DEVELOPMENT
development – a concept with many definitions, but most include the
fact that development involves the efficient use of resources to improve
the standard of living and quality of life of a nation
developed countries – countries that are economically, culturally and
socially advanced
developing countries – countries that have low standards of living as
resources are not yet utilised eff effectively; these countries are in the
process of becoming developed
industrialised countries – countries that have experienced rapid growth
in their economies due to a switch from agriculture to large-scale
industrialisation
Development indicators: a means of measuring and communicating information about how a
country is doing in terms of development with regard to its economic, social and institutional
growth
Economic indicators: show the level of wealth of the country and its people experience.
industrialised: when a country has many manufacturing industries and uses various
technologies
infant mortality: the number of children who die because of childhood related and other
diseases
life expectancy: the average number of years that a newborn baby within a given population
can expect to live
primary activities: those involving forestry, farming, mining and fishing that extract natural
resources directly from the environment
social indicators: the individuals indicate what level of availability and access people in a
country have to housing, education, health care and work opportunities
socio-economic indicators: measurements of social aspects and economic aspects of a
country
“Development” means different things to different people, but most
definitions include the fact that development is related to improvement
and growth and that it is a continuous process.
There are developed and underdeveloped countries.
People who live in a developed country generally have a high standard of
living.
People in an underdeveloped country are generally poor and have a low
standard of living.
Development is linked to people, resources and natural resources.
People are a potential resource to a country and contribute to the development of the
economy:
In many countries government invests in skills training initiatives for the people. These
training initiatives are targeted at sectors of the economy where there is a ‘skills gap’. The
‘skills gap’ refers to sectors that do not have enough qualified people to meet the demand.
An example of a sector experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in South Africa is
engineering.
Countries develop their economy in a variety of ways, one of which is to use its natural
resources effectively so as to benefit the people but not to deplete the resources entirely.
The government establishes income generating projects and employment opportunities to
benefit the people and build the economy.
Development is linked to meeting the basic needs of people.
Everyone needs shelter, food, education, work, access to health care and freedom
from danger and war. Developed countries meet more of these basic needs of
people than developing countries.
Development is linked to sustainability.
Developing resources, both human and natural, requires wise governance and
commitment from those in power.
Development takes place over a long period of time without money running out or
natural resources being depleted. This is sustainable development.
Government decides how and where to spend its money and how to use its natural
resources to develop the economy of the country.
More economically developed Less economically developed
countries (MEDCs) countries (LEDCs)
A developed country is generally population is growing rapidly.
referred to as a More Economically People in these countries live in rural areas
Developed and are involved in primary activities.
Characterized by higher standards of Industrialisation is slow and there is poverty.
living linked to wealth. They are also known as “developing”
countries, or sometimes “Third World”
These countries have an ageing countries.
population. The terms “developing”, “less developed”
MEDCs are highly industrialised and “underdeveloped” are seen as negative
countries with a larger number of and limiting.
people living in urban areas than in Development is not just about the wealth of
a country or its individuals. There are many
rural areas. factors to be considered.
MEDC’S LEDC’S
This is a socio-economic classification applied to ;;;certain countries
around the world. These countries sit between MEDCs and LEDCs in
terms of certain socio-economic indicators. They are undergoing rapid
economic growth resulting from exports to other countries around the
world.
They include South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia that are
collectively known as the “Asian Tigers”. NICs are characterised by high
levels of rural-urban migration, a switch from agricultural to industrial
economies with high levels of manufacturing, growth of free trade with
other countries and lowered poverty rates.
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ACTIVITY 1
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