Module 5: Development Case Studies

  1. I found a case study from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development on titled “Supporting local economic growth in Ghana: Newmont”. This case study primarily focuses on the economic development of the Ahafo Mine region in mid-western Ghana. Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading gold producer on five continents and they chose to open this project in Ghana in 2006. At the end of 2007, they had over 17 million ounces of gold reserves, representing nearly 20% of Newton’s global gold reserves. Along with the gold, the community around the area improved a lot. The development of the Ahafo Mine provided many local hires for contractor jobs and the project helped improve local infrastructure, including mobile phone coverage, road upgrades, and improved access to electricity supply. In relation to course topics, this region of Ghana has seen an increase in their gross domestic product for their economy by increasing engaged businesses and the value of goods and services produced from this area. Link: http://wbcsdpublications.org/supporting-local-economic-growth-in-ghana-newmont/
  2. My second case study was from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, titled “Pennsylvania Wilds Case Study”. This case study also focused on the economic development of a region. Pennsylvania Wilds is a region in north central Pennsylvania that encompasses 12 counties and over 2 million acres of public lands. Those who have lived in this region have seen the “boom and bust” of industrial development, with timber, railroads, and mining, though they have struggled with economic development. During some time, the region had a net decrease of about 250 businesses and 1400 jobs, accompanied by high unemployment rates between 10-18%. The goals of the “Governor’s Task Force on the Pennsylvania Wilds” set to support and grow private business and locally made products, promote the renewal of the region’s communities, and invest in the visitor experience, since the area has an “outstanding natural resource base” and is within a day’s drive of 50 million people. Economic analyses of the region showed growth in the gross domestic product and tourism spending in the region. Link: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/d_001847.pdf
  3. These two case studies connect in many ways to the economic development of my hometown of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Beaver Falls has suffered economically due to a decline in the steelmaking capacity in the region. Currently, though Beaver County may have a new industry on the rise – natural gas. The Royal Dutch Shell company has proposed building a new cracker plant right along the Beaver River in Potter Township near Monaca. This plant could exponentially increase business and economic growth in my region for several years to come. The relationship between Beaver Falls and the regions described above is very similar – an area with economical possibilities is revamped to support growth. I think a lot can be learned through the two case studies above about possible impacts on local communities and small business. If this plant develops, Beaver County will see a growth in development of homes and small business may see an increase in their production. Economic development is an important subset of development and is something that should be looked at thoroughly.

One thought on “Module 5: Development Case Studies

  1. Hi Rachel, My name’s Lexie and here’s the link to my blog: http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/02/25/water-scarcity-lexie-gersbacher/.
    I like that you found a case study from your home state and how it has a lot of similarities to your hometown. I found it interesting that the plant mentioned, could exponentially increase business and economic growth in your region for several years to come. As mentioned in our model, much of our development depends on natural resources that either cannot be replaced or that are not being replaced as fast as we are depleting them and fossil fuels, such as coal, were one of those resources. So, awesome job finding studies that support what we learned!

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