Energy, technology & methods of production
How does a country turn its raw materials into useful goods? Every farm, mine and factory needs three things: energy to power the work, technology to do the work, and a method that decides who — or what — does it. In this lesson we meet the two families of energy (non-renewable and renewable, with Namibia's huge solar, wind, Hydro-Electric Power and green-hydrogen potential), climb the ladder of technology from a simple hoe to an automated factory (and learn why 'appropriate' technology is often the smartest choice), prove on the board how economies of scale make each item cheaper as you produce more, and compare labour-intensive and capital-intensive production — asking which really suits Namibia and why job creation matters so much here.
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO Development Studies 3.1):
- Describe the different types of energy used in production — non-renewable (oil, coal, nuclear, natural gas) and renewable (solar, biogas, wood/biomass, Hydro-Electric Power) — and explain their potential role in future development, including Namibia's solar and wind potential, Ruacana HEP and planned green hydrogen
- Describe types of technology and illustrate them with examples: simple technology (basic hand tools), intermediate technology (affordable, appropriate mid-level equipment), complex/advanced technology (machines and computers), and appropriate technology (technology that fits local skills, money and environment)
- Explain economies of scale — how, as a firm produces more, the average cost of each item falls
- Describe labour-intensive and capital-intensive methods of production, and discuss which method suits Namibia and why job creation matters
Miss Catherine and Mike talk through the whole topic — with the figure and working drawn live.