Structural Adjustment Programs

Paper Summary:

In recent years, it has become obvious that the countries of Africa are not getting any better financially in spite of structural adjustment programs (SAP) and IMF programs. In fact, unemployment, poverty, and illiteracy continue to rise. Immortality is on the rise, with many children not living to see their fifth birthday. This paper looks at why Africa's people live in poverty in spite of its large number of natural resources and attempts to provide insight into ways that can assist it into becoming more self-sufficient.
Outline
Introduction
Commencement of Problem
Summary of Projected Solution
Effects of the SAPs
Overview of Structural Adjustment Programs
Description of SAPs and IMF Programs
Objectives of SAPs
Effects of SAPs on the Economy
Key Issues of the Program
Program Focus
Potential for Success
Effects on Domestic Economy
Disadvantages
Structural Adjustment Effects in Africa
Overview
Conditionality
Effects on African Economy
Credibility of SAPs
Privatization
Potential for Success
Key Issues
Performance Management
Description
Working Under SAPs
Impact on Trade Unions
Effects of SAPs
Possible Solutions
Labor Laws
Impact on Trade Unions
Role of Trade/Labor Unions
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The continent of Africa has been plagued by debt since it gained its independence from Europe, and the majority of those debts are owed to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Even though these organizations have only been officially in existence since their conception in 1944, the conditions of the IMF and World Bank existed long before that time. As of 2004, Africa's debts to the IMF and World Bank stood at over $300 billion, and it is unlikely that that number is representative of revenues lost to Europe and America since those monies have increased poverty rather than being beneficial to Africa. Every year a total of $15 billion is transferred from the poorest countries in Africa and other places in the world to the richest countries through interest payments."

More papers on Structural Adjustment Programs:

• Research Paper # 9662 : "Structural Adjustment Programs in Africa"
• Research Paper # 120190 : "The IMF Structural Adjustment Program in Zambia"
• Essay # 137674 : "The Negative Impact of Structural Adjustment Programs upon the Nation of Kenya"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: