Prellim Feedback

The two questions which need the most follow up work are:

1. Explain why cities in the ELDCs are growing so fast

2.What are the benefits of Intermediate Technology?

1. Why are cities in the developing world (ELDCs) growing so fast?

Note the word "Explain" -Give reasons, use words like "because" and "therefore"

Click here for more details on urbanisation

Main point is to recognise that this is a Rural-Urban Migration question
The big story about cities in ELDCs is the massive move from the countryside to the town.
This can be explained by PUSH PULL factors,

PUSH-

Poverty in the countryside
Limited opportunities-few schools
Poor health care-high number of patients/doctor; no hospitals
Very small fields, many people LANDLESS
SURPLUS labour, since introduction of MECHANISATION in large estates (eg coffee, sugar estates of Brazil)

Famine and Drought-crops fail (eg Nord Est of Brazil)

Desertification

PULL

Many Multinationals have RELOCATED to ELDCs owing to cheap labour
-Growth of Manufacturing jobs
-huge construction projects need 1000s of workers
Most hospitals and clinics are in cities
Cheap housing
More liberal way of life-countryside very "traditional" and "conservative"-appeals to young people



2. What is the advantage of Intermediate Technology?

Intermediate Technology is often known as "Appropriate Technology"

It involves using local materials, labour and skills to come up with practical low cost solutions to basic problems. It does not require large scale projects that depend on foreign aid or workers. It is low cost, low maintenance, sustainable technology best suited to the economy and culture it is intended to support and which makes use of locally available skills, tools and materials. Examples of appropriate technology include

Biogas plants -Biogas is a mixture comprising mainly methane and carbon dioxide. It is produced when organic matter decomposes in the abscence of oxygen. About 57% of energy in India is generated this way.
two-wheeled iron trailers that can be attached to a bicycle to carry heavy loads of food, water or even passengers
energy efficient stoves using local materials that consume less than half the fuel compared to a traditional open fire.
The Wind-up radio and the computer and communication system planned by the Jhai Foundation are independent from power supply.
There is also the Grameen Bank's telephone network which gives Bangladeshi villagers access to communication.





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