Development in Africa: Course Notes

Causes of Underdevelopment

• Social Causes:

  • Lack of Education: Poor education leads to low-paying jobs and hinders economic growth. Example: Niger's low literacy rate correlates with a low GDP per capita of 618.

  • HIV/AIDS: Impacts workforce participation and economic growth. Southern Africa has high HIV prevalence, affecting life expectancy (e.g., Eswatini).

  • Malaria: High prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa affects economies and healthcare systems. In 2022, Africa had 94% of malaria cases and 95% of deaths globally.

  • Hunger and Malnutrition: High rates in Africa lead to stunting and wasting, impacting health and economies. Malnutrition costs African economies 3-16% of GDP annually.

• Political Causes:

  • Cd puorruption: Undermines governance anblic trust. Somalia ranks low in Corruption Perceptions Index, leading to poor services and instability.

  • Civil War: Destroys infrastructure and disrupts development. Sudan's civil war causes displacement and threatens regional stability.

• Economic Causes:

  • Debt: High debt burdens limit spending on public services. Many African countries spend more on debt servicing than on health and education.

  • Lack of Trade: Limited infrastructure and focus on raw materials hinder economic growth. Africa's share of world trade is low and limits potential revenue.

Consequences of Underdevelopment

• On Those Immediately Affected:

  • Extreme Poverty: High rates in sub-Saharan Africa due to conflict and instability. 37% live on less than 2.15 a day.

  • Limited Access to Public Services: Lack of education, healthcare, and sanitation. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of children out of education.

  • Child Soldiers: Children used in armed conflicts. Central African Republic has around 10,000 child soldiers.

• Regional Consequences:

  • Spread of Instability: Conflicts can spread to neighboring countries. The Arab Spring led to instability in the Sahel region.

  • Refugees: Civil wars and conflicts cause mass displacement. Sudan's conflict has led to millions fleeing to neighboring countries.

  • Spread of Disease: Weak healthcare systems and borders facilitate disease spread. Mpox (monkeypox) has spread within Africa and beyond.

• On the Wider International Community:

  • Pressure to Donate Aid: Developed countries face pressure to provide aid. The UK's aid budget has faced cuts.

  • Refugees: Asylum seekers from Africa seek refuge in developed countries. The UK spends billions on supporting asylum seekers.

  • Mass Migration: People migrate for work and study. Many migrants from Africa come to the UK to work in social care and nursing.

  • Spread of Disease: Diseases can spread globally. Mpox outbreak in Africa spread to countries worldwide.

Responses to Underdevelopment

• Bilateral Responses:

  • FCDO Role/Motivation: The UK provides aid to support LEDCs. Aims include economic transformation and conflict prevention.

  • FCDO – Successful Response: UK aid package to support drought-hit communities in Kenya which was successful and incorporated by the Kenyan government.

  • FCDO – Less Successful Response: UK aid package to east Africa in response to drought, conflict, and rising food prices, but this marked a reduction on the previous amount announced.

• Regional Responses:

  • AU Role/Motivation: The African Union aims to increase cooperation and drive economic development.

  • AU Successes:

    • The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was established which is the largest free trade area.

    • Health initiatives against AIDs and Malaria have resulted in fewer people being infected with these diseases.

  • AU Failures/Criticisms: The African Union has been criticised for failing to condemn human rights abuses by African governments and relies too heavily on external partners.

• International Responses: UN Agencies

  • UN Role/Motivation: The United Nations aims to maintain peace, protect human rights, and promote sustainable development.

  • WHO Aim: The World Health Organisation helps countries to provide health-services and reduce health inequalities.

    • Success: Delivery of vaccines to reduce deaths from preventable diseases.

    • Failure/criticism: Mixed results in their efforts to eradicate malaria.

  • UNICEF Aim: The United Nations Children’s Fund leads international efforts to protect children.

    • Success: Working to support girls at risk or affected by child marriage.

    • Failure/criticism: Rapid population growth in sub-Saharan Africa.

  • WFP Aim: The World Food Programme fights hunger worldwide and delivers food assistance in emergencies.

    • Success: Working with countries to improve their resilience to extreme weather and support their food security.

    • Failure/criticism: The UN’s efforts to respond to the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan was being hampered by an inability to scale up its operations.

• International Responses: NGOs

  • NGOs are often able to respond to international issues quickly and can be there ‘on the ground’ to provide help.

  • WaterAid: Provides fresh water and sanitation services to people.

  • Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF): Provide medical assistance to people affected by conflicts and disasters.

  • War Child: Help children who are caught up in war.

• Military Responses

  • Operation Barkhane: French military counter-terrorism campaign that began in 2013.

  • MINUSMA: UN Multidimension Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali.