Steps Towards Development

Building Govt What issues do you think African nations faced when creating new govt’s? Problems – Lack of unity – Ethnic and economic splits  CIVIL WARS

Governments Civil Wars – Ethnic and economic – Created from boarders based on Europe’s colonies Regions have their own goals – Economic, political, and their own leaders 1 party rule – 1 party controls all  elections can have mult. Candidates but from the same party

Govt Cont. Military Rule – Removed corrupt leaders – Restore order – Mix success Stability – Strong econ. Help – Democratization Moved to multi-party systems

Economic Systems Socialism – Gov’t owns and operates major businesses Will supply the basic needs: food, shelter, healthcare Mixed economies – Majority of the continent – Build their own factories and goods Help from Multinational corporations – Invested in mining and agricultural areas – Most profits leave the country

Econ. Choices & Challenges Developing Agriculture – Some govt’s don’t help out – Focus is on cash crops Food prices low—hurts farmers – Pop. Explosion and weather Dependence – Rely on one cash crop – Limit imports

Population Explosion Population is a major issue – About 922 million – Quickly rising Book:1.5 billion by 2025 – Actually on pace for 1.7 City Growth – Major city growth within the last 50 years – Why do you think people are moving to the cities?

Effects of Urbanization Positive Est. a new urban elite – $, education, power New jobs A new culture Negative Small middle class Majority of the population – Lower class Past culture is lost – Cities=Nuclear family Westernization Youth welcomes technology as older gen. oppose it

Tribes Still strong ties to the tribes Communication barriers Religion – Diviner: mediator between god and the tribe All of these impacted by urbanization

Lives of Women Contributed to the economic well being of the family Status varied widely

Bride Wealth Women married at age 14 or 15. Man would have to give a valuable gift to the women’s family…sometimes didn’t have enough money until the age of 30. What does this reveal about the status of women?

Women’s Rights Times are changing – Women are gaining more rights. Ex. Inherit land Ivory Coast has banned polygamy Programs – Education and job training While some improve – Some areas women still have very little rights

Education All African Gov’ts support programs – Do you think everyone gets this though? Issues – Costs are to high: training teachers and building schools – Drop out after a few years What are some reasons why they might drop out? From elem. schools to colleges  Lack of $$$$