It is ironic when a big continent with a vast potential of wealth remains poor. Since ancient times, many presumed Africa as poor. Poverty comes in handy with poor living conditions, inadequate food, etc. Some reasons which contributed to poverty in Africa include:
#1 Position
The position plays a significant role when it comes to development. When we look at most of the states in Africa within the eastern, western, and central regions, poverty is real compared to the north and south. Countries in North Africa have developed because of the great civilization during ancient times. The presence of fertile lands and the river Nile brought people together. The movement from North America to Asia and even Europe created room for trade and enhancement of technology.
However, for a long time, there was no contact between Europe, North Africa, and Central Africa because of the Sahara desert. This contributes largely to underdevelopment in Africa.
#2 Geographical Location.
The geographical location of an area in terms of terrain plays a role in development. Most parts of Europe and Asia have a sloping land that supports agricultural development. While in Africa, most of the terrain is in the middle of the jungle, therefore difficult to cultivate. Also, the absence of draft animals to aid in cultivating also contributed to less farming in the continent. Agriculture contributes to the economy of some rich countries in the west.
#3 Colonization
Colonization plays one of the biggest roles in contributing to poverty in Africa. For instance, in countries like Congo, people live in poverty to date despite the country being rich in minerals. When the western countries invaded Africa, they massively exploited their resources. To date, they could not compensate for the harm they did. Therefore, Africans were not able to use their natural resources.
The colonizers went and reduced these resources to finished products. Today they are trading them expensively.
#4 Limited access to education
Education plays a vital role in growth. Limited access to education and principles leads to poverty. Where there is poverty, there is not much investment. Did you know that colonizers introduced education in Africa? Well, lack of education links to the unavailability of technical know-how. Back in the days, Africans did not understand that technology existed. Hence it was never in their interest to exploit their minerals.
The colonial government used its technology to exploit its minerals. They carried most of these minerals to the west with no proper reward for the Africans.
#5 Lack of Industrialization
During ancient times, Africa was not industrialized. However, industries contribute highly to economic growth. The colonial states are highly industrialized since they could manufacture raw materials to end products, hence double the value of their commodities. This is a reason most countries in Europe and Asia are rich. Today, most African countries have no industries, hence they depend on exports of finished products from the west. Western countries rely on imports from Africa, and yet they still make much more than Africa.
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