National 4/5 Modern Studies – Development in Africa Flashcards

Flashcards covering causes and consequences of underdevelopment in Africa, as well as responses to these issues.

What are some social causes of underdevelopment due to lack of education in Africa?

Poor education, subsistence farming, and difficulties in recruiting skilled teachers.

How does a lack of education cause underdevelopment?

Young people are unable to work in jobs that pay decent wages and contribute to the economy, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.

What is HIV/AIDS and how does it affect the body?

It attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It can lead to AIDS.

Why is ART (anti-retroviral therapy) not available to everyone with HIV?

It is expensive, and there are challenges relating to stigma.

In what ways can Malaria cause underdevelopment?

Malaria can lead to fewer people are working which then impacts a country's ability to grow their GDP and raise taxes to pay for public services.

What are the main ways to prevent malaria?

Mosquito nets, especially those treated with insecticide, and vaccines.

What factors are contributing to the current pressures on food systems in Africa?

Unpredictable weather patterns, conflicts, the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.

How much do malnourished children cost African economies on their GDP annually?

Between 3 to 16 percent.

According to Transparency International, which country is one of the most corrupt in the world?

Somalia.

How does corruption impact development?

It undermines governments’ ability to protect people and erodes public trust.

In what ways a civil war negatively impacts development?

Essential infrastructure can be destroyed, people are diverted from contributing to social and economic development, and people are displaced from their homes.

Which groups are fighting in the current civil war in Sudan?

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Why is debt considered to be a major obstacle to development?

Debt has long been seen as a major obstacle to development. Many governments have borrowed money from the IMF, the World Bank, and other countries (such as China) to finance development.

Why is trading with other countries important to grow a country’s economy?

Creates jobs, reduces poverty, and increases the money and wealth the country has.

What factors contribute to Africa's struggle to expand its share of global trade?

Lack of suitable infrastructure, and the fact ‘raw’ materials are often worth less than ‘value added’ products.

What is the definition of extreme poverty?

Living on less than $2.15 a day.

Why do so many people in sub-Saharan Africa live in extreme poverty?

Lack of peace and security, which has prevented poverty reduction efforts.

What percentage of children are not in education in sub-Saharan Africa?

31%.

What are some of the worst healthcare outcomes experienced in sub-Saharan Africa?

Low life expectancy and high rates of maternal and child mortality.

What military purposes are child soldiers used for?

Being used as fighters, scouts, cookers, porters, guards, and messengers.

Which region became a hotbed of violent extremism in the Sahel?

The Liptako-Gourma region.

What are the reasons why a refugee has been forced to leave their country?

War, persecution, or natural disaster.

What are the limitations that are placed on lower quality healthcare systems?

Poor surveillance systems.

Which organization is responsible for overseeing British aid?

UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

How much of the aid budget was spent supporting asylum seekers in the UK in 2024?

£4.2 billion.

What reasons lead to people coming to the UK being considered to be migrants?

Moving for work, study, or family reasons.

Why did cases of mpox spread to many countries around the world, including the UK, during the 2022-2023 outbreak?

In many cases people with mpox were not confirmed to have the disease so they were able to spread it.

What percentage of GNI does the UK government currently spend on aid?

Currently the UK government spends 0.5% of GNI on aid, however in February 2025 it was announced this would be cut to 0.3% of GNI.

Describe the FCDO successful response.

A £143 million programme in Kenya that delivered direct ‘cash transfers’ to vulnerable families.

What are the goals of the African Union (AU)?

Increasing cooperation and integrations across the continent to try and drive growth and economic development.

What is the the largest free trade area in relation to both population and geographic size?

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

What is one of African Union failures/criticisms?

The African Union has been criticised for failing to condemn human rights abuses by African governments

What organization was created after WW2 with the aim to prevent future world wars?

The United Nations (UN), an international organisation of which every country in the world is a member.

How has the WHO provided success in sub-Saharan Africa?

Delivering vaccines to reduce deaths from preventable diseases.

What are some of UNICEF current goals?

Ending child marriage, registering all children who are born, increasing access to quality information, ending the practice of open defecation, preventing stunting and malnutrition, and preventing physical and sexual violence.

What is the function of the World Food Programme (WFP)?

Fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies, and working with developing countries to improve nutrition and build resilience.

Describe one of the the WFP failure/criticisms?

Responding to the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, an inability to scale up its operations, missed funding opportunities, and fraud by some of their top officials.

What is the goal of WaterAid?

Water Aid is an NGO whose aim is to provide fresh water and sanitation services to people in need around the world in order to improve access to water and hygiene, and reduce the number of people dying from preventable diseases.

What services does Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) offer?

Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) are an international and independent medical humanitarian organisation who provide medical assistance to people affected by conflicts and disasters.

What are some of the services provided by the War Child Charity?

War Child are a charity that help children who are caught up in war. They do this by working to protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of children in war torn countries.

From the text notes, what are the overal views of Operation Barkhane?

Has been almost universally been interpreted as a massive disaster on the part of the French.