The True Picture of Africa's Development: Deconstructing Myths and Myths of Underdevelopment
The debate on who underdeveloped Africa has long been challenging. The argument that Europe underdeveloped Africa has gained significant traction, with some scholars asserting that Africa's development was integral to the European economic miracle. However, is it accurate to say that Europe underdeveloped Africa or that something different is impeding African development? This article explores the complex factors that have shaped Africa's economic development.
The Historical Context
Before discussing Europe's impact, it is crucial to understand Africa's economic status prior to the arrival of Europeans. As Walter Rodney elucidates in his 1972 book, 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa,' Africa's economic development paralleled that of Europe and Asia up until the 15th century. Kingdoms, empires, and city-states were powerful and engaged in extensive trade networks that connected the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indian Ocean regions. The richest man in the world in the 14th century, Mansa Musa, the emperor of Mali, disrupted the economies of the Middle East and beyond with his gold.
The Impact of the Slave Trade
The slave trade, which began during the 15th century, drastically altered Africa's economic trajectory. While slavery had existed in Africa prior to the European influx, the export of slaves to the New World had severe consequences. Here are the key factors that contributed to Africa's economic underdevelopment:
Population Loss
One of the most direct impacts was a decline in population. Prior to the industrial revolution, people were the most essential resource in an economy. Agriculture, the core of a pre-industrial economy, required significant manpower. The slave trade stifled population growth and, consequently, economic development.
Competition with European Products
Another impact was the exchange of slaves for European goods. Local craftsmen had to compete with European products, and over time, they lost their competitive edge. This further contributed to the underdevelopment of Africa's industries.
Instability and Conflict
The slave trade also fueled conflict and warfare. Africans needed slaves for their own societies, which often involved raiding neighboring communities. This instability disrupted trade, weakened production, and diverted resources from economic development.
Post-Efficiency: The Legacy of Colonialism
The end of the slave trade in the 19th century brought about new challenges for Africa. After the abolition of the slave trade, African economies faced significant disruptions. The end of the trade meant that the region was left without its main source of valuable goods, leading to an economic crisis. This crisis then paved the way for European colonization and the establishment of colonial empires, which further hampered economic development.
Colonial Policies and their Impact
Colonial policies were primarily geared towards making Europeans wealthy, not Africans. The infrastructure developed during this period was often focused on exporting raw materials to Europe, with little investment in local production or education. For example, railroads were built to transport resources to ports, rather than connecting different parts of the colonies. This infrastructure became less useful over time, leading to a reduced focus on local economic development.
The goal was not to impede African development intentionally but rather to exploit resources for European gain. European powers sought to extract raw materials and maintain the status quo, without investing in local economies or communities. This resulted in a cycle of underdevelopment, where critical skills and resources were not developed or maintained.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Africa's underdevelopment cannot be solely attributed to European actions. It is a complex interplay of historical events, including the slave trade and colonial policies. While Europe did play a significant role in the underdevelopment of Africa, it is also important to recognize the long-term impacts of these historical events. Understanding this history is crucial for formulating effective strategies to promote economic growth and development in Africa.