Abstract This paper considers the best economic strategy for poor countries to develop and applies this to South Africa. The paper notes the need for an infrastructure and for foreign investment from multinational enterprises in particular, with South Africa having to overcome the economic damage done by the long-term and now abandoned policy of apartheid, which contributed to the high unemployment and poverty facing the country.
From the Paper "Economic development is a subject of study in the West and a vital necessity for the poor countries of the world. Technology is identified as one of the four key elements for a country to generate a higher standard of living, along with natural resources, capital, and a skilled workforce. Emerging nations today can take full advantage of the technological developments that have been made by developed nations (Mobius 37). A country like South Africa has particular difficulty today because of the long neglect of proper development during the decades of apartheid, when racial divisions created a lopsided economic system where whites benefited and blacks did not."
Abstract This paper studies the economic impact of apartheid in South Africa between 1948 and 1991. It looks at post war economic problems and the rise of the National Party, its ruthless enforcement of apartheid and South Africa as one of the most unequal countries in the world.
From the Paper "This sent shock waves through the white community particularly among white South Africans in the lowest economic strata who feared that companies would replace them with lower wage earning Black workers. This resulted in a knee jerk reaction among the all-white electorate. According to Stephen Lewis this reaction resulted in the surprise election victory ..."
Tags:Economic impact, apartheid, south africa, mandella, anc, sanctions, united nations, national party, poverty, minority, majority
Abstract This paper examines the economic and social problems faced by the Republic of Cameroon, a relatively young independent country of central west Africa. The paper points out that Cameroon achieved its independence from France and Britain in 1960 and quickly unified into one republic from the separate territories controlled by both France and Britain. The paper posits that because Cameroon is extremely diverse, both culturally and demographically, some would assume that having numerous people groups would hinder the progress of unification in such a developing country. However, despite recent social and economic crises, the people of Cameroon have been able to tolerate the many cultural differences present, and have dealt with a less than desirable economy and a growing AIDS epidemic in a respectable manner. The paper concludes that, despite the problem of ethnic fragmentation and regional divisions spawned by a colonial history, the many ethnic groups overcame a civil war and re-united to grow one of the best economies in sub-Saharan Africa.
From the Paper "As noted, from the time that Cameroon declared independence from the colonial rule of the French and British, there has been a seemingly never ending line of economic problems, but, Cameroon's independence began with economic success. Although the economy relied heavily on the exporting of agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, bananas and palm oil, and remained very dependent on French capital, the economy thrived. The role of the French was still clear in much of Cameroon's economic transactions; nearly 60 percent of Cameroon's exports were to the French, and 55 percent of the imported products were from France. This beneficial partnership allowed Cameroon to be known as a success story in light of the rest of the continent's development, and boasted the title of the most prosperous country in Africa (Konings 248)."
Tags: third world, developing country, Africa economy unification colonization European colony
Abstract This paper looks at the economy of South Africa in comparison to Brazil. It begins by looking at South Africa; its economics and politics, then shows Brazil to have a similar background.
From the Paper "South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent. It's population of 42.1 million uses the Rand for its everyday currency. One US dollar is equal to approximately seven South African Rands (US $1=7.555000 ZAR). With a GDP of 290.6 billion US $ and a per capita income of 6 800 US $ South Africa ranks 63rd economically in the world. South Africa has a 30% unemployment rate, and an average of 9% inflation, but is considered a stable developing country. Even though it is the largest producer of gold, platinum, and chromium, mining only accounts for 9% of the South African GDP."
Abstract Structural Adjustment Policies are economic policies which countries must follow in order to qualify for international loans. This paper examines structural adjustment policies as applied to contemporary Africa and the extent to which these policies may or may not be relevant. Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Botswana, are cited as useful case-studies in evaluating the programs. It also analyzes the effects of these policies on health, education, transportation, national budgets and devaluation.
From the Paper "From the late 1970s and into the 1980s, there have been a great many arguments concerning the introduction of structural adjustment policies in African territories. In essence, when one speaks of an on-going debate about the relevance of structural adjustment policies, one speaks to the fact that structural adjustment policies had both positive and negative effects on African countries, such as Gambia, Lesotho, Malawi, Uganda, Cote d Ivoire, Zaire, Ghana and Zambia, as well as most of Sub-Saharan Africa collectively. By extension, therefore, the debate proceeds as to whether structural adjustment policies were substantively or inherently ineffective, since most of the people suffering under such programmes were the poor and the disadvantaged, a great portion of them being women. Other main arguments concern the fact that by the professed stabilization or restructuring of economies, adjustment policies stressed cuts in expenditure and the reduction of subsidies as well as limited public sector involvement that often augured well for education programmes. The reduction in expenditure on health programmes also caused health risks in the form of the deprivation of Africans of needed facilities and medicines, for example, for diseases such as HIV/AIDS."
Tags: aids, development, economic, health, poverty, globalization, imf, world, bank
Abstract This paper investigates the effectiveness of current HIV/AIDS prevention programs currently implemented in Africa. It asks the questions about the type of prevention programs are being implemented, which types are the most effective, and what is lacking within these programs, since they are failing to stop the AIDS epidemic in Africa. In addition, this paper briefly describes economic effects of the AIDS epidemic. Causes of the rise of AIDS are provided in the introduction.
From the Paper "Fifteen years ago, there were some regions of the world that remained untouched by AIDS. Now, however, there is not a single country around the world that has escaped the AIDS epidemic (Christensen, 2000). Some of the developed nations hit by the epidemic in the 1980's have slowed the rate of new infections and lowered mortality rates (Christensen, 2000). Although many countries are changing the devestation of AIDS, no region of the world has a higher AIDS-related burden than sub-Saharan Africa. The statistics are shocking. Sixty seven percent of the 33 million people living with AIDS in 1998 were residents of one of the 34 countries of sub-Saharan Africa (Hunter, 2003 p. 29). Of all AIDS deaths since the epidemic started, eighty three percent have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (Hunter, 2003 p. 8). In sub-Saharan nations, 1 out of 4 adults is HIV positive (Hunter, 2003 p. 11). Among children under age 15 living with HIV/AIDS, 90% live in sub-Saharan Africa (Christensen, 2000). Africans infected with HIV die much sooner after diagnosis than HIV-infected people in other parts of the world (Hunter, 2003 p. 207). Survival time after diagnosis of AIDS ranged from nine to twenty-six months (Hunter, 2003 p. 62). In Africa, the survival time of patients with AIDS ranged from five to nine months (Hunter, 2003 p. 78). The reasons that people who are infected are dieing so quickly is because of the lack of effective prevention programs, lack of government involvement, and a lack of healthcare (Meyer-Weitz and Steyn, 1992, Lejeune, 1993, Christensen, 2000, Martz, 2001, and Sewpaul, 2001). This paper examines the reasons for the spread of AIDS. It also analyzes the effectiveness of current prevention programs implemented in Africa to stop the rise of AIDS. In addition, this paper briefly touches on the economic effects of AIDS. The AIDS problem has the ability to crush the nation's work force and economy."
Tags: aids, country, economics, hiv, multi, orphanhood, program
Abstract This paper contrasts West Africa and China on several dimensions. The author includes population, origins and early history and religion. The paper relates the current day economics, government and general global power.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to provide a very brief overview of differences and similarities between Africa represented by West Africa and Asia represented by China. The two areas are compared and contrasted on several dimensions including ..."
Abstract This paper endeavours to explore the impact of the slave trade on West Africa. It examines how the historical injustices of the slave trade have undeniably affected West Africa detrimentally in the political, economic and social arenas. It details the recent discussions by leaders of nations historically involved in the slave trade as they determine what reparations can be made to the victims of this inhumane practice. It gives an historical overview of the slave trade in general and specifically in West Africa.
From the Paper "Before embarking on the political, economic and social fallout of the slave trade on West Africa, it is important to give a brief description of this blight in history. From the middle of the 15th century, the Portuguese initiated the slave trade. They were followed by the Spaniards and at a lengthier period (1562) by the British. Then in rapid succession by the Dutch (approximately 1620), the French (approximately 1640), the Swedes, Danes and Prussians, before culminating in its most awful activities in the 18th century (Morel, E.D., 1920, 4). Foreigners conducted wholly unprovoked attacks on African villages and kidnapped the young people who were strong enough to work their sugar and coffee plantations as well as for domestic servitude in their homes. The export of Africans to the New World furnished the workforce for the colonial plantations and mines whose yield (gold, silver and, most importantly, sugar, cocoa, cotton, tobacco and coffee) were the principal components of global commerce (M?Bokolo, E., 1998, 2). The horror of the Africans being torn from their homes and their families is matched only by the horror of the number of Africans who perished in the course of transportation on the slave ships
??. the slaves could not turn around, were wedged immovably, in fact, and chained to the deck by the neck and legs?.not infrequently would go mad before dying of suffocation?.in their frenzy some killed others in the hopes of procuring more room to breathe?.men strangled those next to them, and women drove nails into each others? brains.? (Morel, E.D., 1920, 4)."
Tags: slave, trade, West, Africa, Black, political, social, history
Abstract This paper includes four essays on economics: globalization of agriculture, food production and the logistics of distribution; globalization conflicts, economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and U.S. technological development. The paper discusses conflict issues as a result of globalization and the importance of resolving these issues.
From the Paper "The world has become an increasingly globalized community in which agriculture ,food production and the location and distribution of vital resources is a key concern ..."
Tags:Economics, Sub-Saharan Africa, globalization, agriculture, technology, biotechnology, new economy
Abstract This paper discusses population indicators and economic indicators for Japan and Sub Saharan Africa and looks at the links between these two types of indicators. The analysis indicates that population growth and economic growth are positively linked, although other factors may also be involved.
From the Paper "This research examines links between population indicators and economic indicators through a comparison of data for Japan and Sub-Saharan Africa. The data for this analysis were obtained from the World Development Indicators Web Site of the World Bank. The Data were obtained for Japan and for Sub Saharan Africa for two population indicators and two economic indicators."
Tags: population indicators, economic indicators, Japan, Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract The natural resources of Africa are defined, explained, and considered in this paper with respect to economics, free trade, and the United States. It looks at the importance of Africa's mineral and fuel and discusses key minerals of each region.
From the Paper "Africa like most continents is a pastiche of topographies, climates and landscapes - as such its stores of natural resources are varied. Harsh ecological conditions throughout much of Africa account for the fact that agriculture is often labor intensive and few opportunities exist in many rural areas. Wildlife reserves and the ivory trade are consistently monitored throughout the continent with mixed results. In many respects it is Africa's mineral and fuel stores that are of value to the rest of the world. Exploring Africa region-by-region will render ..."
Abstract This paper examines the historical facts of the slave trade in West Africa and its impact on the degradation of its society today. The paper illustrates how the European colonial slave trade affects current political, economic and social issues of the region.
From the Paper "According to recent studies, approximately 24 million Africans were abducted forcibly from West Africa alone and enslaved (Centre for Black & African Arts & Civilisation, 2002, 1). This paper endeavours to explore the ?impact of the slave trade on West Africa.? The historical injustices of the slave trade have undeniably affected West Africa detrimentally in the political, economic and social arenas. The gravity of such a negative impact is what leaders of nations historically involved in the slave trade are discussing as they determine what reparations can be made to the victims of this inhumane practice."
Abstract This paper analyzes post colonial Africa in a critical way, using contemporary thought in African politics. The role of the state in a state-led, as opposed to a liberalized economic entity and one where the state is expected to be partner, facilitator and mediator, yet to an extent still interventionist, is examined. Problems of democratization and development on the African continent, the epidemic of AIDS, other health disorders and lack of the state power to control some problems in ethnic clashes is thoroughly discussed.
From the Paper "After years of colonial rule, especially up to the 1960s and 1970s the concept of the state has been critically reviewed in order to appraise its function within the context of the operation of government and politics in Africa. It is one argument to suppose that within the post-colonial era ? which is the period just after the so-called "end" of colonial rule up to the pre and post-independence periods between the early 1950s throughout the 1960s and even onward to present ? the state lost or is losing its effectiveness. It is another argument to consider that with the establishment of multiparty regimes, the state's role was in fact consolidated. However, conceptually as well as practically, the role of the state and how Africans view the legitimacy of such an entity was much influenced by the fact that it was used by dominant groups within different African territories for individual domestic reasons. Different political cultures of some territories such as Ghana, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Mali and even to an extent Uganda, Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa generally, have only partially allowed democracies to flourish. This caused limited political, economic and social development in Africa as a whole."
Abstract This paper looks at the history of South Africa. It discusses the country's mineral wealth yet its economic poverty. It then analyzes its history of slavery and apartheid. The paper discusses the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and how he has led the people since then.
From the Paper "The Situation of South Africa South Africa has a unique history, which in many ways, forms a paradox. This forms a topic of interest for scholars, who study South Africa, readers, who see examples of South Africa from novels such as Alan Paton's Cry the Beloved Country, and firsthand accounts, those South Africans who live a life surrounded by poverty. South Africa is a land of extensive mineral wealth--in fact, it is the world's leading producer of such as gold and diamonds--the very symbols of wealth. It is home to some of the world's oldest fossils, and is home to a wide range of agricultural crops, and exports goods as well. South Africa also has a wide supply of coal and uranium for energy. This is a portrait of a country who sounds quite wealthy, but here again is an example of the paradox that surrounds South Africa. "
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of Africa and its issues with a focus on why the world seems to ignore many of its needs for assistance. The paper explores financial and political issues that have an impact on the nation and provides insight as to why the world seems to have Africa on "ignore".
Outline:
Introduction
The Problem
Solutions
From the Paper "The problems with improving the small business industry in Africa are cost prohibitive which is another reason the world ignores the problems of the continent. To create an environment that is conducive to small business growth in Africa the deficient public utility system will have to be improved. There is a power system there that is unpredictable at best and erratic most of the time. The continent has an unpredictable business environment because of the insecure rights to property and the contract enforcement difficulties as the laws are not yet clearly defined or enforceable. In addition there is corruption throughout the continent that prevents the ability to develop a small business sector that is professional, successful and accepted in the world. "
