Eduqas A-Level Geography A110QS
Coastal LandscapesLandscape
Glaciated LandscapesLandscape
Changing Places
Water and Carbon Cycles
Global Migration
Global Governance of the Oceans
Tectonic Hazards
EcosystemsContemporary theme
Economic Growth and Challenge: IndiaContemporary theme
Economic Growth and Challenge: ChinaContemporary theme
Development in an African ContextContemporary theme
Energy Challenges and DilemmasContemporary theme
Weather and ClimateContemporary theme
Geographical Skills
Energy Challenges and Dilemmas
Appropriate technology and micro-generation in developing countries
- 3 things to know
- Component 3 Section B
Overview
Appropriate technology, solar home system and how a household biogas digester works.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Who popularised the idea of appropriate technology?
Why is micro-generation often better suited to rural Africa than grid extension?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
Define appropriate technology.
Model answer
Appropriate technology is small-scale, affordable equipment matched to local skills and materials. Users can maintain and repair it without outside specialists.
- 2
Who popularised the idea of appropriate technology?
Model answer
The economist Schumacher argued for small-scale intermediate technology in 1973. The charity he founded, now called Practical Action, still promotes the approach.
- 3
Why is micro-generation often better suited to rural Africa than grid extension?
Model answer
A national grid extended to scattered villages costs far more per household than local generation. Small systems can also be installed in days rather than years.
- 4
What is a solar home system?
Model answer
A solar home system is a small panel, battery and controller powering lights and phone charging. Typical systems range from about 10 to 100 W.
- 5
How has pay-as-you-go finance spread solar power in East Africa?
Model answer
Companies such as M-KOPA in Kenya let households pay for a solar system in small mobile-money instalments. Ownership transfers to the household once the payments are complete.
- 6
Describe how a household biogas digester works.
Model answer
A sealed pit or tank holds animal dung and water while bacteria break the waste down without oxygen. Methane collects at the top and is piped to a cooking stove.
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