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Use CHILD to remember the factors that cause the development gap. In exam answers, try to explain how these factors interact rather than listing them separately — top marks go to answers that show how one cause leads to another.
C — Conflict and political instability — War destroys infrastructure, displaces populations, diverts spending to military rather than schools and hospitals, and drives away investment. The Tigray conflict (2020–2022) killed up to 500,000 people and reversed years of Ethiopian development. Governance corruption diverts public money from services to private pockets.
H — History and colonial legacy — Colonial trade patterns locked many LIDCs into exporting cheap raw materials. Post-independence, infrastructure, skills, and trade relationships all pointed toward commodity export rather than manufacturing. Debt accumulated from this structural disadvantage is still being repaid today.
I — Infrastructure deficit — Poor roads, unreliable electricity, limited internet connectivity, and inadequate ports all increase the cost of doing business. Ethiopia's mountainous terrain makes road construction expensive; 45% of Ethiopians lack electricity. Without basic infrastructure, companies cannot operate efficiently and goods cannot reach markets.
L — Low commodity prices and trade inequality — Raw material exporters receive less per unit than manufactured goods exporters. Coffee farmers earn a fraction of what roasters and retailers charge. Volatile commodity prices make national income unpredictable. International trade rules (written largely by wealthy countries) favour manufactured goods exporters.
D — Disease burden and healthcare gaps — High rates of malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, and preventable childhood illnesses reduce worker productivity, reduce life expectancy, increase healthcare costs, and reduce school attendance. Ethiopia's infant mortality of 38 per 1,000 births (versus 4 in the UK) means many parents have extra children as "insurance" — contributing to rapid population growth that outpaces economic growth.
Remember the country categories:
- LIDC = Low-Income Developing Country (Ethiopia, Chad, Niger) — lowest HDI, largely agricultural, most dependent on aid
- NEE = Newly Emerging Economy (Nigeria, India, Brazil, China) — rapidly industrialising, growing middle class, significant manufacturing
- HIC = High-Income Country (UK, Germany, Japan, USA) — post-industrial, service-led, high HDI
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