Impact of Colonization and Economic Development in Africa

Current political instability, social disorder and economic crisis in Africa have their roots in colonization
era. During colonization period, political, economic, and social structure of African societies were
completely changed. European powers viewed Africans as primitive people so they assigned
themselves a duty to civilize or teach them, the Africans the proper civilization of which they meant
colonization, imposition of European civilization and exploitation of Africans (World History, pp.158) . In
this regard, European colonials divided Africa continent into colonies among themselves. They used
persuasion and bribery of traditional leaders at best and force at worse to acquire these divisions and
other programs of interests to them. Governments of colonies were formed either under a direct or indirect
rule of countries colonizing the colonies. Under a direct rule, all levels of governments were controlled by
the colonial masters, while where an indirect rule was applied, only governors and council advisors were
appointed from colonials countries, and traditional leaders loyal to governors were allowed to retain their
leadership or appointed in case of some leaders who resisted the colonization. (British were the only
country who used indirect rules in its colonies in Africa).

The aims of governments of colonies were to enforce and oversee the implementation of exploitation of
resources and imposition of European civilization in Africa. Local populations were forced out of their
fertile lands which they used for food crops cultivations and the lands were then distributed to European
settlers, and turned into plantations of new introduced cash crops such as cotton, coca, tea, vanilla and
soon for exportation to Europe. Africans were forced to work in plantations and mineral mining such as
tea plantations in Kenya and copper mining fields in Democratic Republic of Congo which were
administered by colonizing countries, British and Belgian respectively. Taxes were imposed on colonies to
be paid in cash which was difficult for traditional farmers to get. Along with exploitation of resources was
the intent to assimilate African into European cultures. Traditional believes, norms and practices were
despised. African were urged to take on European believes, norms and practices and set aside their
believes. Tactics such as telling them that European civilization was the best, that people didnt work with
hands in Europe and that it was because of their bad way of life that led to their colonization were used to
speed up this process. In addition, schools and churches were built in colonies to teach colonial
languages and cultures and convert traditional followers into Christianity respectively. Some Africans
converted to Christians and went to colonial schools. Some of those Africans who converted to Christians
and went to schools were taken for further studies in Europe. They graduated with degrees in different
subject areas and came back to colonies. Despite having taken on European way of life, they were not
allowed to take government positions. Some colonial masters still claimed that African would never learn
to govern themselves. While studying in Europe, the African scholars found out that all they were told
about Europe and Europeans were lies. For instance, they found out that people worked with hands in
factories in Europe. Finding out propagandas which were used to justify colonization to be lies coupled
with their new learned skills, and inspirations they found in philosophers like John Locke, they organized
and mobilized themselves to resent colonial rules. They formed movements and fought for
independences. Some movements took different forms and time frame to gain independences, and in the
end the whole continent of Africa got decolonized. However, the impact of colonization carried on to post
colonial era.
Early after decolonization of Africa, new African states were eager and hoped to reform and prosper their
economies. However, many years later, that hope was still unfulfilled in many countries. The effects of
colorizations along with lack of capital and advanced farming machinery, climatic conditions, and rapid
population growth contributed to economic crisis in Africa
There seems to be a very important connection between peace and stability and economic development,
and this can be seen in Africa where arbitrary division, grouping, and using one ethnic group, or tribe
against another by European powers during colonization has left frictions and hostilities among tribes,
ethnic groups or even countries. Many African countries since they got independent from their colonial
masters (countries which had colonized them), have never been in peace and stability. This conditions
sap the Africas efforts to develop its economy and create backwardness instead. Political instability,
fighting for control of government and resources create disturbances in humans everyday way of life in
Africa. Masses of population are displaced and properties destroyed as a result of unrest and political
struggles bred by colonialism. As a result the population is always on the move and therefore cant
cultivate crops for food. This situation always leads to hunger and famine, and to contain this problem, the
resources which could have been used for economic developments are wasted in an attempt to stop this
human induced disasters. For example, large sum of money is used for humanitarian assistance and for
mediations of talks aimed at settling conflicts peacefully. Countries such as the Sudan, Uganda, Chad,
Somalia, just to name a few, provide examples of how political instability affect economic development.
On the other hand, if peace and stability prevail in a country, that country prosper economically. Peace
and stability give a country or government opportunities to focus its attention on economy; labour, natural
resources and capitals are used effectively and efficiently. Political stability also allows foreign investors to
invest in a country which boosts thats countrys economy. Few African countries such as Kenya where
political stability prevailed for two decades has become self-sufficient in food productions, became one of
the world exporter of tea and coffee, and attained agricultural growth of 3 percent average yearly (One
World, pp.82) Another effect of colonization in addition to instability is that African economies of
colonization era were geared to fit for exportations. Large pieces of fertile lands were used for cash crops
leaving less fertile and small portion of lands for food crops. This makes it difficult to produce enough food
for consumption within the exporting countries of cash crops. It also has an impact on economies at the
time when cash crop prices drop in the international market due to competition

Lack of funds and advanced farming machinery

Lack of development funds and advanced farming machinery can be seen in lack of progress of
development in Africa. Most of African countries dont have adequate funds to initiate viable economic
development projects. In addition, these countries dont have farm machinery that can produce with
efficiency. About 80 percent of African population works in agriculture yet this doesnt produce enough
food because people lack effective farming tools (One World, pp. 80). They use simple farm equipment
namely hand tools which are ineffective to produce good amount of food. However, new and better
farming method, ox-plough was recently introduced. Still this is just better, not the best, but it is a magic
invention to some African societies. In few societies where ox-ploughs and animals are used for labour,
produce more than societies that hand tools and are seen to have somehow advanced technologically.

Climate
Climatic conditions make it impossible sometimes some years in some countries to cultivate crops in
Africa. Climate changes such as drought and flood are example. Because Africa is in tropical region, it
experienced drought often. During this period, both humans and non-human animals for instance, cows,
camels, goats, ship and soon suffer. This can sometimes lead to starvation of many animals and humans.

Population growth

Population growth in Africa is faster than economic growth. In many countries population is growing
rapidly while the economic growth is stagnant or it is growing at a low rate. The growth rates of population
and economic in Africa from 1980-86 were 3 and 2.9 percent respectively. This makes it difficult to provide
the needs of growing population with few resources.

Summary

Political instability, social disorder and economic backwardness in Africa can be traced back to
colonization era. During colonization period, colonials used divided and rule tactics, imposition and
exploitation of African resources which had long lasting effects on African societies and economies even
after colonization was ended. Lack of funds and advance technology along with climate, and population
growths hampered economic development.