level, and income (GNI per capita).
What is the “development gap”?
The difference in levels of development between countries or regions.
How many SDGs are there?
17.
Name one major challenge limiting development in South Africa. (Bonus points for any extra one you can mention)
Unemployment, inequality, education quality, or corruption
What’s meant by sustainable development?
Meeting current needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Why is GDP per capita not always a good measure of development?
It doesn’t show inequality or non-economic aspects of well-being.
What does dependency theory suggest?
Developing countries remain poor because they’re exploited by developed ones through unfair trade and economic systems.
Give an example of a bottom-up development project.
A community-led water supply, small-scale farming, or microfinance project.
What was the goal of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP)?
To address inequalities and improve housing, services, and jobs post-apartheid.
Why might a country with many natural resources still be underdeveloped?
Resource wealth can be mismanaged or exploited by foreign companies — the “resource curse.”
What does the Gender Inequality Index (GII) measure?
Inequality between men and women in health, empowerment, and work.
How can globalisation both help and hinder development?
It increases trade and investment, but can also widen inequalities and make poorer countries dependent.
How does fair trade promote sustainable development?
It ensures fair prices and ethical working conditions for producers in developing countries.
How has apartheid influenced modern development patterns in South Africa?
Created lasting spatial and economic inequalities between races and regions.
Explain what “inclusive development” means.
Development that benefits all members of society fairly, not just the wealthy or urban groups.
Why can national averages hide inequality?
A high average income or HDI can mask extreme poverty in certain regions or groups.
What is neocolonialism?
Modern economic and political control of developing countries by powerful nations or corporations.
Evaluate one advantage and one disadvantage of foreign aid.
Advantage – helps during crises or builds capacity; Disadvantage – can cause dependency or corruption.
Give an example of a South African policy or programme that promotes equality and explain its impact.
Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) — increases participation of black South Africans in the economy, but results are mixed.