Developing Countries
“Developing” is a process of moving from traditional ways of life to modern ways. It should mean an improvement in living conditions for the average person. Over many centuries the USA has developed to our present degree of modern life (and change continues). Compare your daily life with that of your grandparents and their grandparents. The USA has had over 229 years of independence (1776 to 2005). African countries have only gradually become independent in just the last 48 years (starting in 1957 with Ghana).
Woman Sharpening Machete
Woman Hoeing
Although there are some modern areas scattered thru most countries of Africa, mostly in cities, most families live in rural areas within traditional cultures. Population is exploding and old methods of farming by hand cannot keep up with the need for food. Many families do not have enough food to eat and are hungry and undernourished. They must often wait for the next growing season for more food. Farms are small and families are large. Hoes and machetes are the main tools.
What constitutes development in Africa and how is it to be achieved? How much and what kind of outside assistance is actually helpful? One desirable goal is for the Africans to be able to help themselves. There are many international groups offering aid. Pictured on the Ghana card, for example, are alternate methods of carting which have been introduced to reduce the need for head-loading. One organization which has been working with peasant farmers in Ghana to help make them more productive and to improve nutrition is Self Help International of Waverly, Iowa.
Visit the Hunger SiteThere is a way of providing aid in which you can participate: click on the link to the right and visit the Hunger Site to find out more.
Author Susan Woods was born in Belgian Congo 1918 to missionaries, educated in England, returned and spent most of her life in Africa. In her book, A String of Beads, she observed “Social problems are acutely present in lives of all who live and work in Africa today. An unprecedented social revolution is taking place. An ancient though complex culture is confronted with an equally complex and high tech culture with resulting pressures and suffering.”
Senegal Well
She also states that anyone employing a workforce in Africa is immediately involved in these problems. In the old days, loyalty was to tribe and family. They provided security and work. Now the work place is source of daily bread. A new loyalty is needed but it isn’t there. Loyalty can’t be bought with money. All parties are inhibited by an inability to express themselves clearly, or have a fear to do so.