Uncommon Thinking

New Insights for Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Business & Finance, Business Reference, Government & Business, Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Economic Conditions
Cover of the book Uncommon Thinking by Babashola Chinsman, Trafford Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Babashola Chinsman ISBN: 9781412204040
Publisher: Trafford Publishing Publication: February 8, 2007
Imprint: Trafford Publishing Language: English
Author: Babashola Chinsman
ISBN: 9781412204040
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Publication: February 8, 2007
Imprint: Trafford Publishing
Language: English

When independence arrived in sub-Saharan Africa in the early 1960s, everyone was optimistic higher living standards would quickly follow. But after almost half-a-century of intensive policy and institutional reforms, and massive foreign grants and loans, the condition of the majority has hardly improved.

Bad governance has been a key factor, and must be rectified before the region can attain its aspirations. But the need for reforms extends beyond African governments alone. Some of the prescriptions donors enthusiastically promoted were flawed. Others acted as disincentives to development. Market principles, backed with external aid mostly targeting humanitarian relief, did not lay a solid foundation for growth. The problem though is not with the basic principles, but with the failure to apply them contextually.

The response to poverty - the major challenge in the region - is a typical case in point. Conventional programmes try to mitigate the suffering of the poor, only to keep them hovering at the edge of hardship. A pragmatic response would recognize that poverty prevents an economy from operating at its full potential, and would elicit action to bring the poor into mainstream economic activity. Reducing poverty is no longer a magnanimous gesture, because it makes good economic and business sense.

This uncommon perspective, taking social realities in the region into account, is the basis of the new strategies for policy and institutional reforms, aid management and governance, that are advanced.

It is not policies and strategies alone that need to be fixed. Complex delivery processes need to be simplified. Progress would not require a revolution, but a gradual accumulation of small results, interacting to produce big impact. Most importantly, development should be promoted as an activity people do for themselves. With the right incentives, people can organize themselves to beat the adversity of poverty.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When independence arrived in sub-Saharan Africa in the early 1960s, everyone was optimistic higher living standards would quickly follow. But after almost half-a-century of intensive policy and institutional reforms, and massive foreign grants and loans, the condition of the majority has hardly improved.

Bad governance has been a key factor, and must be rectified before the region can attain its aspirations. But the need for reforms extends beyond African governments alone. Some of the prescriptions donors enthusiastically promoted were flawed. Others acted as disincentives to development. Market principles, backed with external aid mostly targeting humanitarian relief, did not lay a solid foundation for growth. The problem though is not with the basic principles, but with the failure to apply them contextually.

The response to poverty - the major challenge in the region - is a typical case in point. Conventional programmes try to mitigate the suffering of the poor, only to keep them hovering at the edge of hardship. A pragmatic response would recognize that poverty prevents an economy from operating at its full potential, and would elicit action to bring the poor into mainstream economic activity. Reducing poverty is no longer a magnanimous gesture, because it makes good economic and business sense.

This uncommon perspective, taking social realities in the region into account, is the basis of the new strategies for policy and institutional reforms, aid management and governance, that are advanced.

It is not policies and strategies alone that need to be fixed. Complex delivery processes need to be simplified. Progress would not require a revolution, but a gradual accumulation of small results, interacting to produce big impact. Most importantly, development should be promoted as an activity people do for themselves. With the right incentives, people can organize themselves to beat the adversity of poverty.

More books from Trafford Publishing

Cover of the book Northland Footprints by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book Demonic by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book The Adventures of Matt, Crowbar and Shane in the Lost City by the Bay by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book Emotive Napalm by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book My Life: a Beginning That Led to the Realization of God's Love by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book My Unusual Stroke Story by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book Meaningful Thoughts by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book Nothing by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book Friend at Court by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book After Midnight by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book In Her Heart by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book Formula One Famous Failures by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book The Descendants of Karl Gottfried and Mariana Klapper of Silesia, Prussia by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book Chasing Dreams by Babashola Chinsman
Cover of the book Mortimer and the Powerful Sword by Babashola Chinsman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy