Abstract This paper explains that, despite the historical contribution of women to the economy of the Sub-Saharan African region during the pre-colonial era; today, women face formidable social and economic barriers, which exploit them. The paper points out the history, effects and possible solutions to gender inequality in politics and economics in this region. The paper also discusses the need for agricultural education for women to increase productivity and a constitutionally defined quota system to boost female participation. The paper concludes that gender inequality in politics and economics in Sub-SaharanAfrica is an obstacle to the development of the region.
From the Paper "The second strategy suggested is to act immediately to increase the productivity of subsistence producers. Immediate gains could be realized by increasing women's access to land credit, tools and appropriate technologies. The third strategy suggested is to change the definitions and assumptions made by conventional development policies in order to collect information that creates a realistic picture of subsistence economies. Personally, I believe they are other steps that could be taken by governments in Sub-Saharan Africa that could improve women's political and economical participation."
Abstract This paper attempts to compare Latin America to sub-SaharanAfrica by incorporating the findings of three articles that look at immigration, environmental concerns and family planning. It aims to discuss how these areas of concern are being addressed and how they have been or may be solved.
From the Paper "A major concern in Sub - Saharan Africa and the Latin American nations is family planning & sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and Aids. "The ideal family size of about four children is lower in Rwanda than in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa. However, the annual rate of change observed between the periods of 0-3 and 4-7 years preceding the surveys (-4.2 percent) is clearly greater than those noted in the first phase of the fertility transition in Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe."(Pillet) The use of contraceptives in Africa has declined as the use of contraceptives increases. The changes can be compared to Latin America in the 1970's. "In Asia and Latin America, the accelerated decline in fertility observed in a few countries in the 1950s and 1960s was repeated in most of the others in the 1970s." (Pillet)"
This paper looks at world trade policies and restricted market access by developed nations as a cause of marginalization in global trade of Sub-SaharanAfrica economies.
Abstract This paper examines how world trade policies have caused a marginalization in global trade in Sub-SaharanAfrica (SSA) economies. The paper begins by examining the official World Trade Organization (WTO) and General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) economic policies with regard to SSA. Next, the paper examines the implications of world trade policies. Then the paper discusses how foreign aid, whether in the form of charitable aid or foreign investment in SSA economies, impacts the production capability of SSA countries. Finally, the paper examines the progress made by SSA nations, the developed world, WTO, and GATT to assist SSA nations in their efforts to fairly share in the global economy. After discussing the cause of the economic problems faced by SSA countries as a result of world trade policies, the paper then proposes several solutions to those problems. The paper suggests ways that the developed world can help SSA nations take their places in the global economy. More importantly, the paper suggests ways in which the SSA nations can take control of their developing economies and become competitive in the global market. Finally, the writer maintains that diversifying the economic base for individual SSA nations, as well at the region in general, should lead to greater economic stability and competitiveness.
Contents:
Introduction
Discussion
Poverty in SSA
Official WTO Policy
Economic Subsidies
Tariffs
Non-tariff Barriers to Trade
Dumping
Foreign Aid
The Downside of Trade Liberalization
HIV/AIDS
Progress
Recommendations
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "Anyone with even a passing familiarity with the global economy is aware that SSA countries, despite their abundant human and natural resources, have not taken a competitive position in the global economy. While the casual observer may believe that SSA's failure to be competitive in the global economy is a result of the interior workings of the economies of those SSA nations, even a cursory investigation into world trade policies quickly reveals a bias against the growth of economies. For example, many of the trade policies established by the WTO under GATT guidelines inhibit true economic growth in SSA economies. Furthermore, those trade policies have helped shape the economic infrastructure of SSA nations, in such a manner that those countries actually maintain policies that inhibit their own economic growth."
Abstract This research paper explores the determining factors of growth in Sub-SaharanAfrica (SSA) by examining the increasingly dominant role of financial assistance, natural resources, culture and non governmental organizations in selected countries of the region. To understand this relationship better, the paper makes a comparison between economic policies, cultural variations and political systems of selected countries. The countries this study reviews are Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, Uganda and Sierra Leone.
Outline:
Methodology
Objective
Introduction
Theoretical Background
Previous Work and Literature
Economy Openness
Culture
Foreign Assistance
The Role of NGOs
From the Paper "Countries rich in resources must be tempted to promote their export growing policies, which will increase economy openness and exposure to external shocks even to a higher degree. The country will improve its' international competitive position if it promotes exports and trade by investing heavily into this economy sphere. The second round positive result from promoting exports and trade is the future possible exploitation of economies of scale in production when the output sales markets for the producers expand. The third round positive affect is that the producers will naturally eliminate inefficient production facilities and invest into high technology and train and grow skilled labor resources to remain competitive in the global arena. These are the main reasons for opening up the economy and playing on the global market arena, and are very effective economy stimulating methods for economies with low local purchasing power and thus limited local output markets, which are the classifications of African counties, as proven by Fosu . "Open economies do grow more rapidly than closed economies... Whether the measure of openness has to do with exchange rate overvaluation, relative price distortions, tariffs and quotas, share of trade in GDP, the black market premium, or a composite measure combining some of these with state monopolization of commodity exports and general socialism" (Easterly, 2000, p. 48) . "
Abstract This paper discusses the occurrence of malaria in Sub-SaharanAfrica. The paper reviews the first program to control the spread of malaria in Sub-Saharan African countries that started in the 1920's with larval restraint. The governments in Sub-SaharanAfrica have encouraged policies that target the destruction of the mosquitoes that cause this disease, since reliable means to contain this disease are out of their reach. These policies have paved way for excessive utilization of man-made insect-killers, mainly dichlorodiphenyl trichioroethane (DDT). This man-made insect-killer is said to possess extreme side affects to both the environment and the human life. The paper examines the reasons that have triggered the developed world to ban the use of DDT and explores the attempts to influence Third World countries to also take the initiative to ban the use of DDT. The paper demonstrates that malaria entails exceedingly important economic expenditures on Sub-Saharan African countries.
Outline
Executive Summary
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Research Questions
Review of the Literature
Malaria Incidence in Sub-SaharanAfrica Age and Gender Analysis of Malaria Cases
Financial Expenses of Malaria Treatment
Malaria Prevention and Control in Sub-SaharanAfrica Pertinent Foundation
DDT is Necessary to Control Malaria
Abolishing the Use of DDT
Function of the World Health Organization
Influence of International Policies
Methodology
Collection of Data
Data Analysis and Search Tactics
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is common knowledge that malaria is the world's most lethal bloodsucking infection. Malaria takes life from more people than any other infectious virus, apart from tuberculosis (TB). Despite the fact that the geological region influenced by malaria has reduced drastically in size in the preceding five decades, restraining Malaria has turned out to be extremely difficult, in fact impossible, and the efforts and improvements by the respective governments have been wasted.
The infection is passed on by Anopheline mosquitoes, the figure and kind of which establish the degree of flow in a specified region. Augmented threat of the infection is related with transformations in the utilization of land concerning actions like highway construction, mining, logging, as well as, farming and irrigation ventures, predominantly in border regions like the Sub-Sahara Africa. One of the cures for this ailment that has been extremely useful is the utilization of DDT."
Abstract Ibn Batutta was a self-proclaimed scholar of the fourteenth century who traveled extensively throughout sub-SaharanAfrica under the auspice of Muslim religion. This paper examines his detailed journal, an account of his experiences traveling through various medieval cities. It discusses how the text of Ibn Battuta stands as a relevant work from an autobiographical standpoint, as well as a study of regional cultural diversity among Islamic communities and shows how it gives an understanding of historical information about the size and resources of ancient cities, trade relationships and the predominant commodities of value.
From the Paper "The journals also discuss the danger of storms at sea and seasonal conditions that limited the availability of this mode of transportation. The rigorous and perilous nature of distant travel is emphasized in the text and endured often by Ibn Battuta throughout his life. Although he expresses a modicum of regret at his abstinence from a stationary life, his descriptions of events and beautiful places belie his propensity for wanderlust. ?This desert is bright, full of sunlight, one's chest is dilated, the soul finds good in it.? (p.35) "
Tags: medieval, muslim, pilgrimage, ulama, fourteenth, century, sub-saharan, africa
Abstract This paper discusses how AIDS is the most virulent disease even known to affect humanity, and Africa has been particularly hard hit. This paper examines this pandemic in terms of its incidence and its epidemiological profile. The paper focuses on Africa and more specifically on sub-SaharanAfrica. In addition this paper pays special attention to the interesting case of South Africa and the crucial subject of mother to child transmission.
Abstract This paper looks at rural-urban migration patterns in Africa. It examines patterns in South Africa, sub-SaharanAfrica, West Africa, Nigeria, Zambia and Ghana. The paper looks at the reasons for the migration and its effect on the rural areas and on the cities.
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at Christianity in Africa. This exploration of Christianity in Africa started soon after the death of Christ to the end of the 1800's. The writer discusses visits of the Apostles and conversions. The writer also examines the arrival of missionaries in the early 19th Century.
From the Paper "According to Pat Morrison writing for National Catholic Reporter, many Christians think that Christianity arrived on the African continent as the result of European-based missionary efforts. But a closer look at church history reveals a much different picture. Christianity spread to Africa soon after the death of Christ. The Acts of the Apostles chronicle visits by one or more of the Apostles to various fledgling Christian communities in North Africa. Morrison writes that historical records witness to ... "
Tags: Christianity, Africa, South Africa, Sub SaharanAfrica, Missionaries, Portuguese, evangelical, monastics
Abstract This paper examines American foreign policy towards sub-SaharanAfrica, which has demonstrated continuity, for regardless of whether Democratic or Republican administrations have held power in the White House, events in sub-SaharanAfrica have rarely been considered important enough to merit American attention. The paper argues that subsequently, American foreign policy attitudes about sub-SaharanAfrica over the past thirty-six years can best be described as detached and dismissive.
From the Paper "Since Richard Nixon's first term as President of the United States, American foreign policy towards sub-Saharan Africa has demonstrated continuity, for regardless of whether Democratic or Republican administrations have held power in the White House, events in sub-Saharan Africa have rarely been considered important enough to merit American attention. Subsequently, American foreign policy attitudes about sub-Saharan Africa over the past thirty-six years can best be described as detached and dismissive. The African continent has generally been considered geo-politically unimportant to the United States, so the American foreign policy establishment has paid little attention to Africa."
Abstract This paper discusses macroeconomic issues, such as the types of convergence that exists. It focuses its discussion on the Sub-SaharanAfrica region and describes its structural difficulties in implementing economic reforms. Finally, the paper examines the issues surrounding the East Asian financial crisis (or IMF crisis) that occurred in 1997.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Convergence
Sub-SaharanAfrica East Asian Financial Crisis
From the Paper "South Korea, by this example, had average gross domestic product (GDP) rates of over 8% and this, combined with huge inflows of investment capital had given South Korea the veneer of an unassailable economic success (Chun & Kirkby, 2002, p.82). Yet, underlying the financial crisis among the affected countries were vast current account deficits that were simply not sustainable as well as a system of pegged exchange rates that encourage speculative behavior both internally and externally. In spite of the attention being paid to foreign speculators as well as to heavy borrowing by the countries themselves in order to support the system of pegged currencies, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) received much of the blame as well as ire due to its handling of the crisis."
Abstract This paper discusses how the culture and history of sub-SaharanAfrica is rich and deep, with ties in countless other civilizations, throughout time. In particular, the paper looks at how ancient sub-Saharan African art was highly influential on the art of the world, especially the surrounding areas including Europe and Northern Africa, which was mainly colonized by European empires throughout it's history. It also looks at how the profound effect of both ancient and modern African art is visible in many ancient art movements, and many current ones. The paper also compares the art of the different cultures such as Nok, Yoruba, Ife and Mali.
From the Paper "As previously mentioned, evidence of ancient African art has been dated back to as far as eight thousand BCE, which is just under five thousand years before the unification of the Upper and Lower ancient Egyptian civilization. The first Saharan cave paintings were made in a prosperous time for the climate of Africa; the paintings depict the Sahara as a grassy plain, with plentiful amounts of wild game. The culture of this time period was that of a hunting style, with small villages that focused on wild game as its main source of food. The way of life continued basically uninterrupted until the climate began to change around four thousand BCE. Quickly becoming more arid, the Sahara began to dry, and grassy plains of the past were becoming what we now associate with the Sahara; that of a dry, uninhabitable climate. "
Abstract This paper will discuss the elements of neo-colonialism that seems to have affected a large part of the Sub-Saharan parts of Africa within the book "Understanding Contemporary Africa" by Douglas Gordon. This paper will focus on the ways that this has been achieved in the rules that the colonials have created upon the African learning systems here. With this in mind, we can see how they function in tandem.
Abstract This paper provides a review of what is currently known about African trypanosomiasis and the measures available for its treatment, surveillance, and control. It discusses the various obstacles confronting efforts to control a disease that is confined to sub-SaharanAfrica and also researches the origin of the disease and the impact it has had on Africa throughout history.
From the Paper "There are many general symptoms of African trypanosomiasis, although individuals usually experience the symptoms in different ways. The initial symptoms, which typically occur within one month of infection, tend to be nonspecific. These symptoms can include fever, skin lesions, edema, severe rashes or swollen lymph nodes on the neck (Allsop, p. 15-18).
After these initial symptoms, the disease may progress to meningoencephalitis. As the illness develops, symptoms can include: weight loss, changes in personality, irritability, difficulty in concentration, slurred speech, confusion, seizures, extended periods of sleep, insomnia, and more."
Abstract This paper explains that, from the 15th century onward, European colonization of Latin America and Sub-SaharanAfrica was motivated by economic greed and by religious zeal on the part of European nations, especially Spain, to spread Christianity to the "uncivilized" indigenous peoples. The author points out that, as a result of New World colonialism, Spanish influence is still strongly felt throughout the Americas today and British, Dutch, French and Portuguese influence is still strongly evident in many parts of Africa. The paper stresses that this European colonization created massive changes, most of which were for the worse, in the physical landscape and in the economic distribution of wealth and resources on both continents, which today continue to strongly affect the people, their lack of resources and the overall conditions of those areas.
From the Paper "Latin America today suffers similarly in many ways, also an unfortunate legacy of past European invasion. Perhaps most interestingly, Brazil, the Latin American nation most ravaged by the Portuguese, suffers from an AIDS epidemic equal to those of parts of Africa. Indigenous peoples of Brazil, their numbers severely decreased by a smallpox epidemic brought by European settlers, live today in isolated pockets of Andean poverty. Some of Brazil's indigenous tribes are so small today that they risk dying out within the next generation. Meanwhile, Brazil's tropical rain forests continue today to be destroyed in the name of "progress", wreaking havoc with our worldwide ecosystem."
