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Study Figure 2 in the resources booklet, 'The growth of slums in LICs and NEEs' - AQA - GCSE Geography - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 3
Question 2
Study Figure 2 in the resources booklet, 'The growth of slums in LICs and NEEs'. Suggest why cities in LICs and NEEs are often referred to as 'unequal cities'. Com... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study Figure 2 in the resources booklet, 'The growth of slums in LICs and NEEs' - AQA - GCSE Geography - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 3
Step 1
Suggest why cities in LICs and NEEs are often referred to as 'unequal cities'.
Answer
Cities in LICs and NEEs are often referred to as 'unequal cities' due to significant discrepancies in socioeconomic conditions. For example, there are stark contrasts between affluent and impoverished neighborhoods regarding access to basic services like healthcare, education, and housing. Furthermore, this inequality is exacerbated by limited infrastructure and resources, which only benefit certain segments of the population. Evidence from resources indicates variations in living conditions and opportunities, clearly highlighting this development gap.
Step 2
Compare levels of access to piped water in urban and rural areas shown in Figure 2.
Answer
In urban areas, access to piped water is consistently higher than in rural areas, indicating better infrastructure. For example, data from the figure shows that over 70% of urban residents have access to piped water, while rural access tends to drop below 40%. This discrepancy highlights the uneven distribution of resources and the higher prioritization of urban development.
Step 3
Suggest why it might be helpful to describe the growth of African cities as 'population growth per hour'.
Answer
Describing the growth of African cities as 'population growth per hour' provides a more immediate understanding of the rapid urbanization phenomenon. This metric emphasizes the extreme rate at which populations are increasing, making it easier to comprehend challenges related to housing, services, and urban planning. It effectively showcases the urgency of addressing the needs of burgeoning urban populations.
Step 4
'Urban planners are finding it challenging to keep up with the growth of cities in LICs and NEEs.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Answer
I largely agree with the statement that urban planners face challenges in managing growth in cities within LICs and NEEs. Rapid urbanization brings about numerous issues, such as inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and environmental degradation. Planners often struggle with limited financial resources and insufficient data to inform their decisions. Moreover, the unregulated growth can lead to sprawling informal settlements, complicating planning efforts. However, many planners are becoming increasingly innovative in addressing these challenges through policy reforms and community engagement, suggesting a potential pathway forward despite the obstacles.