Case Studies and Examples: Revision Summaries

AQA GCSE GEOGRAPHY – St Ivo School Geography Department

Case Studies and Examples: Revision Summaries Unit 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment

Urban Issues and Challenges: 1. A Case Study of a major city in a LIC or NEE – Lagos (Nigeria) – an NEE 2. An example of urban planning – Makoko (Slum – Nigeria) 3. A Case Study of a major city in the UK – London 4. An example of urban regeneration in the UK – Lower Leas Valley (Olympic Village) – London.

The Changing Economic World: 1. Example of tourism in one LIC or NEE – Tunisia (an NEE) 2. Case Study of one LIC or NEE (Economic structure, TNCs, trade, aid, debt) – Nigeria (NEE) 3. Example of industrial sustainability in the UK – Nissan Car Industry.

Resource Management: 1. Example of large scale water transfer scheme – Lesotho (Highland Water Project) 2. Example of local scheme to increase water supply – Hitosa (Ethiopia)

Unit 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment Unit 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment: A Case Study of a major city in a LIC or NEE – Lagos

Urban Issues and Challenges

(Nigeria) – an NEE

Where is Lagos within Africa? Lagos is situated on the West Coast of Africa in Nigeria, north of the equator and bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

Where is Lagos within Nigeria? Lagos is a coastal city located in the SW of Nigeria next to the Gulf of Guinea. It is relatively close to the border with Benin. It is just over 300 miles from the capital Abuja.

What is Lagos like? Lagos has a population of 15 million and a growth rate of 600,000/yr. It is Africa’s biggest city and one of the fastest growing in the world. It has many different sides to it, a noisy city with honking horns, street vendors, and traditional Nigerian music. It has high levels of traffic, often gridlocked streets and modern high rise offices contrasting with sprawling slums.

The importance of Lagos Regional Importance

National Importance

International Importance

• Lagos is home to 10% of Nigeria’s population • It has a history of economic growth and generates the highest money earned of all states in Nigeria.

• Lagos is Nigeria’s centre of trade and commerce • 80% of Nigeria’s industry is based in Lagos • Lagos generates about 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and it is at the centre of Nigeria’s modern economy.

• It is the main financial centre of West Africa • It is a global city with a substantial and growing foreign born population • 80% of flights into West Africa go into Lagos airport and it has non-stop flights to hundreds of global destinations.

Population Growth in Lagos It is estimated that the city population grows by 70 people an hour! Population growth is due to: 1.

Natural Increase – this is very high (there is an average age of 19 – many of child bearing age)

2.

Rural-urban migration – this has been the biggest driver of growth over the last 50 years – particularly since the oil boom in the 1970s when thousands moved to the city.

Push Factors • • • • •

Poor education / health in rural areas Farming is hard for low wages and few other jobs available Changing climate has led to more frequent drought / floods Land in Niger delta polluted by oil industry Political unrest (Boko Harem) in the north

Pull Factors • More jobs available in Lagos than elsewhere in Nigeria • Health whilst not free is available • More schools & universities available • Possible to find jobs in informal if not formal sector

Opportunities created by Urban Growth in Lagos Social opportunities in Lagos resulting in development HEALTH CARE

EDUCATION

Health care is available in Lagos (Clinics /

Lagos has more schools / universities than

hospitals) – although it is not always free, it is

anywhere outside the city so there is better

more readily available than in rural areas.

access to education.

This has helped to increase life expectancy with more people having access to healthcare than before are more live in cities.

This has led to an increase in the expected years of schooling and in turn as more are educated more are likely to find work.

Economic opportunities in Lagos resulting in development EMPLOYMENT Lagos has more jobs available than anywhere in Nigeria – both in the formal sector (regular work / paying taxes) and in the informal sector (e.g. street vendors etc. that don’t pay tax).

This has significantly helped to increase the GNI per capita (Gross National Income)

PROVIDES A MAJOR INDUSTRIAL CENTRE Lagos has developed into a major industrial centre in Nigeria – it contributes 30% of Nigeria’s GDP Why is this? • • • •

Coastal location (sheltered harbour good for shipping) Major international airport (main arrival of 80% of flights to West Africa) High population (providing big market for goods and services) Schools and universities means an educated and skilled workforce is available.

Challenges created by Urban Growth in Lagos As Lagos has undergone an economic boom there has been an increased gap between the rich and poor. 60% of the population live in slums and are on less than $1.25 (£1) per day. What are the problems associated with urban growth in Lagos and how are they being managed?

1. UNEMPLOYMENT Problem •

Unemployment was 9.9% in 2015 – not much higher than in London, however those without work in Lagos have no unemployment benefit.

How is it managed? •

• •

Most find work in the informal economy (unregulated) e.g. street vending, car washing or waste recycling. 90% of new jobs in Lagos are in this sector. The informal sector helps by (i) providing employment and (ii) helping the city function The government are also encouraging entrepreneurship to reduce unemployment.

2. CRIME Problem

How is it managed?

High levels of violent street crime (muggings, car jackings, armed robbery) • High murder rate – 246 murders in 2015-2016

•

•

• •

City has brought 3 helicopters to help spot criminal activity Community policing is being used A DNA forensic lab has been established.

3. AIR POLLUTION Problem • • •

Unreliable electricity means reliance on generators which produce poisonous fumes Burning of waste pollutes the area as does heavy traffic congestion & exhaust fumes Asthma and respiratory disease is a problem

How is it managed? • Dec 2016 – the city pledged to stop importing dirty fuel • Move to improving public transport (not much success to date) • Banned import of miniature generators.

4. WATER POLLUTION Problem • • • •

Only 10% have treated / purified piped water supply Drinking water contains bacterial / chemical pollution – leads to dysentery / cholera Lack of proper sewage system is a problem Untreated waste goes straight into the lagoon

How is it managed? • Water regulatory commission set up to issue licences for boreholes to ensure a safe water supply • A Lagos Water Supply plan has been set up running from 2010-2020 to tackle the water demand gap.

5. WASTE POLLUTION Problem • • •

Industrial waste dumped with household waste (dangerous chemicals get into groundwater) 10,000 tons of waste generated per day Natural gases build up under decomposing waste – leads to fires

How is it managed? • Rubbish can be turned into energy using methane from rotting waste – there are plans to use it to create electricity • People can save money by buying recycled goods from dumps like Olusosun in Lagos.

6. TRAFFIC CONGESTION Problem • One of most congested cities in the world • Average commuter spends 3 hours a day in traffic (wastes time for businesses and commuters) • Fatal accident rate is 3x that of European cities • Air pollution rates – 5x higher than recommended limit.

How is it managed? • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system – separate lane for buses to reduce travel time (although not enough) • Constructing Rail Mass Transit system • Plans for new waterway network of ferries • Plans for new airport away from congested area.

Another problem is population growth outstripping demand for housing which has led to the growth of slums / squatter settlements – see over page for problem and how managed.

Unit 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment: An example of urban planning – Makoko


(Slum – Nigeria)

Makoko is the world’s largest ‘floating slum’. Population estimates vary between 85,000 and 250,000. A third of the community is built on stilts along the lagoon (the rest is on land) What are the challenges of living in squatter settlements like Makoko: •

Homes are built from basic materials such as wood / metal sheets and are poorly constructed – many are on stilts built over the lagoon.

•

Many houses do not have basic facilities or sanitation – all waste and raw sewage goes into the water

•

Malaria and malnutrition are a major problem and infant mortality rates are high

•

High population density – means disease spreads quickly

•

Most of the residents work in the informal sector or make a living by fishing

•

Incomes are low and there are high unemployment rates

Urban Planning – Improving the quality of life for the Urban Poor in Makoko

1. Neighbourhood Hotspots -

These are shared facilities providing a place for people to gather and learn (improving education)

How have they improved quality of life? -

They are multi-purpose biogas plants on water (fed by organic waste such as human waste, fish guts, plant/vegetable waste) operated and owned by the locals and run by sunlight, providing a source of energy.

-

They have simple water harvesting and water filter systems, toilets, showers and a doctors room (improving water supply, sanitation and health)

-

They are co-operatives – locals are employed to help improve local infrastructure – (being a paid a salary also empowers them to help transform the community.

2. “Floating Communities Project” – This project aims to change the dilapidated houses on stilts to floating A-Frame Family units. Floating School – this was built as a starting point providing a prototype for a structure that could be used for housing in the future – benefits the urban poor and meeting community needs. How has it improved quality of life? -

Environmentally sustainable – solar panels providing energy

-

Storage of rainwater providing water source

-

Local unskilled workers hired to build it – learning skills to built their own homes

-

Provided a new school and a community meeting place.

-

Unfortunately in 2016 heavy rain led to the collapse of the structure and plans for a new one-storey construction are underway.

Unit 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment: A Case Study of a major city in the UK –


London

Where? London is located in the SE of England on the River Thames. It was built at the widest point where it was possible to build a bridge across the Thames. When was it established? It dates back to AD43 when it was established by the Romans. Why did it grow? The tidal nature of the Thames allowed London to become a port and made it a centre for UK trade. Even when the port decline in the 1980s, London remained a transport hub being the focus of road and rail networks and having two major airports close to it – Heathrow and Gatwick.

London’s National Importance • London is the capital and home of the

London’s International Importance • Named world’s most powerful city – London

government / queen

Stock exchange one of most important in the

• Wealthiest city in the UK – a financial centre of excellence and the HQ’s of many major

world.

• Has world class transport links with multiple

British Companies.

• UK’s most popular tourist destination (e.g.

international airports (e.g. Heathrow).

• Has the headquarters of many multi-national

Buckingham Palace, Tower of London etc.

companies (e.g. KPMG / Aviva) attracting

(13% employed in tourist industry)

investment from around the world.

• Major theatre / music / sporting venues (e.g.

• It is a centre of academic excellent – globally

O2, West End, Wembley (culturally important)

recognised in science technology and

• Has centre of worship for many faiths (e.g. London Central Mosque / Westminster

medicine (e.g. Harley Street)

•

Abbey.

Has a time-zone advantage for doing business with Asia.

Impacts of migration on London – Urban Growth London’s population is now 8.8 million (2016) and is higher than it has ever been. Between 2011-2015 it grew at twice the rate of the rest of the UK. Why is London growing rapidly? National Migration – people moving to London from within the UK for employment or education. International Migration – people move to London from abroad to work / education (one third of London’s population are from international migration. Natural Increase With a large number of immigrants between the ages of 20-30 the birth rates are higher than death rates.

The Impacts of Migration on Population Structure in London

The impacts of Migration on London’s Ethnic Makeup Around 37% of the population of London were born outside the UK and London is the most diverse city in the UK. It has many residents who have come from countries such as Jamaica, India and Nigeria (once part of the British Empire). Since 2007 – free movement of people in the EU has led to more migration from Eastern Europe.

Opportunities and potential challenges of migration on London? Opportunities brought by Migration • London has become a young, cosmopolitan city with cultural diversity and a range of foods, entertainment, buildings (reflecting different cultures) • European migrants have contributed more than £20 billion to UK finances since 2000 • EU migrants have contributed 64% more in taxes than they have received in benefits • Migration has helped London become one of the most productive parts of the UK • Migrants are often well educated and bring new talents.

Potential Challenges • Pressures on housing • Sometimes immigrants have lower paid jobs which brings down wages • Some increase in social and racial tension due to deprivation (e.g. gang culture and 2012 Tottenham riots) • Some wealthy migrants have pushed up house prices.

Opportunities brought about by Urban Change in London There are 5 key areas you need to know: 1.

Greater Cultural Mix

2.

Opportunities for Recreation and Entertainment

3.

Increased Employment Opportunities

4.

Improvements in Transport

5.

Improvements in Protecting and Establishing Green Spaces (Urban Greening)

Opportunities brought about by Urban Change in London 1. Greater Cultural Mix – Shoreditch

2. Opportunities for Recreation and Entertainment - Shoreditch

Shoreditch in Hackney – seen many new

Gentrification has seen a younger population bringing new recreation and

opportunities.

entertainment.

30 years ago was a rough, run down working class

Shoreditch now has a thriving hub of galleries, cafés and bars e.g.

area. Now very different cultural mix – in 1990s many creative types attracted – become popular / fashionable area and Shoreditch has undergone gentrification (improvement of formerly run down area). It has undergone hipsterfication (is an area following the latest trends and fashions) and has thriving creative and tech industries.

Recreation: Village Underground – exiting live music venue in an old warehouse. Ex-tube carriages – studios and galleries. XOYO nightclubs. Shopping: Spitalfields Market – once a fruit and veg market is now a trendy place to shop – sells crafts, fashion, antiques etc. Trendy retail concepts – e.g. BoxPark – shops in shipping containers. Restaurants / Cafés – e.g. Cereal Killer themed café selling over 120 cereals. Bike Shed Motorcycle Club – restaurant

3. Increased Employment Opportunities – The Docklands Urban Change: With deindustrialisation leading to urban change and the decline of the Docklands they were regenerated in 1981 attracting private investment, creating new jobs and economic opportunities. What are the Docklands like now? Canary Wharf with high rise office blocks providing headquarters for major banks (e.g. HSBC) and helping London become a major financial centre. Employment Opportunities: It has helped create many jobs with over 100,000 being created in the area with the number of jobs having quadrupled in only 10 years. Most jobs are now in the service sector (e.g. law / business / finance etc.)

4. Transport Improvements – e.g. Crossrail London has an integrated transport network with trains, tubes,

5. Urban Greening London is one of the world’s greenest cities (47% is green!)

buses and cars. A new E-W route (the Elizabeth Line) across

Benefits include: trees producing O2 and taking in CO2;

London linking Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the East with

reducing flood dangers; providing habitats for urban

Reading and Heathrow in the West – will tunnel under the city centre reducing journey times and increasing passenger journey.

wildlife; space for recreation and keeping fit. Examples include: Hampstead Heath, and Hyde Park. Urban change has led to more opportunities for urban greening – e.g. in 2016 London’s first new part in Central London for 100 years was announced - Alfred Place in Fitzrovia (nr British Museum) Other strategies include: - Green Roofs – 700 in central London - Green Walls – e.g. 20 Fenchurch Street, London - London Green Grid – strategy to create more green connections and corridors between London’s green spaces.

Challenges brought about by Urban Change in London SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES 1. Social Deprivation

2. Crime

(the degree to which a person or community lacks the things essential

With an increase in inequalities with London has come

for a decent life).

an increase in crime in some areas.

Inequalities in deprivation are seen across London.

Kensington and Chelsea, is one of the wealthiest areas

•

•

Kensington and Chelsea are very wealthy with low

with large numbers of shoppers, tourists and people

unemployment, good exam results, high levels of income

using the nightlife.

Newham (London’s most deprived borough) has higher

It also has the third highest crime rate in London! Many

unemployment, lower wages, poor exam results and even

of the offences are pick pocketing.

lower life expectancy.

3. Demand for Housing The greatest housing demand gap in England is in London and the population is growing quicker than the rate at which new homes can be built which has led to a big increase in house prices. A one bedroom flat in Newham can cost £240,000 – these houses prices price many out of the housing market. In Camden 60% of children live in low-income households with poor housing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES 3. Dereliction / Brownfield sites. With deindustrialisation, there are many derelict sites providing brownfield sites

3. Urban Sprawl and Commuter Settlements

for development. This is better than building on greenfields and can reduce

As London’s population continues to grow

urban sprawl BUT the land needs contaminating first and buildings demolished

with an increasing housing demand, there is

which can be costly.

pressure put on rural areas surrounding

Examples include Shoreditch, Docklands and Stratford.

London with increasing urban sprawl (outward growth into surrounding rural areas). This is causing increased traffic as

2. Air Pollution This is less than in the mid 20th century when coal was burnt to power factories –

well as having an environmental impact and loss of agricultural land.

but it is still a problem – particularly from vehicle emissions and modern heating

London has a green belt (area protected

systems. NO2 is a particular issue from diesel engines (regularly breaks EU

around it to prevent urban sprawl) but it is

regulations.

increasingly under pressure.

1. Waste Disposal The majority of waste is now recycled but there is still 25% going to landfill. Landfill is waste of potentially valuable resources and releases methane which is

Rising house prices in London have also forced the growth of commuter settlements outside of London, where people live outside London and commute in (e.g. Hemel

a Greenhouse Gas.

Hempstead, Stevenage).

The aim is for landfill to be reduced by to 0 by 2030 and to increase recycling.

Impacts – can cause increase in house prices

LondonEnergy Ltd. – is owned by the North London Waste Authority with an

some local traditions may be lost. HOWEVER

aim to see no waste sent to landfill by recovering energy from it – they have

it can lead to development of more services

divered 90% of waste from landfill producing energy to power 80,000 homes.

in the area and lead to some economic

The incinerated waste heats water to generate steam which drives turbines.

growth.

in these areas, reduces community spirit and

Unit 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment:


An example of urban regeneration in the UK – Lower

Leas Valley – London.

What is urban regeneration? This is the revival of an old area by either renewal (installing modern facilities in old buildings) or redevelopment (demolishing what is there are starting anew). Urban Regeneration: Stratford and the Lower Lea Valley Why did the area need regenerating? By 2007 the area had become one of the most deprived in London following deindustrialisation. There were many derelict Brownfield sites, higher than average unemployment, low school achievement and poor service provision. Why was the area chosen? •

Ideal area to create the Olympic Park – as a deprived area – would benefit from the legacy

•

Excellent transport connections – easily accessible from central London

•

Plenty of brownfield sites / low-value land-uses for development.

Main features / successes of the Urban Regeneration: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS

IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE Stratford tube station built and a high speed ‘javelin’ train to

Water quality of River Lea improved and green spaces

Kings Cross.

created along banks Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park created – largest new park

TACKLED UNEMPLOYMENT

in London (over 100ha) Encouraged redevelopment in

Wildlife habitats created on old Brownfield sites

surrounding area – Westfield Shopping Centre provided 10,000 more jobs.

ECONOMY BOOSTED

I new international quarter will employ

Successes of the Redevelopment.

25,000 people

Olympic Park brought over £9 billion investment to the area. By 2016 there had

MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING The former athletes village (East Village)

SOCIAL BENEFITS

additional spending by New school opened in the grounds – Chobham academy

newcomers.

visitors.

Aquatics centre / velodrome open to the public and used by schools.

provides 2,800 new homes for locals and

been a £2.1 billion of

New sports arenas – Olympic Stadium now home to West Ham United

The LDDC (London Legacy Development Corporation) has been set up to continue development with plans until 2030

Issues associated with the development: •

some protests over compulsory purchase of the land

•

The rents of the 2,800 new homes are unaffordable to the areas’ poorest household

•

The development had a high carbon footprint

•

The total cost of redeveloping the site including decontamination of old industrial sites was very high.


The Changing Economic World

Example of reducing the development gap through tourism in one LIC or NEE – Tunisia

(NEE)

Reducing the Development Gap through Tourism. -

Location: Tunisia is located in North Africa between Algiers and Libya on the Mediterranean Coast.

-

Change in development: Before 1970 it was a LIC but it is now an NEE which has seen a significant increase in development. Since 1960 life expectancy has gone from 43-75.

-

Why Tourism? It is an ideal tourist destination with hot summers and mild winters. It has a diverse physical landscape with beaches, mountains and the Sahara desert. There is lots of history to explore with seven UNESCO World Heritage.

-

In 2013, Tunisia had 6.2 million people visit ADVANTAGES (how has tourism helped reduce the development gap?) • 37,000 jobs created and economy boosted •

Income of Tunisia quadrupled in 1970s – now one of Africa’s wealthiest countries

•

Multiplier effect – local businesses – more jobs mean people have more money to spent in shops and businesses and tourist specific businesses have grown (hotels, shops, taxi drivers etc.)

•

Agricultural sectors have benefited – producing food for tourists

•

Government has invested in health / education services (in turn literacy rates and life expectancy have increased)

•

Higher status given to women (important for development) with changing attitudes linked tourism having connected Tunisia with other places / cultures.

DISADVANTAGES (what are the issues with tourism) • Some concerns over environmental pollution – e.g. beach pollution. •

Leakage – some foreign tour operators / hotels and resorts owned by TNS keep a large % of profits and some tourists don’t spend much money outside of their package deals – less money may therefore be available to reinvest locally.

•

Dependence on tourism can make countries more vulnerable to external factors – e.g. Tunisia experienced 2 tourist attacks aimed specifically at tourists in 2015 – saw a big reduction in level of foreign investment. UK tour operators – only just started returning (2018)

REMEMBER Tourism can bring benefits & reduce the development gap but its success will be linked to its sustainability. There are always issues when a country becomes dependent on one type of industry.



Case Study of one LIC or NEE (Economic structure, TNCs, trade, aid, debt) – Nigeria

(NEE)

Location •

Situated in W Africa – just north of the equator

•

Borders 4 countries – Benin, Chad and Cameroon

•

Extends from Gulf of Guinea to the south of the Sahel

•

Nigeria is 3x the size of the UK.

Importance Global Importance • One of fastest growing economies in the world • 7th biggest population in the world • Supplies 2.7% of the world’s oil • The 5th largest contributor to UN global peacekeeping missions.

Regional Importance • Gone from being a LIC to NEE in 21st century • Known as “Giant of Africa” – one of fastest growing economies – now the largest economy in Africa with highest GDP

• Has highest farm output in Africa • Largest population in Africa.

Political, Social, Cultural and Economic Context SOCIAL CONTEXT

POLITICAL CONTEXT

•

Nigeria was a UK colony BUT gained independence in 1960 – was followed by political instability & widespread corruption (held back development)

•

Since 1999 relatively stable democracy

•

Some conflict in North (Boko Haram) – want to abolish government

•

•

Multi-racial society – over 500 different ethnic groups.

•

South mainly Christian and North is mainly Muslim

•

Inequalities between these two areas and ethnic divides has led to conflicts

•

This led to Boko Haram causing serious trouble (militant Islamic group in North)

Only 8 died in Ebola crisis – sign of development led to better management of crisis. CONTEXTS

CULTURAL CONTEXT

•

Nigerian cinema (Bollywood) is the second largest film industry behind India

•

Nigerian football team has won the African nations three times.

•

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

•

South – high temps and high rainfall (mainly rainforest)

•

North – drier with mainly savanna grassland

•

Much of natural vegetation been replaced by

Both well known in Africa and the world.

agriculture (cocoa/ oil palm in south & peanuts – north)

Nigeria’s Changing Economy – how has it changed? 1. Gone from mainly agricultural to over 50% of GDP from manufacturing and service industries 2. Nigeria’s GDP doubled in 2011 reflecting increased contribution of manufacturing and services 3. Some of the fastest growing industries include telecommunications, retail, wholesale and the film industry. Why is manufacturing so important? – provides regular paid work - creates large home market for goods made in Nigeria (reduced need for imports) - attracts foreign investment - greater employment means more taxes paid – improvements to standards of living - leads to the multiplier effect – manufacturing stimulating growth of other companies.

Transnational Corporations (TNCs) • These have operations in more than one country. Nigeria’s cheap workforce and close proximity to raw materials needed makes it popular with TNCs. • Shell, one of the world’s largest oil companies began exporting oil from the Niger delta in 1958. Nigerian oil is high quality and oil provides 90% of the country’s export revenues. • Companies such as Shell bring advantages and disadvantages to Nigeria. Advantages • • • • • •

Brings new foreign investment into country Has provided new technology helping economic development Shell has made contributions in taxes – investment made infrastructure & education Local companies in industries related to the oil industry benefit Earns valuable export revenue – gives access to world markets New kills development – Shell provides employment for 65,000 Nigerian workers.

Disadvantages • • •

•

Working conditions are sometimes poor Frequent oil flares send toxic fumes into the air Environmental impacts from the oil industry – e.g. oil spills causing water pollution (and damage to fishing industry) Local workers are sometimes poorly paid.

Changing Political and Trading Relationships Political Links: Nigeria is a leading member of ECOWAS (Economic community of West African States) trading group. It is also a member of the African Union and the UN (Nigeria plays an important role in peace keeping). Nigeria is also a member of the British Commonwealth. Trading Links: Nigeria was part of the British Empire up until independence in 1960 and long has a pattern of trade of exports to Britain (e.g. cotton and cocoa) and importing manufacturing goods. What has changed? Nigeria still trades with the UK – but now much more with other world economies. Oil, Cotton and Rubber are key products. Oil dominates the export earnings and India is its biggest customer for oil. China is now one of Nigeria’s main import partners, with one of Nigeria’s main imports being cheap mobile phones. China is also increasing its investment in Nigeria – in 2014 – including a $10billion investment in a potential new oilfield in Nigeria. In 2016 – Nigeria had a negative trade balance (i.e. value of

imports > value of exports)

Environmental impacts of industry in Nigeria.

Nigeria and International Aid Whilst Nigeria’s GDP has grown and it is the largest economy in Africa, there are many people still living in poverty with growing inequality. There are few very wealthy people and a minority of people in well paid city jobs. There is also regional equality – most wealth is in the south near Lagos – there is greater poverty in the north. Aid is the help given by one country to another in the form of money, food, technology or advice. Examples of International Aid in Nigeria Short-term aid Following severe flooding in 2017 which led millions displaced and hungry – (provided immediately after Oxfam and the Red Cross provided disaster response providing relief disasters) items / emergency supplies. As a member of the commonwealth – Nigeria gets aid from the UK Long-term aid (provision of health care in rural areas – e.g. Aduwan Health Centre – (aims to improve quality of life supported by Action Aid). Providing vaccinations and health care for over time) mothers. Nets for Life – funded by the World Bank / USA government – provided education on malaria prevention and distribute anti-mosquito nets. Top-down aid In 2014 – the World Bank approved a US$500 million loan funding (governments / large development projects in Nigeria. organisations provide money the government then decides how to spend)

Bottom-up aid (money/goods donated to locals to help fun small-scale community projects)

Local projects are often more successful – because the poor are target directly (this also avoids corruption in the government) e.g. Neighbourhood Hotspot project in Makoko – Lagos.

What are the main problems with aid? – Corruption can mean aid doesn’t get to where it should. Donors also may have political influence over what happens to aid. There are concerns that sometimes countries / areas can become dependent on aid.

Economic Impacts of rapid economic development - Quality of life in Nigeria

2. Quality of Life has risen for the average Nigerian -

Life expectancy increased from 45.6 – 52.5 Access to safe water increased from 46% - 64% Expected years in school increased 6.7 – 9 Mortality rate has decreased HDI has gone from 0.466 – 0.514 (2005-2014)

3. Not all have benefited - Many are still poor - Gap between rich/poor has increased - Corruption is a major problem

1. A number of challenges need to be overcome for continued improvements to quality of life -

Need to address corruption Need to address threats to disease due to tetse fly and environmental issues such as oil spills Basic service provision for ALL needs to be a priority Need to address religious / ethnic conflicts and keep a stable government

Unit 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment: Example of industrial sustainability in the UK – Nissan


Car Industry.

Industry can have a significant impact on the environment so it is important that we focus more on environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability – means looking after the physical environment so that future generations can get the same benefits from the area as we do. This involves looking at the use of green technology that reduces pollution and also companies taking responsibility for reducing their impact on the physical environment. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND THE CAR INDUSTRY The UK car industry manufactures 1.5 million cars a year. What are the environmental issues associated with the industry? -

Inefficient engines producing harmful pollutants from exhaust fumes

-

Large amounts of energy used in the production of cars

-

Materials used to make cars have in the past been toxic / difficult to recycle

NISSAN CAR INDUSTRY Nissan have a large car plant in Sunderland employing 7,000 people and producing 500,000 cars a year. What have they done to increase environmental sustainability? 1. 7% of energy used by the plant is renewable (from wind turbines) 2. New models have been designed to be more fuel efficient – there are restrictions on gas emissions 3. The Nissan ‘Leaf’ has been developed – a 100% electric car (rather than the hybrid of electric and petrol). 4. Materials used to make the care are more readily recyclable now (this helps reduce waste in landfill).


Resource Management

Example of large scale water transfer scheme – Lesotho

(Highland Water Project)

Where and why needed? Lesotho is a highland country surrounded by South Africa. It is a poor LIC and has some food insecurity but it has a high water surplus due to heavy rain. In contrast, neighbouring South Africa has a water deficit. How the water transfer scheme work: The idea is to help solve the water shortage in South Africa through a water transfer scheme which transfers 40% of the water from the Segu River in Lesotho to the River Vaal in South Africa. Transfer involves a system of 5 large dams and 200km of tunnels to divert water from the mountains of Lesotho to South Africa. It will transfer about 2,000 million m3 between the two countries each year. Evaluating the scheme: BENEFITS TO LESOTHO • • •

Provides 75% of Lesotho’s GDP Supplies all HEP for Lesotho Will help sanitation coverage go from 1520%

BENEFITS TO SOUTH AFRICA • • •

COSTS TO LESOTHO • • •

30,000 people already displaced by building of the first two dams Unique wetland ecosystem and wildlife disrupted Corruption has meant compensation payments haven’t reached people.

More reliable water source for irrigation and industry Increased safe water access to an extra 10% of population Benefits to the river system from larger quantities of water.

COSTS TO SOUTH AFRICA • • •

Cost estimated at US$4 billion 40% of water could be lost by leakage Some poor people may not be able to afford the costs of the water.

Unit 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment: Example of local scheme to increase water supply – Hitosa

Resource Management

(Ethiopia)

Where and what is the scheme? Hitosa is a semi-arid rural area 160km south of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. In the 1990s a 140km gravity fed water transfer scheme was installed. Water is moved by pipeline to the lowland villages in the Hitosa district which is then made available to households using public standpipes.

How does it work? Gravity fed schemes provide a water supply from small upland, rivers, stream or springs. They use gravity to transport water by a pipeline to tapstands near homes. In Hitosa, 67,000 people are provided with 25 litres per day. Over 50% of the funding came from the charity WaterAid. Successes of the scheme? •

Very successful – reliable and safe water provided

•

Completely community managed scheme (simple to operate and maintain) – communities have all come together in the project area

•

Direct economic benefits have been generated by the provision of water – many families involved in cattle fattening and new businesses established.

Possible Issues: •

Initial set up can be costly

•

As people and livestock are using the water – there are some disputes over hygiene and there is little awareness to hygiene education

•

Pipeline may be too costly / inaccessible to replace in 30 years time.

OVERALL – successful and enables overcoming difficulties to provide water to the world’s poorest people.