The Impacts of Social, Economic and Political Changes on Growth in Africa (Essay Sample)

The Impacts of Social, Economic and Political Changes on Growth in Africa
Joseph Nyoro
Proficientwriters.com
The Impacts of Social, Economic and Political Changes on Growth in Africa
Introduction
The world is never static and keeps changing depending with the outcomes of both human and natural activities. People work hard to make their families, communities, countries and world a better place for all of them. The development of any region is usually determined by a number of issues that are usually influenced by social, political and economic activities. South and North America are considered the most developed continents while Asia and Africa are still regarded as developing continents. The difference between these two groups of continents is influenced by a number of issues that may or may not be within people’s ability to control them. This paper examines the impacts of social, economic and political changes impact growth in Africa.
Social
Africa is a unique continent going by the social events that have been taking place there for centuries now. The fact that each country consists of people from different ethnic and sub-ethnic groups means that a single community is highly differentiated. The cosmopolitan nature of the African communities proves to be a serious impediment to both economic and political growth in the region (Wheeler, & Von Braun, 2013). The issue of cultural identify plays a significant role in determining a number of issues in the African society. Generally, Africans have large families which are traditionally headed by men. Women have very little chances of ascending the ladder of leadership and enjoying equal opportunities in various public issues. The recent affirmative action plans and westernization impacts on African countries have shed some lights and transformed the perception of women, culture and the role of all societal units in development (Acemoglu, & Robinson, 2013). Today, there are tremendous changes taking place regarding the role of women in societal development and their perception in terms of leadership in the region. More women are becoming key figures in the society by influencing the public’s attitude towards various issues. For instance, the late Professor Wangari Maathai who won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize left an indelible ink in the African continent through her fight to protect the environment and the rights of marginalized groups in the society. Westernization has infiltrated in Africa and this has transformed people’s perceptions towards issues like gender equity and equality (Mowforth, & Munt, 2015). Today, most African cultures appreciate and respect women and consider them important members in the society. The above changes are important in drafting the path that African countries should take in their fight to achieve progress.
Economic
Africa is considered the basket or raw materials for most domestic and industrial finished products. However, the recent over-exploitation of its natural resources has left the continent a shell and wreck. Africa lacks adequate financial and technological resources to exploit its raw materials and convert them into valuable finished goods (Mowforth, & Munt, 2015). Therefore, most of the raw materials are exported overseas attracting minimal revenues compared to the high prices of imports produced from the same raw materials exported cheaply. Secondly, Most African countries produce similar products and this means that they over-supply them and lower their demand and prices. The high population increase coupled with the frequent natural disasters like famine and diseases hinder development in Africa (Wheeler, & Von Braun, 2013). Today, there are a number of initiatives established to improve the economy of African countries and spur development. First, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) supports a number of projects by offering sponsorship or loans to finance them. The Red Cross also offers humanitarian help and supports local initiatives to improve the welfare of the locals. America and other countries partner with African continents through economic stimulus plans like the World Vision 2030 agenda to spur progress n this continent. These efforts are aimed at ensuring Africans identify and bank on their skills and resources to develop their continent (Acemoglu, & Robinson, 2013). Changes in the way Africans believe in themselves as having the solution to their problems motivates them to work hard. Learning institutions, research centers and other government agencies partner with non-governmental organizations have invested in entrepreneurship programs that are aimed at empowering the young and working populations. The economic future of Africa is bright since there is a paradigm shift regarding the perception of work, money, resources and investments by Africans.
Political
The politics of African countries is responsible for a significant percentage of the development or underdevelopment of the continent. The nature and practices of African families are usually amplified in national spheres where politics take center stage. Ethnicity, tribalism, nepotism and corruption play significant roles in shaping the outcome of elections, allocation of resources and appointment of public officers (Dell, Jones, & Olken, 2012). Politics is always perceived as a war between political parties which are largely formed along ethnic lines. Bloodsheds, body injuries and destruction of resources are common events before, during and after elections. In most cases, presidential elections are usually marred by violence and bribery issues. For instance the 1995 Rwanda and Burundi genocide and the 2007/2008 Kenyan post-election violence were gruesome outcomes of elections. In Africa, politics determine which areas will be allocated more resources and which ones will miss according to their perceived loyalty to the leaders. Luck...