Assess The Extent To Which Technology Is Capable Of Narrowing The Development Gap Flashcards
(8 cards)
Examples leapfrogging - Africa, mobiles and EASSy
In Africa many countries are leapfrogging over basic landlines to mobiles, landlines are expensive and inefficient.
EASSy - cable system which links South Africa to other sub-Saharan counties.
It can: Leapfrogging
Countries advancing their tech by advancing over basic tech.
Issues with leapfrogging
With a number of modern day technologies, it can only be properly used if there is basic, appropriate infrastructure and technology. For example you can’t use computers or broadband without s basic electricity supply.
It can: Green revolution
In Africa especially, research into agricultural developments such as drought resistant crops, capable of tolerating Africa’s infrequent rainfall. Higher, guaranteed yield means farmers can generate more money.
Issues with the green revolution
For it to be successful in reducing the development gap, ,ore funding will be needed if it is to spread to Africa’s 180 million farmers.
It can: use of high/intermediate technology, case study: tackling water shortages in Tigray, Ethiopia.
World bank has developed a water resource strategy to help Ethiopia develop a water storage capacity to provide year round water. The hope is that this will lead to development which will narrow the development gap.
It can’t: intellectual property rights
Such as potency and copyright laws, copyright protects the written word, music, media, industrial property protects trademarks, inventions…the patent system allows individuals and businesses to benefit from their inventions but has the potential to limit access to this. For example Microsoft has often been accused of creating a monopoly and exclusively controlling their products.
It can’t: the digital divide
Use of knowledge and technology is going to naturally be limited in developing countries compared to developed and so as tech advances the developing countries are going to be left behind. Many of the benefits of the digital age have been slow to reach those who need it most in developing countries.
