Analysis of Africas Economy

Analysis of Africas Economy Several economists around the world are wondering whether the majority of Africans are benefiting from investment and profits originating from the continent. African leaders have been in the media claiming that Africa is experiencing one of the highest economic growth rates in the recent past. However, a growing gap between the rich and the poor, increase in cost of living and cost of consumer goods has disproportionate effects on working people as well as the poor. Countries such as Nigeria and Ghana that have reported to be undergoing economic growth are experiencing internal crisis linked to a rising cost of living and need to increase government expenditure on infrastructural development (Ndulu 5). Despite the fact that Nigeria was named as the largest economy in Africa, its women, youth, farmers and workers are increasing their demand for access to quality life, resources and wealth. Furthermore, several alarming reports indicate that the economic growths in various parts of Africa are more complicated than the leaders’ indicate. As result, a research was conducted to unearth the issues behind the economic problems, how African governments and leaders can address them (Ndulu 37). The major problem investigated is the interconnection between economy, social and political leadership with the current economic situation across Africa. It was crucial to analyze case studies and literature reviews containing information on African Economy. They analyzed relevant trade publications, annual economic reports, newspapers, magazines and on-line databases. Because of the time factors, the researchers relied mostly on web for data because it is faster and economical. Volunteers from public and private sectors, African economists, workers, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and African Development Bank provided necessary literature through the publications. The large pool of participants allowed the researchers to obtain wide range of data that was then crosschecked against other data to ascertain its validity. It was necessary to analyze data from various African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa. Nigeria was preferred because it is the economic powerhouse of Africa while Ghana is on the right path to democracy in Africa. Kenya seems to growing both democratically and economically while Democratic Republic of Congo was considered because it has vast natural resources. It was also necessary to compared the economies of such countries, analyze the various natural resources found in those countries, evaluate various sources of income. Finally, analysis of the relationship between democracy and economic growth, natural resources and economic growth and the relationship between economic growth and living standards of individuals was crucial (Ndulu 179). The research process indicates that African economy is likely to grow up to 4.7% during this year and accelerate to 5% in 2015. However, the growth in economy does not translate to infrastructure development, job creation, improved standards of living as well as reduction of high poverty level as well reducing inequality in Africa (African Development Bank 1). West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana continue to experience highest levels of economic levels ranging between 6.7% 7% and are likely to increase further by 2015. The economic growth is due to investment in minerals and oil, democratic governments and good leadership. East Africa is equally experiencing economic growth that has increased up to 6% from last year (Economic Commission for Africa 39). Kenya’s economy has grown due to increased consumer spending; Tanzanians economy has grown due to higher consumption and investment in natural gas. Lastly, Uganda economy is being enhanced by development in telecommuni cations, transport, construction as well as construction of burgeoning oil industry. In the southern region of the continent, the growth is likely to go up from 3.6% to 4.2% due to increased investments and rising mineral mining in South Africa. Economic growth in Africa will be weakest in North Africa due to political instability in the regions and fleeing of investors (Ndulu 193). The research notes that Africa economy is driven by exports, mineral exploitation and commodity production, but the rate is not yet optimal. This is because job creation is weak and the growth has not addressed poverty issues, poor living standards and rising inequality(Westenholz-Bless Achola 97).. The informal sector is still very large yet opportunities remain limited for those seeking employment. This is evident by high rates of youth unemployment as well as wide gender disparities in employment and earnings. Furthermore, increased pressure on labor markets due to increase in population pressure means no any sufficient impact can be felt by the majority citizens. The researchers established that weak job creation is brought about by overreliance on agriculture and mining as source of employment. Overreliance on farming leaves various countries susceptible to weather-related shocks. In addition to this, civil wars continue to pose a huge threat to economic activities in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Somalia (Ndulu 200). Though Nigeria is believed to be the economic powerhouse of Africa, the country has serious unresolved problems linked to distribution of wealth and living conditions of the majority Nigerians. According to the graph below, most Nigerians are unsatisfied with their government because the rates of poverty and unemployment are highest in Nigeria compared to other African countries despite the fact that it is the economic power house of Africa (see figure 01). Furthermore, the rate of employment seems to be increasing yearly. Unequal distribution of resources in the country has led to an internal conflict in northern part of the country. The conflict was associated with the majority northerners, who are poor, led to stagnated economic growth in the region. There has been other instances of bombing and abduction of schoolchildren in Nigeria as way of protesting against unequal distribution of resources and declining job opportunities. This has compelled most youths to engage in criminal activities to obtain money to cater for their expenses. Source: University of Twente. Nigeria Energy Study Report, Enabling Urban Poor Livelihood Policy Making: Understanding the Role of Energy Services. May 2014, Figure 01. Africans must rise up and determine their own destiny without any fear. From the results of the findings, there is a clear relationship between a peaceful democratic country and economic growth. Countries like Ghana and South Africa have experienced economic development due to peaceful elections and responsible leaders who encourage investors to invest in the countries. Rwanda that was on brink of self-destruction due to civil war in 1994 is now experiencing high rates of economic growth due to good leadership. This is a clear indication that security of a country is directly related to economic growth. Security ensures everyone gets an opportunity to go to work, students go to school and other economic activities take place. In addition to this, it gives the country a humble time of producing quality goods to sell abroad. As result, the country obtains revenue from the economic activities that lead to economic growth (Hughes, Mills Street, 01). Africans must also avoid overreliance on minerals and farming as the main source of livelihood. Countries like Uganda and Kenya have created job opportunities in sectors like road construction, trade activities, and telecommunication sector and transportation industry. The situation shows various job opportunities that can be created outside the traditional ones. In order to avoid uncertainties that come with climatic changes, Africans should utilize their rivers and lakes to create irrigation schemes. They should borrow irrigation technology from Israel that is a desert country yet it produces more food than it can consume. Lastly, Africans should observe family planning methods. The report indicated that most parents give birth to more children than they can take care of. This increases pressure on the limited resources in the continent (Hughes, Mills Street 1). Works Cited African Development Bank. Nigeria Economic Outlook. 2014. Web. 15 May 2014. Economic Commission for Africa. Economic Report on Africa 2008: Africa and the Monterrey Consensus: Tracking Performance and Progress: Overview. Addis Ababa: Economic Commission for Africa, 2008. Print Hughes, Ian. Mills, Greg. Street, Michael. â€Å"The solution to Africas woes lies with Africans, not the west.† The Observer mag. 10 March 2013. Web. 12 May 2014. Ndulu, B J.The Political Economy of Economic Growth in Africa, 1960-2000. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Print. University of Twente. Nigeria Energy Study Report 2005, Enabling Urban Poor Livelihood Policy Making: Understanding the Role of Energy Services. 2005. Web. 12 May 2014. Westenholz-Bless, Claire. Paul P. W. Achola.Fundamentals of Social Research Methods: An African Perspective. Cape Town, South Africa: Juta Legal and Academic Publishers, 2007. Print.

College Pressure Essay

William Zinsser’s in his essay â€Å"College Pressure† published 1979, describes the pressures Yale students have economic, parental, and peer/self- induced. He says that these pressures make students afraid to take a risk and to try to take different paths. He wants them to believe in themselves and to try to enjoy their time in college. I have been a student at Reedley Community College for two years and the pressure I experience as a student and a mother are different from that the Yale student experienced. The first pressure that Yale students and I experience is economic pressure. Zinsser explains that in the 1970’s â€Å"tuition, room, and board at most private colleges comes at least $7000† (par.12).He also explains how much pressure Yale students are under, that â€Å"even if the [student] works part time during school and full time during the summer†, but accrue $5000 in loans after four years, loans that the [student] must start to repay w ithin one year after graduation† (par.13). Then, Zinsser goes on to say that no matter how hard the student works he or she will be under pressure to pay back all the money he used. I relate to this pressure, but in a very different way. Although the cost of school for me is relatively low, I have four kids that are away at college. Having four children needing help with tuition and books puts a lot of financial pressure on me as a parent. Also, having six kids in general, three of which are girls, is expensive regardless. The country’s economic disparity has left personal finances tight and puts me under a lot of pressure to make sure my kids have everything that they need and that all bills are paid. Another pressure William Zinsser’s mentions is parental pressure which Yale students and I feel but slightly different .It refers to the amount of pressure students get from their parents. The students are being torn between pleasing their parents and pleasing themselves. Zinsser’s mentions that â€Å"often times students are walking to labs as though they are walking to the dentist.†(par.15) Students are taking on majors in a course of study that they do not necessarily like, however, in order to keep their parents happy they take them on. They are under pressure because they want to please their parents but they’re unhappy they want to do. Because they aren’t doing what. Because I am an adult this pressure does not really apply to me. However, I do feel the pressure from my children. My children expect me to get good grades, as well as maintain everything in the house. When dinner is not made on time because of my homework, my children get upset. They also complain about laundry not being done quickly enough. Although they support me, their expectations of me put me under a lot of pressure. The final pressure that Zinsser mentions is Peer/ self-induced pressure which are a pressure that Yale students and I apply on us. Students apply unnecessary pressure on them by comparing themselves to their peers. Zinsser mentions that a student he calls Linda â€Å"who came in and said she was under terrible pressure because her roommate, Barbra was much brighter and studied all the time.† This student is a perfect example of making an unnecessary comparison which stresses her out. This pressure leads to students over work them-selves. â€Å"A professor will assign five-page papers†. â€Å"Several students will start writing ten-page papers to impress him.†(par.27). Instead of just following the guidelines of an assignment they are trying to shoot above and beyond the requirements. I can really relate to this pressure because I do add a lot of stress on myself. I immediately assume everyone is doing better than me which makes me work harder, but at the same time it causes me to over work myself. I have to make sure all my kids need are done, and then I stay up late to make sure all my school work is done. This pressure affects me negatively because I add a lot of stress on myself that does not need to be added. Instead of focusing on my growth academically. I am always worried about who is doing better than me in class. A couple of ways I am trying to manage my stress is by making daily and weekly to-do lists and putting the most important at the top and working my way down. It’s a great way to manage my time as well. Being that I am a mother of six, my stress level seems like it’s multiplied by seven and I need to be able to put some of that stress aside and finally focus on my schooling since my oldest is twenty-two and my youngest is thirteen. Another great way I make stresses more manageable is by keeping procrastination to a huge minimum. If work that is assigned gets gradually done before the due date, it won’t all pile up the night before causing you to panic. Stress always piles up and it occurs more than any of us would like, but it shouldn’t be a reason to fail. By overcoming these pressures, we become stronger at the end.

The Black Death A Widespread Disease - 1148 Words

The Black Death was a catastrophic pandemic - a widespread disease, which spread over western Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe between the years 1346-1353. Playing an important role in history; a time known to have devastating effects and significant losses of population causing demographic impacts throughout the continents. Europe saw populations exponentially decline due to mortality rates during the outbreak. The Black Death killed tens of millions of people in Europe, this overall leaving the continent in misery and devastation during the presence of the outbreak and after. There have been historical accounts discovered and written over the centuries for example Giovanni Boccaccio s description published in ‘The Decameron’ (1350) outlined some of the symptoms conveying the black death first betrayed itself by the emergence of certain tumors in the groin or the armpits, some of which grew as large as a common apple, others as an egg (Ewen Callaway 2011) . During the Black Death, there was no knowledge of bacteria, viruses or microbiology leading to the ‘great majority of people believing that the disease was god s punishment of their sins’. However over time few physicians who knew classical Greek medicine believe it was miasma. Miasma was pollution of the air by toxic vapors containing putrid matter which spread by the wind (Benedictow 2004). This gave people more scientific views on the origins of the black death even with little evidence or knowledge.Show MoreRelatedThe Plague : The Great Plague1064 Words   |  5 Pagesanything to stop its deadly trail. The disease struck and killed with terrifying speed, leading Italian writer Boccaccio to declare, its victims â€Å"ate lunch with their friends and dinner with their ancestors in paradise.† Certainly, modern medicine understands plague and now has treatment available; however, history will reveal how easily a pandemic can resurface and become deadly once ag ain. History of the Great Plague For years, historians taught the Black Death of Europe originated in China, butRead MoreThe London Plague Of 1348 And 16651692 Words   |  7 Pagesrefers to two periods of disease outbreak in England. One plague, the Black Death, began in 1348. Another plague, the Great Plague, began in 1665. Both of these outbreaks killed a substantial amount of the population at the time. The plague exists in two forms: bubonic and pneumonic. A bubonic plague is spread by flea bites and results in painful sores on the body. A pneumonic form of the plague is airborne and spread by coughing and sneezing. Both the Black Death and the Great Plague existedRead MoreThe Middle Ages : A Look At The Dark Ages718 Words   |  3 Pagesthe period including social disorder, political turmoil and widespread disease. The Middle Ages was a period between 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. during which Europe experienced many drastic changes following the fall of Rome. Some of these changes were beneficial, but the ch anges also caused negative effects too. Overall, the Middle Ages was a dark time for Europe. The Middle Ages was a dark time for Europe because there was widespread disease and famine. For example, Throughout the first century of theRead MoreThe Death Of The Plague1532 Words   |  7 PagesFourteenth century western Europe— already plagued by overpopulation, economic depression, famine, and malnutrition, plummeted into an unprecedented scope of devastation as the bubonic plague annihilated two-fifths of its population. Coined the Black Death in reference to its symptomatic bodily discoloration, the pandemic’s ability to wipe out such a tremendous population is indicative of susceptibility before tragedy even struck. From 1000 to 1300, Europe’s population problematically doubled- consumersRead MoreThe Spread of the Plague 1671 Words   |  7 PagesThe word plague means a dangerous disease that quickly spreads and causes death. Alexander Yersin identified the cause of the bubonic plague. He discovered that the disease was being caused by a deadly bact erium which he named after himself, Yersinia pestis. Yersin worked with a scientist named Pasteur in France to develop a treatment to fight the plague. Yersin was the first to suggest that rats and fleas were the main cause for the spreading of the plague. Symptoms of the plague emerge after oneRead MoreThe Black Death And Its Effects On Society843 Words   |  4 PagesThe most devastating and tragic mortal disease, the Black Death, spread across Europe in the years of 1346-53. The Black Death became one of the deadliest infectious diseases in history. This fatal and rapidly spreading disease horrified people of its time. The disastrous natural catastrophe was only compounded with other setbacks in fourteenth century Europe. Those set backs include, warfare, religious turmoil and peasant unrest. 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Over the time span of three years, the widespread epidemic killed one third of the population in Europe with pretty near twenty five million people dead. The Black Death killed many more Europeans than any other endemic or war up to that time, vastly impacting the Chur ch, the people, and the economyRead MoreAnalysis Of Primary Sources Related On The Black Death885 Words   |  4 PagesRelated to the Black Death Only a small number of primary sources exist that write at length about the spread of the bubonic plague in Europe during the 14th century. With disease ravaging the continent, and medical science still in its infancy, mortality rates were extremely high. Anyone with training to help treat the disease was too busy handling patients to write in great detail about the spread of the disease. The virility of the disease also meant that many people who saw the disease and its effectsRead More The Middle Ages or the Dark Ages Essay786 Words   |  4 Pagesand confusion. Although the Middle Ages is often known as the age of faith, a more appropriate title for the time period would be The Dark Ages because of the black death, wars and the collapse of government. The Black Death caused intense suffering and many problems across Europe. According to the book, The Black Plague the black death started when a twenty-five year old man who skinned a sick bobcat. â€Å"A Few days after this, the rancher began to feel sick. He suffered from headaches, chills, fever

The Reign of Terror - 894 Words

The Reign of Terror was a time during the French Revolution hundreds of thousands of people were executed by various means: guillotine, shot, and drowned. The Committee of Public Safety, lead by Maximilien de Robespierre, were in charge of these executions, and with the job of finding anti-revolutionaries forces. Many thought that what Robespierre was doing would just lead to a greater anti-revolution movement, which would in turn increase the number of executions. Others did not take action against the terror; for fear that they themselves might be executed. Those who were still loyal to the revolution saw the terror as a noble cause; they saw it as a way to rid France of anti-revolutionary forces. While the terror started as an†¦show more content†¦As said by the British Prime Minster, William Pitt, the French people are urged into the field by the fear of the guillotine. Most often the people would join the revolutionary army just to escape the wrath of the army (Doc14). Charles James Fox, A member of parliament and a sympathizer of the revolution, the leaders of the French people were â€Å"guilty of such unheard of crimes and cruelties.† The other countries were even able to recognize how the terror was nothing more than a way to fear the people into following the revolutionaries’ commands (Doc13). Louis Antoine, in a speech to the National Convention, talked about how the French peoples’ greatest mistake was thinking that concentration authority would save the state. He thought this was a mistake; because, the concentration of the authority lead to even more chaos within the terror (Doc5). Many did think that the revolutionaries in charge of the trials for anti-revolutionary cases were much disorganized and in disarray, as seen in this picture by an unknown artist who; most likely disagreed with the terror. The artist depicts a scene where a revolutionary committee is deliberating were or not a person is guilty. In the paint ing, you see many different uniforms for the people, no one is looking in the same direction, dogs are running around the room and the guards look almostShow MoreRelatedReign of Terror1070 Words   |  5 Pages The Reign of Terror: Was It Justified? The Reign of Terror started in 1789 and was a time when supporters of the French Revolution ran wild and started killing non-supporters or counterrevolutionaries. The French held a ceremony if you will, in Paris for the execution of King Louis XVI on January 21, 1793. This was because Louis was having financial, and harvest issues. In June of 1789 King Louis called the Estates Meeting to discuss taxes and money problems. Then some men disliked whatRead MoreThe Reign of Terror1316 Words   |  6 Pagesliberty developed into the Reign of Terror. The Reign of Terror was a period in the French revolution characterised by brutal repression and executions which took place from 1793 to 1794. It was a time of bloodshed and murder, aimed to destroy counter revolutionaries and conspirators, and attack foreign enemies, which resulted in the deaths of around 20,000 to 40,000 people, and was viewed by Robespierre as an inevitable period to stabilise France. The Reign of Terror was caused by the evolutionRead MoreThe Reign of Terror4635 Words   |  19 PagesThe Reign of Terror History is said to be written by the winners, but is it possible to rewrite history? In a way, the French, like many who have preceded them, and many who will proceed them have done the impossible, rewriting history. From trivial folklore, such as George Washington chopping down a cherry tree, to the incredibly wrong, the African slave trade; peoples views of history can be shaped and molded. The French have done a superb job of instilling all of us with the concept thatRead MoreCauses Of The Reign Of Terror766 Words   |  4 PagesThe Reign of Terror was one of historys symbolic events that have changed the world for the better. Have started with King Louis XVIs reign in 1789 to 1793 (document B); which lead France down a rabbit hole of poverty, starvation of the people, and an unfair tax system (background essay). All of Frances problems have manifested into something that King Louis has done, but cannot stop. With the help of Maximilien Robespierre, the Reign of Terror was declared to fix a corrupted government. The ReignRead MoreRobespierre and the Reign of Terror1544 Words   |  7 Pagesthousand to forty thousand died; it is still unknown exactly how many people were lost through the blood drenching event of the Reign of Terror.[Footnote] Throughout the French revolution, specifically the eleven month, 1793-1794 Reign of Terror, revolutionary leaders, such as Maximilien Robespierre believed in enforcing fear to resolve t he instability of France. â€Å"Terror is nothing else than swift, severe, indomitable justice; it flows, then, from virtue†-Maximilien Robespierre.[Footnote] This periodRead MoreCauses of the Reign of Terror1367 Words   |  6 PagesThe reign of terror was a period of violence in which occurred from 1793- 1794 after the strong onset of the French Revolution. It was a time of fierceness and anger, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people living in France at that period of time. The terror followed the trial and execution of King Louis XVI in 1793 and was incited by the conflict between the Girondins and Jacobins. Soon after, King Louis’ wife, Marie Antoinette, was executed in the guillotine- the new form of constitutionalistRead MoreThe Revolution Of The Reign Of Terror792 Words   |  4 Pagesof government, and the Reign of Terror’s new revolutionary government was no exception. Although the revolutionary government was meant to replace a tyrannical go vernment, it quickly turned into the dictatorial government it tried to replace and in many cases stepped far outside of the bounds of lawful or just action. During late 18th century France in the time period between the execution of King Louis XVI and the execution of Maximilien de Robespierre, the Reign of Terror senselessly guillotinedRead MoreReign of Terror Essay630 Words   |  3 PagesReign of Terror DBQ: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the Terror as an instrument of the French Revolution. France was experience a great amount of change in the summer of 1793, when the Jacobins succeeded the moderates in the National Convention. With the radical Jacobins in power, the country was in tumult, and a Reign of Terror ensued due to a law of suspects that legalized local revolutionary committees. Because of this, thousands of people were killed by guillotine or other methodsRead MoreThe Nazi Reign Of Terror878 Words   |  4 Pagespeople treated differently or did they suffer the same consequences under Nazi rule? The answer is, that while non-Jewish people often suffered the same fate as the Jews, the Jewish people suffered a more heinous and cruel version of the Nazi reign of terror as evidenced by historical accounts recounted by concentration camp survivors and those who lived during this time. Under the Nazi rule, the leader, Adolf Hitler’s design was to eradicate all groups other than the blue-eyed, fair-haired AryansRead More The Reign Of Terror Essay4589 Words   |  19 Pages The Reign of Terror   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  History is said to be written by the winners, but is it possible to rewrite history? In a way, the French, like many who have preceded them, and many who will proceed them have done the impossible, rewriting history. From trivial folklore, such as George Washington chopping down a cherry tree, to the incredibly wrong, the African slave trade; peoples views of history can be shaped and molded. The French have done a superb job of instilling all of us with the