Obstacles to Progress in Africa
Population and Poverty
· Population explosion – at the current growth rate, population will double by 2050
· Widespread hunger - famine
Political Problems
· Power-hungry, greedy leaders
· Military takeovers
· Harsh dictators
· Ethnic and regional conflicts – tribal warfare, genocide
Economic Dependence
· Need for foreign aid (third world countries)
· Need for imported - very little industrial development
· High debts
Land and Climate
· Too much or too little rain
· Poor soils
· Desert climate – 40% of continent (desertification)
Economic Policies
· Failed socialist and mixed economy problems
· Cash crops instead of food crops
· Lack of funding for development
