Chapter 6-Section 5 Economic & Social Development: The Struggle to Rebuild

World Bank Database… HO8_jDO6Uhttp:// HO8_jDO6U Clip about World Banks data bases /AFRICAEXT/EXTPUBREP/EXTSTATINAFR/0,,contentMDK : ~pagePK: ~piPK: ~theSitePK: ,00.html World Bank Africa Development indicators

Structural Adjustment policies SSA’s economic based declined during the 1990’s and was accompanied by heavy pop. growth so overall living standards declined. The IMF & World Bank recommended structural adjustment policies which reduce gov. spending, cut food subsidies & encourage growth of private sectors which all = hardships for the poor – esp. women & kids.

ROOTS OF AFRICAN POVERTY… SSA is the poorest & least developed world region. The region is currently experiencing very slow economic growth What are the roots of this region’s poverty? – Slave trade and Imperialism certainly contribute…but there are other factors to consider too.

FAILED DEVELOPMENT POLICIES… When a country achieves its independence one formidable task facing the new leadership is devising economic growth or development policies. Despite their best efforts & some early success, most of these policies failed leaving countries further in debt.

FOOD POLICIES… GOAL: Keep a cheap and long-term supply of staple foods; make the food affordable in comparison to people’s wages, & stability will occur. Unfortunately, poor geography, an inability to produce enough food and population explosions made this goal unachievable and famine and deeper economic debt occurred.

CORRUPTION… Low wages make it easier to bribe civil servants; Many SSA nations have been referred to as “kleptocracies” – a state in which corruption is happening at every level of government and politicians are stealing a huge % of the country’s wealth.

Why is SSA disconnected from the world economy? 1) Overall level of trade with the rest of the world is low; 2) Poor Infrastructure 3) Their greatest connection to the global economy is through aid (meaning loans from other countries or from international lending institutions) rather than investment.

Links… stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/ stm Congo & kleptocracy /blog/16018http:// /blog/16018 another kleptocracy article us AID TO AFRICA

Regional trade blocs SADC – South African Development Community ECOWAS – Economic Community of West African States CEEAC – Economic Community of Central African States All have been less effective than desired mostly attributable to political instability.

MEASURING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT… Literacy: Improving…better for men than women but lower than global figures. LIFE EXPECTANCY: Average is 51, but in some countries it is much lower…37 in Angola. This reflects years of conflict & political disorder. Contributing factors: AIDS, poverty, & other diseases

HEALTH ISSUES… High mortality levels…too few doctors & health facilities; Severe disease environment (lots of insect borne illnesses & serious diseases like TB & malaria) AIDS

Status of Women… Tough to gauge – in some areas women have a lot of political & economic power; Polygamy is prevalent in some areas; Some areas still won’t allow women to inherit property Women are discriminated against – Most women still live in rural areas with little education.

BUILDING FROM WITHIN… Support groups & networks across the region support women & have the potential to transform the region. Women are given loans to start small businesses; farm labor groups support women’s market associations; The goal is to create local networks to help solve women’s problems & community problems too (this lessens dependence on outside assistance) Africa's Economic Future